The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. on December 7, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Mel Pfeifle (Select Board Rep), Kris Foss, and Matt Monahan
Members Absent: Libby Webb, Jim Bibbo
Previous Minutes: No quorum; Minutes are tabled until the January, 2024 meeting.
Member Updates: Discussion of 2023 wrap-up and focus for 2024
Discussion:
- The group discussed the current financial challenges with the new tax rate. The EDC had submitted a budget request of $1500.00. The Committee has not had a budget in the past, and the request included an annual membership to Main Street America as a resource for planning and grants. It also included funds for photography and other media to promote the town and EDC projects going forward. This media would support the website and other communication efforts. There was also some funding in the request for general supplies. The group agreed after some discussion to suggest cutting this request to $500.00 for 2024 to cover the Main Street America membership and some funds for general supplies and media.
- Kris Foss suggested that the EDC start a Facebook page to strengthen the presence and work of the committee, raise awareness for membership recruitment, and highlight what makes Bradford special. The page would reinforce our focus on business support and development, tourism, and community engagement. The Facebook page can also serve to drive traffic back to the town website.
- Kris Foss participated in another vendor demonstration for a town website. This makes four in total and the group tasked with vetting the vendors will reconvene and make a final decision for moving forward in 2024.
- 2023 summary to include some of the activities of the EDC including:
- A committee member served as Chairperson for the Masonic Building Committee;
- Two committee members volunteered to be part of the core committee exploring and planning for the use of the 2nd floor of the town theatre with a focus on revenue opportunities to support the ongoing operations of the Town Hall.
- The EDC worked with State officials to conduct repair work on the footbridge at Bradford Pines and added signage to highlight the trail and encourage foot traffic away from erosion areas.
- The EDC conducted a preliminary exploration of the needs and opportunities for signage in Bradford. Signage included DOT signage needs along with potential kiosks or signage to promote Bradford businesses and attractions.
- The EDC worked with Town officials to submit two Main Street revitalization project proposals as part of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The projects were both approved, meaning they have met one of several criteria for funding. The EDC met with a representative of the Northern New England Regional Economic Development Association about the projects. Although the projects do not currently meet the economic need criteria set by the EDA, the committee will continue to look for additional funding opportunities in 2024.
- The EDC worked together with the town to develop a needs statement and vet potential website vendors for the town website.
New Business:
- Scott McCaskill announced that Joe Torro will no longer be serving on the EDC due to work and schedule conflicts.
- The group discussed focusing on setting one or two objectives for 2024 at the next meeting when a quorum is present.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
Next Meeting: Thurs. January 4th, 6-7 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss