Performing Arts of Maitland Asked to Repay $50,000 Advance by Councilman Reponen

In 2006 the Maitland City council advanced $50,000 to Performing Arts of Maitland, known as PAM, to start the organization. In the terms both parties agreed to in this document, PAM is to repay the advance to the city. The advance was given "on the basis that funding is already pledged through one of the developer's projects (Broadstreet Partners), with the understanding that the money will be returned to the city's budget upon receipt of the $50,000 from the developer."

Councilwomen Reponen is now asking the City Council to discuss the repayment of the $50,000 at an upcoming City Council meeting. The President of PAM, Jeff Flowers, feels the councilwoman wants to "unilaterally cancel its side of the contract’s terms." He says he sees this as "an unprecedented act that has no legal basis."

So Flowers is asking people to show up at the Maitland City Council Meeting on Oct 11, 2010 at 6:30pm at City Hall (1776 Independence Lane Maitland FL) "...to stand up for PAM." Flowers continues, "The City needs to stick to its word just as PAM has fulfilled its side of the agreement. PAM has remained a good cultural partner in good times and bad, the City needs to do the same."

Flowers says PAM "has provided the sole funding" for the following groups: Maitland Symphony Orchestra, Maitland Youth Community Choir, Resonate Maitland Handbell Ringers, Maitland Stage Band, Maitland Poets and Writers, Maitland Market Music and PAM Cares. He also says PAM funded performances for the the 32nd,33rd,34th Annual Maitland Rotary Arts Festivals (34th raised more money for local charities than any event in its 34 year history), 125th Anniversary of the City of Maitland, Maitland Glitz, Maitland Civic Center Annual Ball, Maitland Women’s Club, Multiple Events with The Maitland Historical Society, Multiple Events with The Maitland Art Center, Multiple Events with Maitland Chamber of Commerce, Maitland Police Station Opening and the Central Florida Criminal Justice Council. PAM Cares has provided DVDs and CDs to "The Colilision of the Homeless," and Hospice of the Comforter.