1 00:00:00,660 --> 00:00:18,340 It's 7 o'clock. Oh, I'm looking at the time clock at their. Sorry. It is 7 p.m. and I am calling to order the regular meeting of the LGBTQI plus commissions scheduled for Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at 7 p. 2 00:00:20,910 --> 00:00:31,610 Second order of business is approved little minutes for the June 17th, 2026 regular meeting of the LGBTQI plus commission. Make a motion. Motion by Dolly. 3 00:00:35,070 --> 00:00:37,570 We've got a second in house from Katie. 4 00:00:39,030 --> 00:00:40,510 Any discussion? 5 00:00:47,540 --> 00:00:50,140 All those in favor say aye. 6 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:54,140 All those opposed say nay. 7 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:57,320 Any abstentions? 8 00:00:58,300 --> 00:01:00,460 Matter passes by unanimous consent. 9 00:01:01,400 --> 00:01:04,200 Should we just mention who is on for the recording? 10 00:01:06,580 --> 00:01:09,560 Thank you for doing that. I'll let you kick off. 11 00:01:10,760 --> 00:01:13,200 Sure. Dolly Hedad by Sherp. 12 00:01:13,960 --> 00:01:15,560 Monica Dane, Commissioner. 13 00:01:16,880 --> 00:01:19,860 Start with Derek, you're the upper left hand corner of our screen. 14 00:01:20,700 --> 00:01:21,760 Derek Cartagena, Commissioner. 15 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:23,080 Hi. 16 00:01:28,600 --> 00:01:29,400 Good to meet you. 17 00:01:33,480 --> 00:01:34,520 Angela Crowe. 18 00:01:34,800 --> 00:01:35,020 Laura. 19 00:01:35,020 --> 00:01:35,300 I 20 00:01:41,030 --> 00:01:46,890 think Laura is frozen, but Commissioner Laura Timmings is joining us online. 21 00:01:48,490 --> 00:01:50,210 Yeah, did you hear me, Laura Timmings? 22 00:01:51,130 --> 00:01:52,030 No, I didn't. 23 00:01:52,950 --> 00:01:53,530 And Katie Mayer. 24 00:01:54,350 --> 00:01:54,870 Awesome. 25 00:01:55,070 --> 00:01:55,750 Katie Mayer, Commissioner. 26 00:01:56,190 --> 00:01:58,570 And Brianna Blooms-Devara, Chair. 27 00:01:59,990 --> 00:02:02,650 We enter public session on agenda items. 28 00:02:02,910 --> 00:02:05,370 I see no member of the public, so we move on. 29 00:02:06,530 --> 00:02:10,230 New business, screen of information, ethics, minority representation, and private history 30 00:02:10,230 --> 00:02:15,330 workshop by Christopher Floyd. Christopher is dealing with a family emergency tonight 31 00:02:15,330 --> 00:02:24,110 as is a council person named Fulton. So I will briefly go over what Christopher has 32 00:02:24,110 --> 00:02:34,050 prepared for us. I am going to, I can answer some very high level questions, but if you have 33 00:02:34,050 --> 00:02:40,150 specific in-depth questions about the workshop or the LGBTQI plus commission, okay. 34 00:02:40,150 --> 00:02:47,850 I am going to ask that you email Christopher directly and he will have your questions answered. 35 00:02:48,050 --> 00:02:55,250 It is Christopher's intention to be attending in person, the remainder of our meetings of this calendar year. 36 00:02:58,170 --> 00:03:06,310 So at the beginning of this packet, there is the, what is the LGBTQI plus commission, 37 00:03:06,450 --> 00:03:08,470 which talks about how we got established. 38 00:03:09,230 --> 00:03:14,550 One of the important things is to know item by powers. 39 00:03:15,850 --> 00:03:20,210 We are advisory to both the Common Council of the City of Middletown and the Mayor. 40 00:03:21,190 --> 00:03:29,210 What this means is that when we vote on resolutions or movements, what is actually happening is 41 00:03:29,210 --> 00:03:36,710 I or Christopher are taking the information and going to the mayor on monthly basis and saying here are the actions 42 00:03:37,310 --> 00:03:46,790 and he either says move forward as he almost always does, or if there is a major concern, which there rarely, if ever has been, he will not take our recommendation. 43 00:03:46,790 --> 00:03:51,630 An example of this though, however, was our policy review for personnel policies. 44 00:03:52,110 --> 00:03:56,450 Once we escalated it to the mayor and invited our recommendations, it was entirely upon 45 00:03:56,450 --> 00:03:58,910 his discretion how he wanted to proceed. 46 00:04:03,370 --> 00:04:07,290 The next part is the Freedom of Information Act. 47 00:04:08,490 --> 00:04:16,710 I strongly recommend everyone reading through this to understand your responsibilities to maintain 48 00:04:16,710 --> 00:04:17,750 public records. 49 00:04:21,270 --> 00:04:26,570 Additionally there is a note in here that any gathering of seven or more members 50 00:04:26,570 --> 00:04:31,050 of the LGBTQI plus commission, no matter the place of the purpose, could be considered a meeting 51 00:04:31,050 --> 00:04:31,910 under the FOIA. 52 00:04:34,850 --> 00:04:42,950 So be careful if there are seven of us hanging out at an event together for some 53 00:04:42,950 --> 00:04:50,670 reason. It is improper for the groups discuss any aspects of the LGBTQI plus commissions business. 54 00:04:54,860 --> 00:05:05,590 There is the ethics code which I encourage everyone to read. There is a backstory of Middletown pride 55 00:05:11,110 --> 00:05:18,530 included in the packet is going to be the marcher rules and regulations that are set forward 56 00:05:18,530 --> 00:05:23,910 and also comments on protesters and the establishment of a protest zone. 57 00:05:25,170 --> 00:05:29,890 So, again, I am just highlighting aspects of this. If you have general questions, 58 00:05:30,590 --> 00:05:35,050 I'm happy to open the floor for an informal discussion, but I will say 59 00:05:35,050 --> 00:05:40,550 Christopher Hort will be better suited to answer some questions with authority. 60 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:45,380 Does anyone have a comment question? 61 00:05:54,550 --> 00:05:57,070 Seeing none, hearing none, we'll move 62 00:05:57,070 --> 00:06:06,950 forward to new business B nominations for an election of chair of the chair serves from July 63 00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:16,010 to June. With that in mind, are there any nominations for chair? You may nominate yourself, 64 00:06:21,350 --> 00:06:21,890 okay? 65 00:06:21,890 --> 00:06:28,830 I was going to nominate Brianna, who scored a scowler of four chair. 66 00:06:34,210 --> 00:06:36,010 I accept the nomination. 67 00:06:36,610 --> 00:06:38,170 I was second that nomination. 68 00:06:38,850 --> 00:06:39,450 Thank you. 69 00:06:40,990 --> 00:06:42,390 There is one nomination. 70 00:06:42,730 --> 00:06:43,490 We can have more. 71 00:06:43,810 --> 00:06:45,230 That is perfectly legitimate. 72 00:06:46,170 --> 00:06:47,890 Are there any other lot of nominations? 73 00:06:51,580 --> 00:07:03,180 Okay, seeing now that we have one nominee, I don't believe a vote is required now, but we will do it anyhow in case I am wrong because I am not Christopher. 74 00:07:03,180 --> 00:07:17,700 So all those in favor for the nomination and election of Rihanna Bloomskvera as chair for the calendar year 20 sorry for 2026 through 2027 say aye. 75 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:21,700 All those opposed. 76 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:26,200 Any abstentions I will stay. 77 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:30,420 I would like to nominate Katie Merritt for Vice-Chair. 78 00:07:31,180 --> 00:07:32,400 Do we have a second to that nomination? 79 00:07:32,600 --> 00:07:33,200 Okay. 80 00:07:34,100 --> 00:07:34,700 Was that. 81 00:07:35,240 --> 00:07:35,840 Okay. 82 00:07:35,840 --> 00:07:37,380 So that has been addressed. 83 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:40,660 Now, we have nominations for an election of Vice-Chair. 84 00:07:40,840 --> 00:07:42,660 Are there any nominations for Vice-Chair? 85 00:07:43,820 --> 00:07:47,680 I would like to nominate Katie Merritt for Vice-Chair. 86 00:07:49,140 --> 00:07:50,640 Do we have a second to that nomination? 87 00:07:51,760 --> 00:07:52,860 I'll second that. 88 00:07:53,980 --> 00:08:05,800 Okay, was that Angela, Angela Beatonica, because the G comes before the alphabetically KDG 89 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:06,620 except this nomination. 90 00:08:06,780 --> 00:08:07,420 I accept. 91 00:08:08,580 --> 00:08:14,380 Okay, are there any nominations, other, once, going twice? 92 00:08:15,220 --> 00:08:21,640 We only have one nomination, so all those in favor of the election and appointment of 93 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:27,560 Katie to vice chair say aye. All opposed. 94 00:08:30,160 --> 00:08:31,200 Any abstentions? 95 00:08:34,970 --> 00:08:37,770 No abstentions. Oh, so I should abstain. Okay. 96 00:08:38,470 --> 00:08:39,490 Okay, Katie abstains. 97 00:08:41,570 --> 00:08:51,390 But accept it. All right. So thank you, Dolly, for your years of service to the commission. I will still be on the commission. 98 00:08:51,390 --> 00:08:56,210 But you've been holding down the fort and taking on a huge amount of responsibilities. 99 00:08:56,510 --> 00:09:00,410 So I'd like everyone to either give a round of applause or wave. 100 00:09:02,700 --> 00:09:03,460 Thank you guys. 101 00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:06,640 And thank you as well. 102 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:18,600 Okay, next matter of business is holding a commission meetings in person only hybrid as we currently do or entirely remotely. 