Board Meeting Summary | 9.24.2020

The meeting was called to order by Board Chair Dusty Elias Kirk. Ms. Kirk noted that there were no registrants for public comment and called for approval of the minutes from the June 18 meeting, which were unanimously approved. They can be accessed here.

Treasurer's report

Sylvia Fields, Board Secretary/Treasurer, submitted her report stating that RAD’s year to date revenue through September is $74.25 million, which reflects a 6.4% reduction as compared to September 2019 year to date revenue. This reduction is an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, though Ms. Fields noted that RAD is in a much better position than anticipated at the beginning of the pandemic. She noted that RAD has distributed $68.3 million in 2020 grants through September including $2.49 million in prior year capital payments, and remains on budget on the administrative side at this time.

allocations committee's report

On behalf of the Allocations Committee, Anthony Ross presented a report with a recommendation for the 2021 preliminary budget, totaling $101.4 million in grants to 103 organizations. This recommendation is based on 2020’s allocations reduced by 5 percent, with the exception of the parks, which would remain at their current funding level in recognition of their critical importance as free, open, outdoor public spaces. The report emphasized that the preliminary budget will be revisited before the final budget vote in December, based on public comments received at the October 22 hearing and continued monitoring of monthly revenue. The committee felt that this was a responsible way to approach the 2021 budget given the many uncertainties brought on by the pandemic and its economic implications. The proposed budget is expected to be supported by an estimated $97.9 million in sales tax with the balance coming from interest earnings and reserve. The details of the preliminary budget can be viewed here.

The Allocations Committee report concluded with a recommendation to officially amend RAD’s 2020 budget to reflect the 20% reduction of operating grants and frozen capital instated in May given the reduction in sales tax revenue due to pandemic, and restoring the funds of the eight assets that were ineligible for County CARES Act funding. This amendment reflects $97,199,665 in expenditures, supported by $97,802,439 in expected revenue. It was unanimously approved by the board.

library committee's report

Daniel Griffin, on behalf of the Library Committee, submitted a report on the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)’s distribution formula, which at the request of the RAD Board has been under review to determine a more equitable way to increase support for libraries in distressed communities. ACLA engaged its members in the process and presented a recommendation, which the Committee tentatively accepted pending receipt of public comment. The board acknowledged ACLA’s efforts in this endeavor and will vote on final recommendation by the Library Committee at the December board meeting. Danny Rosen provided a recommendation on behalf of the Project Review Committee to support the Pittsburgh Ballet and its Mobile Performing Arts Unit with a Connections Grant in the amount of $100,000. The Board moved to table the decision pending further information.

advisory board report

Jackie Dixon gave a report on RAD’s Citizen Advisory Board, acknowledging their efforts and support for RAD’s branding project, RADical Days, and recent public hearings. Ms. Dixon noted that there are several spots available on RAD’s Advisory Board and the staff will be accepting nominations and applications.

executive director's report

RAD Executive Director Richard Hudic submitted his report, first acknowledging the departure of RAD staff member Charlet Holley, who retired this week. The board and staff thank her for her many contributions to RAD. Mr. Hudic went on the discuss 2020’s reimagined RADical Days, which spans September through November and includes a wide array of free virtual and in-person events. He also noted that RAD’s project to define and refine its brand is complete, featuring a new state-of-the-art website. RAD’s new look will become more visible in 2021 as it rolls out its style guide and acknowledgment guidelines with 2021 asset contracts. Finally, Mr. Hudic announced that RAD will have a senior fellow, Dr. Meredith Soeder, join its team for two years through a program supported by the Mellon Foundation.

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The official minutes of this meeting will be made available upon approval at the next board meeting. The Board will conduct a public hearing on October 22 and will hold its final meeting of 2020 on December 1.