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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/2004 Fishers Island Community Center Research Committee Meeting Tuesday, March 16, 2004 Attending: Gail Cypherd Janio Spinola Karla Heath Susele King Jeanne Schultz Nate Gray Judi Imbriglio Judi began the meeting by updating the group about what was discussed at the last meeting. Judi mentioned that Charlie Stepanek has contacted a company that constructs steel frame building. Jeanne mentioned that Allie Raridon has volunteered to do some preliminary drawings. Judi said that there is enough information from the first round of surveys to begin to develop a second survey that will go to the summer residents. She spoke with Heather Ferguson and Nancy Hunt about sending labels for the Civic Association membership. Gail wondered if FICA's membership covers all of the seasonal residents. Is there another organization that might have a list of all seasonal residents? Gail would ask Anne Burnham for a list that she may have. Judi wondered ifIPP would volunteer some money to cover our next steps. Janio thought that FICA might be able to help, but the group wondered when the next FICA meeting would be to discuss the matter. Also, the group wasn't sure how much money would be needed for the next steps. Jeanne said that from the school experience, it is free to send out bid notices. The architects then send a preliminary concept. Judi felt that during the concept stage the pool must be included. Jeanne thought that we must think about the type of pool that we want and the liability associated with different types. Gail said that people in the community are thinking about the different types of activities and already talking about the community center, which is very positive. Susele said that we need to find a company that specializes in building pools, field houses, community centers, etc. Gail wondered when we could visit the Maine islands to see their community centers? Jeanne wondered if there are any community centers on Long Island or Connecticut that we could visit? Susele said that Bay Shore, Long Island has a community center that has much of what we want in our community center. Judi wondered what is their membership. Susele wasn't sure but thought that it was very high. Nate will call North Haven and Chebeague Island about visiting during the last two weeks of April or the first week of May. Gail spoke with Paul Giles about using movie theater, though just the idea and not specifics. There is a lot of room in the building for expansion to include all of our needs. Jeanne showed the group a different option for laying out the next survey. She wondered what is the point of the next survey and what type of information we are looking for? Judi thought that we want to know whether seasonal residents would use the community center and would they support it. Gail said that we should include the return rate from the last survey in the next survey. Jeanne said that we want to say that we have determined that there is a need and we are moving forward. Nate wondered if we should include all of the survey questions, beyond the first few, in the next survey? The group felt that we should certainly include questions about volunteering because many summer residents will want to help teach their skills or volunteer time in other ways. Jeanne wondered if Southold would support the center with tax money? Judi said that is an option that needs to be explored. Susele thought that Louisa Evans would know about the contacts. Jeanne thought that a compromise could be worked out with the town and we could get some money to support the community center. Jeanne said that there is a grant that we could write. Jeanne thought that people may want to donate money for the construction of a portion of the community center if it is named after themselves or others close to them. She also thought that we should include a question such as, "do you have expertise with development?" Nate said that Sarah McLean and John Spofford offered to help raise money. Also, if we are going to raise money we need to begin thinking about becoming an incorporated non-profit. Jeanne has experience organizing a non-profit, she set one up while working in Richmond, and she has some contacts. She will talk with Carter White and his foundation about organizing a non-profit. The group discussed organizing a development committee. It was felt that we should ask Sarah Moody to head the development committee because she has been involved with the community center since the very beginning and volunteered to aid with financial questions. Since John Spofford and Sarah McLean volunteered to help, they should also be included and their names will be given to Sarah Moody. The group also discussed whether to include something in the next Gazette or FICA annual report about the community center. The deadline for both is approaching. The group felt that since the Gazette comes out only twice a year, it would be a good idea to include something, mainly as a way to get the word out to the community but also for credibility. It was felt that a letter to the editor would be the best way to do this. Next meeting: Wednesday, March 24th at 6:30 in the School Next steps: Nate and Jeanne will work on questions for the next survey Judi will contact Sarah Moody about heading development committee Jeanne will talk with Peter Brinkeroff and Carter White about establishing a non-profit Nate will contact the Maine island recreation centers about visiting and look for others that are closer.