The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm on September 7, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Mel Pfeifle (Select Board Rep), Kris Foss, Matt Monahan, Libby Webb Absent: Joe Torro, Jim Bibbo
Previous Minutes: Minutes approved from 8-3-23
Member Updates: EDC Projects:
Signage project: Libby Webb reported that there is interest in this, but she will not have the capacity to lead it further at this time. Kris Foss added that the Masonic Building Committee began talking about ideas for signage and other hardscape/landscape features for the intersection of 103/Main Street and feels that the group may be interested in joining the EDC once their work is completed. Kris to invite them to join the EDC to bring in further capacity, varying perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to the group.
Town Hall: The public forum led to a core committee being formed to develop a vision and plan for the 2nd floor. Scott McCaskill and Kris Foss, together with Karen Hambleton and Beth Downs will make up the core group, and others will be pulled in as needed for their expertise, interest, and knowledge of fundraising, theatre operations, historical details, and more. The entire Town Hall is getting close to completion and they will need to wrap up and then get a Cert of Occupancy. Libby discussed interest in holding a holiday arts event on the second floor and some of the challenges currently including artists expressing concern about getting enough interest and shoppers, and the timing may be off this year given the uncertainty of the final occupancy date. A brief discussion about supporting businesses and events in town followed.
Town Website: Kris Foss reported she and Karen Hambleton, together with Fire Chief Bryan Nowell and Maureen Brandon sat through demonstrations from Revize and Civic Plus. The pricing proposals received so far are reasonable and have the features we are looking for. This report opened up a discussion about setting 2024 goals for the committee and how to focus our committee on one large project for the year and then build on that momentum. The website seems like the right focus because it serves as a central hub of communication and information for many aspects of economic development.
Main Street America:
Kris Foss reported that she forwarded this information to the committee mainly to demonstrate the framework for economic development for a “Main Street” town. More to come on this model, including the benefits of joining for networking, information, and possible funding opportunities. This led to a conversation about requesting a budget for the EDC for its work and research, as well as a funding discussion for the website, which would benefit businesses, municipal departments, and the residents throughout town. The committee decided to request a budget for 2024.
CEDS/EDA Application Update:
Based on the meeting with the EDA representative for NH/Maine and VT, it does not seem like Bradford will qualify for EDA funding opportunities. Although we meet two of the three criteria for funding, we fail to qualify based on economic factors. We will continue to look for funding opportunities.
Future Meeting Dates: Discussion of finding the best night of the week/month to meet resulted in holding our current schedule for now.
The meeting Adjourned at 7:15 pm Next Meeting: Thurs. October 5th 6-7 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss