ARPA Advisory Task Force
May 24, 2022
7 pm
Town Hall, Chestertown
| Meeting called by: | Kate Van Name | Type of meeting: | 5th Task Force Meeting |
| Facilitator: | Kate Van Name | Note taker: | Secretary Andy Goddard |
Attendees:
Jamie Williams, Andy Goddard, Ted Gallo, Sandra Bjork, Kate Van Name, Ted Gallo, Charles Athey, Bob Altieri
Absent:
Susie Chase, Owen Bailey, Myra Butler, Scott Boone
Council Members present
Tom Herz
Visitors Present
Nina Fleegle, Carolyn Simone Collins
Minutes
| Agenda item: | Call to Order | Presenter: | Kate Van Name |
Discussion:
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Kate Van Name. Attendees noted above.
| Agenda item: | Approve 5/10/22 minutes | Presenter: | Kate Van Name. |
Discussion: Ted moved to approve minutes. Charles 2nded. All approved
| Agenda item: | Chair’s Report ARPA Funds | Presenter: | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: Mayor & Town Council voted and Allocated 1.8 million out of 4.4 mill- = 40 % for Task Force
Total Allocation to Chestertown $4.4M
Allocated to ARPA Task Force $1.8M
Total currently recommended/approved 0
Total currently recommended/approved 0
Total balance $1.8M
No Change
| Agenda item: | Chair’s Report Treasury Update: May 16 2022 | Presenter: | Kate Van Name |
- Discussion: Treasury urges state and local governments to continue to use SLFRF funds to confront the most pressing challenges that our economy and communities face:
- expanding the workforce and providing competitive wages,
- expanding access to affordable housing, and
Keeping our families and communities safe
| Agenda Item
| Call from local constituent | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: Mr. Herz received call from constituent. very complimentary of ARPA website. Was initially unsure that Task Force would be effective
| Agenda Item | Old Business Status on appointing new Task Force members | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: Council members acknowledged that 2 members of task force not able to attend meetings regularly. Mayor and council to nominate 2 new members
| Agenda Item | Old Business Community Communications Website | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: ARPA page now live on town website. Will be a work in progress, especially with FAQ. We may be asked questions that we will not have answers.
Process for new questions- Bring to and discuss at next task force meeting & put answer on website
Website still needs some tweaking.
Ms. Van Name formally acknowledged Francoise Sullivan on speed and professionalism on ARPA site.
| Agenda Item | Old Business Community CommunicationsPress ReleasePrint/social media/Email Blasts | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: Draft of press release- will be sent out once approved.
Mr. Altieri asked about large gap between recommendations to council- Feb 1, 2023 & funds allocated Dec 31, 2024. Mr. Herz said would be ongoing process.
Action Items: Additions/edits to press release- bullet point that will be periodic review by Mayor & Council
Explain Final Rule- add date of last Treasury rule
Add bullet point Enhanced Public Safety
Add** dates are subject to modification- except all funds allocated Dec 31, 2024, and expended by Dec 31, 2026
| Agenda Item | Old Business: Status on Adding sample of application | Presenter | Presenter |
Discussion:
Ms. Van Name to to ask web master to add application sample with watermarks to ARPA website page
Discussion: Equipment still not working properly
| Agenda Item | New Business: Publication of organizations applying | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion:
Should organization and project application be public on website- for transparency. Public could view and see if something important is missing.
When do you put it on website? What if deadline is passed. Will there be another opportunity to apply for funds?
Ms. Bjork moved that we make public after LOI approvals. Organization & purpose should be made public
Mr. Athey seconded.
Discussion: Mr. Gallo would like to include amount.
Original motion approved.
Mr. Athey moved to reconsider Ms., Bjork’s motion. MS. Bjork seconded. Motion approved.
Mr. Athey moved to amend motion with bubble chart with industry standards, Mr. Altieri seconded. All approved.
Mr. Gallo moved to table discussion until next meeting.
| Agenda Item | Requests from public to be recognized | Presenter | Kate Van Name |
Discussion: No requests
Mr. Gallo moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Altieri seconded, All Approved. Meeting adjourned 8:14