T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — Nick Beard, the art teacher at Lenihan Intermediate, tells the Marshalltown City Council about the impact art can have on people, even when they speak different languages. The city council met on Monday and approved the agreement with the Arts+Culture Alliance.

By a slim margin, the Arts+Culture Alliance agreement with the city was approved by the Marshalltown City Council.

The city will provide the organization $130,000 annually, which will be utilized for the implementation of the Arts and Culture Master Plan. Of that, $5,000 will be used for the Marshalltown Community Band during the next five years.

During the regular Monday meeting, the agreement generated a 4-3 vote with council members Mark Mitchell, Greg Nichols and Garry Thompson voting against. Council members Jeff Schneider, mayor pro-tem Mike Ladehoff, Melisa Fonseca and Barry Kell voted in favor.

Mitchell asked for the item to be tabled so he could get the legal opinion of the city attorney, based upon a document. Ladehoff said the document Mitchell referenced was from the Iowa State Auditor stating public money should not go to private non-profits. However, Ladehoff added the city addressed this a year ago.

“As long as the nonprofit is operating toward the public good on a public project and the terms are negotiated in a contract, it is a legal thing,” he said. “I talked to Rob Sand myself about it. This is perfectly legal, and I see no reason to delay that.”

Mitchell said he wanted to make sure it was not a problem since the money for the band is included in the agreement. Ladehoff said the city has funded the band for 50 years, and if it was a problem, they would have been informed of it.

All of the members voted against tabling, except for Mitchell, Thompson and Nichols.

Arts+Culture Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson was unable to physically attend the council meeting but was able to speak through a telephone. She told the council about the support throughout the community and said the request is not for the Alliance but for taking the next step to implement the Arts and Culture Master Plan.

“By supporting arts and culture, we will make our city more welcoming, vibrant and connected,” Danielson said. “This will help bring in new residents, workforce, businesses and visitors and make public spaces better for everyone while increasing community pride and engagement in our city.”

She thanked everyone in attendance for their continued support through the years. Even though she could not see them, she was told there was a full house.

Nine residents approached the dais to express support or oppose the agreement. One was Lenihan Intermediate art teacher Nick Beard, who said art was magical. It takes on a new meaning in Marshalltown since the community has a very diverse population and many do not know English very well.

“When they come to the art room, they can communicate with whoever they want,” he said. They can produce an image or create something. I see this constantly — kids who are not quite comfortable with English yet. They can have a full-on conversation with just their artwork. There’s just so many smiles, so many smiles. I don’t think they’re coming in the art room and just being so excited because of me. It’s because they have an opportunity to finally communicate. I think that’s just the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and I get to see it everyday.”

Another resident was Brian Cox who, as a volunteer member of the community band, gave examples of the impact of the Alliance. Through the band, he was able to create other musical groups which have performed at various nursing homes numerous times and participated in larger community events, such as the Holiday Stroll.

“Funding for the arts is an investment that pays back,” Cox said. “What has been requested is a fraction of the total cost of all of the valuable art and music programs and events. I urge every member of the council to vote ‘yes.’ Marshalltown is worth it.”

Another resident was Claire Gervich who told the council she has heard reasons people leave Marshalltown, but the Alliance is fighting to change that and give people a reason to stay and invest in the future of the community.

“Our businesses need this, our children need this, our town needs this,” Gervich said. “Marshalltown has the resources to be a partner in this. I am asking you to vote ‘yes’ today and be a part of establishing Marshalltown as a worthwhile place to live for the next generation and beyond.”

Jolene Ballard was the sole person voicing opposition and said the money for the Alliance is not provided voluntarily by the taxpayers, and it is not a priority for the city.

“Of the current residents of the city, how many will really benefit from the Arts and Culture Master Plan?” she asked. “Those who want the Arts+Culture Alliance to be funded can reach into their pockets for funding.”

Before the vote, Ladehoff wanted to address a couple things. First, the city council passed the Arts and Culture Master Plan unanimously, making it known they were going to support arts and culture. Second, he said arts and culture is also in the city’s Strategic Plan. That plan states the city should partner with citizens, businesses and non-profits to improve the quality of life.

“That’s what this is,” Ladehoff said. “It’s quality of life. So, we’re following our Strategic Plan and the ACA Master Plan.”

He said as the city moves forward, they will have to do more public-private partnerships, especially with money being tight.

“We need to stretch our money,” Ladehoff said. “This is a heck of a way to do it. . . So, you’re going to see more public-private monies. It’s a smart thing to do. It also gives cohesion to the community. Everybody’s in on it. Not just the city, not just the private people. We’re using each other’s talents to be able to really create something special that is truly unique to Marshalltown.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.