The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. on October 5, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Mel Pfeifle (Selectboard Rep), Kris Foss, Matt Monahan, Libby Webb, Joe Torro, Jim Bibbo
Previous Minutes: Minutes approved from 9-7-23
Member Updates: EDC Projects:
Update on Masonic Building: Kris Foss reported that the Masonic Building Committee is preparing to present two options to the Selectboard on 10/23/23. Kris has invited members of the Masonic Committee to join the EDC to bring in further capacity, varying perspectives, experiences, and knowledge to the group.
Town Hall: Kris Foss reiterated that 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. This led to a discussion on the CEDS list and potential EDA funding. A few members had not been at prior meetings when this was discussed, so it was reviewed that Kris Foss, Scott McCaskill, and Karen Hambleton met with the EDA representative for New England and were told that we don’t currently meet the economic criteria for EDA funding. We are on the approved/adopted CEDS list per Matt Monohan, adopted in the September meeting of the Central NH Regional Economic Commission. The group is still looking at options to “redraw” lines to pull in a qualifying town/area, but for right now that is not something we can pursue. Other options will be pursued for funding. Jim Bibbo gave a history of the theatre and residents involved with the theatre.
Bradford Photo Shoot/Town Website: Kris Foss reported she and Karen Hambleton, together with Fire Chief Bryan Nowell and Maureen Brandon sat through demonstrations from Revize, Civic Plus, and Munibit. The pricing proposals received so far are reasonable and have the features we are looking for. Kris reported that Ridgelight Studios has offered to take photos this Fall around town for no charge to use photos and aerial shot for website and EDC use. Discussion followed about a shot list. Libby recommended focusing on areas that anyone can access for recreation or use. We would also like a “Bradford through the seasons” albumn to use for the same use. Kris will ask David from Ridgelight Studios for a budget number to add to our proposed 2024 budget.
West Main Street: Scaling Back:
Scott suggested that we look at funding for parts of the Main Street project rather than trying to fund the entire thing as we did in anticipation of applying for EDA funding. A discussion of other funding sources followed, and the committee also discussed that much of the project cannot happen in a vacuum, and some of it needs to be submitted for funding as a package to avoid issues in implementing it.
Discussion:
We discussed each taking a focus area to research possible funding and grants for the Main Street project, which would also include upstairs of the Town Hall. That committee is meeting soon to kick off the project to develop what the 2nd floor can be, what funds would be needed, and how operations will be managed once completed. It’s a core team of four people who will bring in others throughout the process based on experience, interest, and expertise. Examples include theatre knowledge, history, and fundraising. Focus areas for research are below:
- Jim Bibbo – The Arts
- Joe Torro – Business groups – National and local Chamber of Commerce, Business and Industry, and others
- Libby Webb – potentially transportation – but will come back with other ideas about her research areas including AARP and disability accessibility funding
- Scott McCaskill – Agricultural/Farm related funding
- Kris Foss – Corporate Foundations/Main Street Revitalization – Historical Preservation
- Matt Monahan – Federal funding options/Keeping an eye on Northern Borders inclusion for Merrimack County – bringing in other funds. (Scott to reach out to Annie Kuster for support on this)
The group also discussed submitting a budget for the EDC for the first time. Items on the list include membership in Main Street America, which provides resources for Economic Development as well as funding opportunities; Additional photo shoots/media to promote Bradford, and Bradford businesses and recreation opportunities, and supplies. Kris Foss to submit the budget request to Karen Hambleton to be included in the process.
The group discussed focusing on setting one or two objectives for 2024 at the next meeting.
The meeting Adjourned at 7:45 pm
Next Meeting: Thurs. November 2nd, 6-7 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss