Meeting Minutes: March 2016

[Christel Manning]

The Economic Development group met on Monday, March 14, 2016, from 6 – 7:30 pm at 20 Grand Ave. Present: Christel, Brenda, Rich P, Nathalie B., Kathleen F., Donna, Lisa.  

We continued planning for Riverfest 2016.  

1. Rain date. Following discussion, we voted to keep the rain date on May 15. QRWA cannot make this date, but if we do get rained out on May 1, we may be able to organize alternative water activities like giving the rowing club a bigger role or doing something with Lisa’s kayaks. Follow-up: Christel will tell QRWA that we are sticking with original rain date.

2. Native American theme. Rich, Nathalie, and Brenda met with Fox Running, a local member of the Quinnipiac Indian tribe, and he is open to participating. Tentative plan is he would do a short presentation in between the music sets, being introduced as the “guest of honor.” He would also have a table with information in his museum. Follow-up: Rich to get firm commitment from Running Fox for this plan.

3. Music. We have commitment from two bands, Four Barrel Billy and Blue Grass band (one of their members also plays for Good Night Blue Moon, so it’s nice to keep that connection). So we had to decide on the third act. One option was the girls suggested by Sandoval. Another was suggested by Lee for a Latin band, headed by Claudio who lives in the neighborhood; they play very danceable music and are willing to play for $450.  Richard and Nathalie advocated for doing a drumming circle instead, headed by our local Rafael Ramos; they normally ask $250. After lengthy discussion, we voted to go with the latter suggestion; this will save us money, plus it fits with this year’s Native American theme. The tentative schedule is: start w. drummers around 11 am, then FBB around noon, they play for about an hour, then Fox Running does his presentation (about 15 minutes), then FBB does another set, and the Blue Grass band takes the last set starting at 3 pm. Richard has assured us that he can provide the sound equipment to cover the entire event; he will also be responsible for keeping the sound manageable (so music isn’t too loud for people to talk to each other). There was also discussion of where to rent a portable dance floor and where it would be located at the event. Follow-up: Christel will notify Sandoval that we voted to have the drummers instead of a third band; Lee will do same for Carlos. Christel to send Rich the list of rental prices she got from David Hunter. Rich will go to marina with tape measure and makes some notes of possible locations. He will report this info to Lisa. Rich and Lisa will meet and draw up a draft map to present at our final planning meeting in April. Christel will contact Nathalie to confirm logistics related to Wacoma tables and chairs.

4. Food and beer. Kevin is willing to do cheese pizza for vegetarians. We reached a decision on food trucks. Cupcake truck for kids is on, as is the ice cream lady. Meat Truck is out (because it would compete with Boathouse).  

5. Arts and Crafts on street. Clymenza was unable to attend, but she emailed Christel confirming that she has 3 artists lined up to sell their stuff on the closed portion of Front Street. There is also a blog post on CSNA website, inviting local artists who would like to participate to contact Clymenza. Kathleen suggested having a table for people who may not call themselves artists but have crafts to sell, such as knitted items or Nathalie’s home made soap. Everybody liked this idea. Kathleen also suggested getting a local nursery to bring a truck selling spring flowers. Follow-up: Kathleen and Nathalie will organize the craft table, with copy to Clymenza. Kathleen will investigate the flower truck. Lee will get confirmation from Sgt. Tony Mayo at this week’s CSNA general meeting regarding his proposal to secure free police presence. Christel will get street closing permit form city.

6. Kids activities. Donna presented the final list of activities: New Haven read mobile from the public library; Sugar Cupcake Truck; Common Grounds table with crafts and planting seeds; Sheila and friends doing face painting. Rich suggested making headbands with feathers for the kids; Sheila & co. can take this on, provided we find a supplier of headbands. Donna suggested moving all kid activities to south side of lot, near where rowing company stores their boats. This keeps kids away from beer area, and close to canoeing area which is kid oriented. Follow-up: Rich to email Christel info on headband supplier. Christel to contact Sally about sandwich board signs (we need these to direct people to canoeing/kid area).

7. Other activities: The fire-fighter boat is coming back. The kelp farming company that is renting from Lisa will have a table. Trail maps for our new CSNA walking trail will be available at our CSNA table.

8. Budget: Lee reported expected donations, including $1000 from Brewery Square, $250 from Denali/Trailblazer, $500 from Community Foundation, and $250 from David Hunter. Except for David, all of these are yet to be received. Christel distributed sponsor forms that anybody can use to solicit donations (she has also sent these out in electronic form). Follow-up: Nathalie is applying to Community Foundation. All of us can use the form to seek small donations from people we know.

9. Website and publicity. After trying and failing to get others (Carlos, Thomas) to serve as webmaster, Lee has figured out how to edit the site, so between him and Christel we will manage. The site has been updated to list the 2016 dates and times, but all the images and logos are from last year. Follow-up: Once donations are confirmed, Lee will list donors on Riverfest site. Other participants, like bands or vendors, will be listed with links to their websites. Our site must be updated by April 1, so we can start advertising.