Citizens for Fairfax Community, Inc. (CFC)
5/18/11 Meeting Minutes:
HEADLINES:
▪ Over the past month, we learned that our previous understanding of some aspects of the overall community center situation (as reported publically in our unapproved minutes) were not entirely accurate. Specifically:
o Whereas we had understood that the idea of the Town creating and running a community center was a decision that had been made, it is actually just a proposal at this point.
o The matching funds required of us for obtaining a VCDP planning grant can be “in-kind” donations of planning-related labor. Since we have already received substantial contributions of such work, the remaining amount needed is much less than previously understood, and can probably be raised in the next few months.
o Though VCDP’s need for the planning to address the needs of low-middle income residents must focus primarily on activities for Fairfax Seniors, the way VCDP assesses those needs makes our case stronger than we had previously thought.
▪ In light of the above, the Board decided to move forward with the VCDP grant application. The target date for resubmitting the VCDP application is early July.
▪ We decided to pursue three possible fundraising projects before next winter. Look for news of our upcoming “Zumbathon” and contact us if you are interested in participating.
▪ We are adjusting how we work as an organization by (A) doing as much as possible through individual work and committees, (B) holding Board meetings only as needed, and (C) enabling ‘virtual’ participation in Board meetings.
Called to order: 6:45 PM
In attendance: Elizabeth Griffin,* Katrina Antonovich,* Mark Hunziker,* Mary Taylor,* Amanda Duling,* and Susie Posner-Jones (email/phone vote)*
(* indicates Trustees)
Reports and discussions:
▪ The Board of Trustees meeting minutes of April 20, 2011 were approved unanimously, as amended. (Moved by Mary, seconded by Amanda.)
▪ Over the past month, we learned from conversations with the Selectboard, VCDP representative, and others that our previous understanding of some aspects of the overall situation (as reported publically in our unapproved minutes) were not entirely accurate. Specifically:
o Whereas we had understood that the idea of the Town, through its Rec. Dept., creating and running a community center was a decision that had been made, it is actually a proposal which may or may not actually come to pass.
o The matching funds required of us for obtaining a VCDP planning grant can be “in-kind” donations of planning-related labor. Since we have already received substantial contributions of such work, the remaining amount needed is much less than the previously understood $5,000, and can probably be raised in the next few months.
o Though VCDP’s need for the planning to address the needs of low-middle income residents must focus primarily on activities for Fairfax Seniors, the way they quantify those needs makes doing so more ‘doable’ than we had previously understood.
▪ In light of the above, the Board decided by consensus to move forward with the VCDP grant application, look also for other planning grant sources, and initiate some fundraising activities. The target date for resubmitting the VCDP application will be early July, for consideration in September. The work needed for the application itself will be handled as follows:
o Mark: Liaise with the Selectboard for a new public hearing to consider the application.
o Doug (lead), Mary, and Katrina: Gather information and write up our case for Seniors’ proposed use of the community center.
o Mark: Refine the budget for the use of the grant.
o Mark: document in-kind donations to date.
o Susie (lead) and Katrina: Organize a fundraiser ASAP. (See below.)
o Susie: Redo the actual application, as needed, once all the information updates are in. (Mark will help.)
▪ We decided to pursue three possible fundraising projects before next winter:
o Hold a “Zumbathon.” Zumba is currently a very popular dance/exercise program, and Zumba events can be very successful fundraisers. We believe we can organize and hold this event quickly enough to raise the needed matching funds before the deadline for the grant application. (Susie and Katrina)
o Bean-hole supper. This has been a popular Fairfax event in the past, but not held in recent years. If the Masons are willing, we will help resurrect it. (Mark)
o Halloween haunted house. Katrina (lead), Liz, and Mary
▪ In light of the considerable work to be accomplished in the next few months and the increased difficulty, for many, of attending meetings during the summer, the Board agreed by consensus to make some adaptations to how it operates. We will (A) do as much as possible through individual work and committees, (B) hold Board meetings only as really needed, and (C) enable ‘virtual’ participation in Board meetings. Trustees can participate in meetings via phone or computer. In the minutes, those who participate in the entire meeting will be noted as “in attendance,” whether they are physically present or not; and those who participate just in official votes and consensus decisions will be so noted. A detailed description of these options has been sent to all Board members. We also decided to continue holding our meetings on the third Wednesday of the month for now (though not every month) but changed the start time to 7:00.
Meeting adjourned: 8:06 PM (Moved by Mary, seconded by Liz.)
Next Meeting: Wed June 15, 7:00 PM at the Hunzikers’ home
May agenda in brief:
▪ VCDP grant application: where are we and what remains to be done?
▪ Zumbathon
▪ Other fundraising activities
▪ Other grant options
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Hunziker, Secretary
Citizens for Fairfax Community, Inc.
802-849-6561 mark@vtwellness.net
