THRC Minutes 4.17.14
TOWN OF BRADFORD
TOWN HALL RESTORATION COMMITTEE
April 17, 2014
7:00 PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Eileen Kelly, Chair called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm with Marcia Keller, Marge Cilley, George Cilley, Sandy Wright, Jim Bibbo, Mel Pfeifle and Karen Hambleton (acting Secretary) present.
Absent were Scott MacLean, Nikki Dubaere, Audrey Sylvester, Sandy Paul, Sue Reynolds, John Greenwood, Walter Royal
Review and Consideration of February 20, 2014 Minutes:
Motion was made by Marcia Keller, and seconded by Mel Pfeifle to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Capital Campaign:
Before talking about the Capital Campaign, Eileen Kelly wanted to recap just how far we have come in the past year. Since last year, there have been two Town Meetings, the building plans were reworked and scaled back, an Art Show and successful Silent Auction were held. North Branch was removed from the project and Bruss Construction was selected as construction manager. A new design, which lowered the cost, but retained key aspects of the project was presented, a professional fundraiser was consulted on running a capital campaign, and a successful Greens Sale & Pie Sale were held. Two warrant articles were developed and written, two dinner fundraisers were held and several members of the committee met with Terry Knowles in the Attorney General’s office for clarification and procedure. A town “forum” to present the plans to the community and a very successful get out the vote campaign led up to Town Meeting 2014– and a VERY close vote.
Next, we must focus on raising money. It was offered that the RHC is inspired and energized to do fundraising. Discussion followed about how best to all be on the same page and head in the same direction. The Capital Campaign would be a 3-year fundraising effort with a total goal of $500,000. The Committee will ask for 3 year pledges with the first payment due this year. Both the professional fundraiser and the AG’s office recommended the same phased approach.
Assess/Prepare – attach people to responsibilities, develop/refine campaign budget
Organize/Planning – a funding feasibility study may need to be done, key
stakeholders/potential donors/volunteers are identified, mission of the Campaign is written. Much of this work has already been done, though we need to finish work on the Stakeholders List.
Quiet Phase Fundraising – major donors identified and approached; Capital Campaigns
are generally “kicked off” publicly when at least %50 of the goal has been reached through the quiet fundraising phase.
We are currently in the Quiet Phase. There was discussion about the $95K that was passed at Town Meeting and how much could be raised this year to give us a larger funding pool. The goal would be to raise approximately $167K per year. The group went on to talk about what we can do and how much can realistically be raised this year. A better breakdown of cost vs project pieces is needed.
Timeline/Goals – this includes the public kick off and fundraising
We have already laid the groundwork for some of the work to be done. We have identified the major donor list, the in-kind list and have started work on the stakeholders list. We need to have answers to their questions before we talk to them. To be effective, it is important to know who we know – not just local people, but people outside Bradford, connected to Bradford in some way, interested in these types of projects etc. Who are the residents of Bradford connected to that may want to help with this project?
Next, we need to focus on the benefits to the Community and compile a list of these benefits. We need to work on the timeline as well, possibly kicking off the Capital Campaign in July/August. We need to identify giving incentives, such as the wooden chair restoration with a brass name tag on back; “wall of fame” plaque, etc.
Fundraising Events
Ideas include: holding an event at the Casino came up as a way to attract Lake folks to the project, a dunking booth (or other family oriented game) during July 4th/5th activities, a silent auction/summer event, and the Green and Pie sale in December. Other activities may take place as ideas come up.
Other Business:
It was suggested that members of this Committee meet with the Rural Heritage Commission to embrace each other’s efforts and expertise.
There being no other business, meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Karen Hambleton
Acting Secretary