The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm on February 7, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Mel Pfeifle, Select Board Representative, Libby Curtis Webb, Kris Foss, Jim Bibbo
Members present via zoom: Matt Monahan, Central NH Regional Planning Commission
Absent: Joe Torro
Guests: Holly Fitzgerald, Kathleen Bigford
Minutes & Members/Officers: The committee voted to approve the previous minutes. Scott reviewed the role of the Committee Secretary and asked for volunteers. Scott motioned to approve Kris Foss as Committee Secretary, Jim Bibbo seconded, and the committee approved.
Town Hall Tour: The committee took a tour of the Town Hall renovations on 1-3-23 to gain an understanding of the scope of work and any potential opportunities for revenue generation, community engagement, business development, or tourism. This follow-up discussion focused on the top floor, historically used as a theatre. Mel clarified that the funding for renovations includes basic infrastructure needs on the second floor including an elevator, but no additional funding for theatre renovation, equipment, or operational costs. The group discussed what, if any role the EDC should take in this project. Kris Foss suggested acting as a “conduit”, bringing together a steering committee of stakeholders who could then lead a needs assessment, research history, and explore possibilities for revenue generation, community engagement, tourism, and/or business development. This steering committee would then develop a proposal that could be used to shop for funding and develop an implementation plan. Jim Bilbo mentioned previous grant opportunities pursued, and a brief discussion of potential funding and stakeholders followed.
Planning & Implementation Strategy: Libby and Kris talked about the two planning documents developed to 1) Act as a master plan that can evolve as needed and be a framework for committee focus, work, projects, and communication, and 2) Assess and prioritize proposed projects for impact against overall goals. Committee members were asked to review both documents (EDC Master Initiatives list and EDC Planning Framework). Libby asked specifically that the committee review the listed goals to confirm those are the right goals to measure proposals against. Holly Fitzgerald asked if there is a summary document stating the EDC’s mission and scope. A previously drafted document will be distributed by Scott to the full committee. Libby took the opportunity to highlight a specific project on the Master Initiatives List that she would like to Sponsor. Libby discussed the “Refresh Bradford Pines Recreation area and Development promotional plan to increase recreational use and as a tourism draw” project on the list. She has already met with Bill Duffy to leverage GPS work done recently as a resource for updated trail maps and has begun reviewing materials she received and gathered. The committee feels this could be a low-resource / high-impact project to be prioritized.
Other Business: Kathleen Bigford came at Scott’s invitation to discuss the Energy Committee’s focus on solar. Kathleen has done extensive research and potential solar site analysis. Potential sites have included the Bradford Transfer Center parcels, and the Naughton Property. She has come to a potential roadblock with the project primarily because of the max power (100 KW) the current grid could receive. At that rate, the return on investment is not where they would like it. They have had potential investors lined up, but would not fund site prep costs. Mel suggested an idea that they could follow up on as a way to make the project viable at the Transfer Station property. Kathleen also spoke with Mike James, who had purchased land adjacent to the Naughton property. He has expressed interest in funding the creation of a recreational area on the Naughton Property and his Trust has set aside funds for this project if the Town is open to it. The committee also discussed the success of the Community Fair, recently hosted by the Parks and Recreation Committee. Held regularly, this could be a great opportunity to increase communication between committees, town officials, and the community at large, perhaps quarterly.
Pending Tasks:
- Send a summary of meeting & work to Bradford Bridge
- Add Town Hall 2nd Floor Steering Committee to the list for further consideration & discussion with other listed initiatives at the March meeting
- Review the listed goals for committee approval. Email the committee with input, concerns, or approval by the deadline
- Determine the top 5 projects/priorities for 2023. Email the committee with your top 5 by 2/28/23
- Pursue Bradford Pines initiative including outreach to Conservation Committee and Sunapee/Concord Rail Trail
Meeting Adjourned 7:30 pm
Next Meeting: March 7, 2023 6-7pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss