There is hereby established an Oswego Arts and Humanities Commission to identify, explore and develop this area’s sense of community, heritage and vision through the use of artistic and cultural resources.

(Ord. 922, Sec. 1)

The commission shall consist of five members, which shall be appointed by the mayor, with the approval of the city council.  The initial appointments to the commission shall be for one, two and three year terms and thereafter all appointments shall be for a term of three years and until a successor is qualified; provided no person shall be appointed for more than two consecutive full terms.

(Ord. 922, Sec. 2)

The commission shall annually organize and select the officers as specified in the by-laws.  The commission shall adopt such by-laws as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of their organization, which by-laws shall be effective upon adoption by the commission and approval by the governing body of the city.

(Ord. 922, Sec. 3)

The commission shall have the following duties and powers:

(a)   To hold regular public meetings and keep a written record of its proceedings which shall be public record.

(b)   To annually review the financial needs of the programs for the development of the fine and performing arts and the humanities, to develop and hold fund raisers for the same.  Three hundred dollars shall be appropriated from the city annually.

(c)   To make application and solicitation for and accept grants, gifts and donations of money, property, or personal services from individuals, groups, organizations, and the like or from any agency of the city, county, state or federal government granted or given for a purpose consistent with the purposes of this commission and to expend all funds so received.

(d)   To initiate, sponsor or conduct, alone or in cooperation with other public or private agencies, public programs to further the development and public awareness of, and interest in the fine and performing arts and the humanities.

(e)   To advise and assist the city in connection with such other artistic and cultural activities as may be referred to it by the city.

(f)   To serve as clearing house for scheduling exhibits, concerts, recitals, lectures and other cultural events that may occur in the community.

(g)   To generally stimulate, facilitate, coordinate and cooperate with existing organizations for the development of the arts and historical tradition of the city and to initiate programs and proposals of encouragement for promotion and development of the arts, culture, heritage, beauty and tradition of the city.

(Ord. 922, Sec. 5)