Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Culture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Unity Park wins downtown award; council approves poet laureate, arts grants and lodging-tax amendment
Summary
Council recognized Unity Park with a Heart of the Downtown award, appointed Sarita Dasgupta as poet laureate (2026—28), approved Arts Commission grant awards totaling $22,000 and authorized an amendment to a consolidated lodging-tax interlocal agreement with nearby cities to share administration costs.
Several community and arts items drew council attention on Nov. 17.
Parks and Recreation Director Brett Case told council Unity Park received the Ellensburg Downtown Association's Heart of the Downtown award. Case reviewed park planning and activation since the October 2024 ribbon-cutting and thanked project manager Grant Maskell.
Kelly Vandenberg, Arts and Economic Development Manager, presented the Arts Commission's annual report and a proposed 2026 spending plan (operations $20,000; project grants $22,000; public art $4,000; Creative District $4,000; total $50,000). The council approved the Arts Commission's grant recommendations and spending plan.
Council moved to approve the Arts Commission's recommendation of Sarita Dasgupta as Ellensburg Poet Laureate for 2026—28 and to approve the contract; the motion passed.
Vandenberg also asked council to authorize the mayor to sign an amendment to a consolidated lodging-tax interlocal agreement with Roslyn and Cle Elum, including an additional $7,717 for administrative contributions and a shift toward quarterly reimbursements; council approved the amendment and related budget adjustments.
Ending: Council approved the arts spending plan and grant awards, confirmed the poet laureate appointment and authorized the lodging-tax interlocal amendment; staff will proceed with grant administration and implementation of Creative District activities.
