Meeting Minutes: March 2017

[Christel Manning]

The Economic & Community Development group met on Monday, March 13, 2017, from 6 – 7 pm at 20 Grand Ave. Present: Christel, Andrew, Brenda, Nathalie, Lisa, David, Nicole Anastasio.

 

Our main agenda was planning for Riverfest 2017.

1. Bands. Lee has confirmed that Carlos Y su momento Musical will be there; still working out price. So along with Four Barrel Billy and the Bregamos drummers we are all set on music. Need to add Carlos logo to Riverfest page. Brenda reported they are still exploring funding options for possible dance floor. Nathalie suggested thinking about using existing CSNA funds or borrowing funds to pay for dance floor and then writing grant to get reimbursed later. We might also look into dance floor rental options.

2. Food & beer. Lisa has reached out to various beer brewers but no responses yet. Christel will put her in touch w. Jeff Browning of Brewport in Bridgeport who has expressed an interest. Nicole said food this year will include fried dough, burgers, hotdogs, fries, eggplant, sausage and peppers. Also pizza slices later in day. The runners will get free pizza slices (provided by Gran Apizz) and free beer immediately after the race; they will get tickets for this when they register. Runner food station will be located away from public food, perhaps near the canoeing area.

3. Race: We discussed street closing options and decided Riverfest will not close off Front street this year; it interferes with access to parking and the free space was not actually used. The race organizers may close off a section of Front street between Pine and Lewis, and there will be rolling closing during the race; they will apply for that separately from CSNA. However, it makes sense for us to jointly apply for and share cost of police presence. Andrew will find out how many officers are required. Racers will also need parking; Lisa will contact Fereshde to see if she will let them use her vacant lot in exchange for being listed as a sponsor. Race organizers need help in publicizing the event; Andrew will send email with info. Let’s reach out to local kids to participate in race (it’s only one mile which is common for kid fun runs). Ask Mary from Quinnipiac Terrace and David (the teacher at Fair Haven school). 

4. Budget. Lee and Nathalie and Andrew are following up on various fundraising efforts. Christel will send out sponsorship form via email.

5. Tables for vendors and organizations. QWRA will share info table w. CSNA. CSNA table will offer various items (soaps, dragons, perhaps cookies) in exchange for donations.  Ian Chrisman (photographer) will come back. Mary Ann Moran’s friend Kevin Delouche (another photographer) also wants to come; we will ask him to donate to CSNA in exchange. Landtrust may provide seedlings; will confirm later. Nathalie knows a woman, Marni Esposito of Moonrocks cookies; Christel will call to see if she wants to sponsor (donate cookies which we can sell w. proceeds going to CSNA).

6. Set up & takedown. Natalie Coe told Christel she’s near certain Wacoma will let us use tables, chairs, tents; she will confirm this. Lisa said Turnbridge guys will help with set up and take down.

Soup Night: David Hunter suggested contacting Raphael Ramos about having a Soup Night a Bregamos Theatre. Great way to create synergy between our organizations and to connect with other people in the community. David will follow up.