Board Meeting Summary | 9.30.2021

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 May 25 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 $84.3 million, which is $10 million (13.5%) higher than September 2020 year to date revenue, and $4.97 million (6.3%) higher than 2019 (pre-pandemic) year to date revenue. She noted that RAD has distributed $75 million in 2021 grants through September, including $2.4 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, Dan Griffin presented a report with recommendations for the 2022 preliminary budget, beginning by acknowledging the work and effort of all the organizations that went through the application and public hearing process. 

The committee's recommendations for 2022 operating support include $33.4 million for libraries, $31.1 million for parks and trails, $12.5 million for arts and cultural organizations, $8.1 million for regional attractions (Pittsburgh Zoo, Phipps Conservatory, and the National Aviary), $14.2 million for sports and civic facilities (including $13.4 million in multi-year debt service), and $3 million for public transit. These recommendations ensure that libraries and parks remain RAD’s highest priority as entities that are always free and open to the public, and include four new assets representing arts and cultural institutions from around the County: Brew House Association, Radiant Hall Studios, Riverlife, and Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation.

At this point, the committee is recommending $3.5 million in capital support for the City of Pittsburgh regional parks and $3.5 million in capital support for Allegheny County regional parks. Additional capital requests are still under consideration and will be recommended and voted on at the November 30th board meeting.

The preliminary budget recommendations also include $400,000 for Connection and Accessibility & Inclusion grants and $1.07 million for general administration.

Mr. Griffin reported that the 2022 proposed budget is supported by an estimated $107 million in sales tax revenue with the balance coming from interest earnings and reserve.

A hearing for public comment on the preliminary budget will be held via Zoom on October 26 at 2:30pm.

The final budget will be recommended and voted on at the November 30th board meeting.

advisory board NOMINATION

Dan Griffin submitted the nomination of Marlon Ferguson to the RAD Citizen Advisory Board. Mr. Ferguson is the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Director for United States Senator Bob Casey. He oversees 13 counties and acts as the Senator's ambassador to the community, government, corporations,
constituent groups, and leaders. He also serves as advisor on all community, legislative, or economic and social developments; and leads the regional team in representing the Senator and his initiatives. Mr. Ferguson's nomination was unanimously approved by the Board.

executive director's report

RAD Executive Director Richard Hudic reported on the success so far of this year's RADical Days, which continues through October 10. He then introduced Dr. Meredith Soeder, who joined RAD as a Research Fellow last year through a program supported by the Mellon Foundation. Dr. Soeder reported on her research so far on RAD's impacts on the region since 1995, and discussed her plans for a final report that will detail her research and findings. 

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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 26 and will hold its final meeting of 2021 on November 30.