103 00:09:18,600 --> 00:09:27,360 this is up to the commission. I will entertain a motion for any of those to 104 00:09:27,360 --> 00:09:32,680 open debate. I would like a motion to keep a hybrid because currently I'm 105 00:09:32,680 --> 00:09:36,760 traveling, they do in the summer, I'm in Florida right now, so that would make 106 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:43,120 it really difficult to work on the summer. Okay, there is a motion from kind to 107 00:09:43,120 --> 00:09:51,800 Hold our meetings hybrid is there a second Angela has seconded is there any discussion? 108 00:09:55,820 --> 00:10:03,980 Hearing none all those in favor of the motion to have our meeting scheduled as hybrid throughout 109 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:12,540 Technically fiscal year 27 July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2027 say aye 110 00:10:15,560 --> 00:10:19,380 Any opposed? Any abstention? 111 00:10:21,640 --> 00:10:26,300 Matter passes unanimously. Next is a selection of date for 112 00:10:26,300 --> 00:10:28,400 pre-Fest 2027. 113 00:10:31,540 --> 00:10:36,860 To be Saturday, June 5th with a rain date of Sunday, June 6th, that is 114 00:10:36,860 --> 00:10:41,340 is the first Saturday of June, as has been our practice. 115 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:46,700 I would like to have a discussion about that just 116 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:51,320 because we had fewer attendees this year and largely, 117 00:10:51,320 --> 00:10:52,860 I think we're attributing it to Boston, 118 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:54,780 doing theirs the same weekend. 119 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:55,840 Do we know? 120 00:10:56,600 --> 00:11:00,200 They shifted that because they had anticipated 121 00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:03,320 an invasion of Scotland by the Scottish, 122 00:11:03,440 --> 00:11:04,180 it was for the World Cup. 123 00:11:05,100 --> 00:11:13,780 That's why they shipped it is because the city was taken over so it probably will be back to I would imagine. All right, that was my only thing that I managed to take note. 124 00:11:14,860 --> 00:11:33,200 Do we have a motion for the selection of the date? I move that. Thank you, Beth. We have a motion by Beth that the date of Pride Fest 2027 be Saturday June 5th with a rain date of Sunday June 6th. Do we have a second? 125 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:37,360 second. Second by Katie. All those sorry any discussion. 126 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:42,800 All those in favor say 127 00:11:42,800 --> 00:11:54,400 aye. Aye. All those opposed. Okay. Any abstentions. Matter passes if unanimous 128 00:11:54,400 --> 00:12:01,240 consent. Next item is Middletown Pride Scholarship Program Subcommittee. This 129 00:12:01,240 --> 00:12:04,560 would specifically be the creation appointment of the Middletown Pride Scholarship 130 00:12:04,560 --> 00:12:08,860 subcommittees to include Beth Shapiro and Trevor Charles as members. 131 00:12:12,960 --> 00:12:15,200 Is this where I say something? 132 00:12:15,780 --> 00:12:16,200 Yes, please. 133 00:12:17,060 --> 00:12:24,040 Okay, so I have happily served as the chair of this commission or the subcommittee. 134 00:12:24,340 --> 00:12:26,100 I would like to continue doing so. 135 00:12:26,620 --> 00:12:32,700 However, there will be a conflict this year, and I just want to make talk about it now. 136 00:12:32,700 --> 00:12:48,020 My son will be a senior graduating and we'll absolutely be applying for the scholarship so I really don't feel like I can serve and vote on the subcommittee because I feel like it would definitely raise some impropriety. 137 00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:52,380 So just looking for some feedback because I still want to be involved. 138 00:12:53,020 --> 00:13:01,640 would love to be put back into that position afterwards, but whatever you guys feel is appropriate, 139 00:13:02,460 --> 00:13:03,540 that's what I will do. 140 00:13:06,710 --> 00:13:09,390 Is this like just this stuff's time? Let's just have a discussion. 141 00:13:09,510 --> 00:13:15,970 Okay. Does that mean someone would have picked place this year? I'm sorry, Kai, can you repeat 142 00:13:15,970 --> 00:13:21,070 that question? Does that mean that someone would have picked best place this year then? So right now, 143 00:13:21,070 --> 00:13:33,830 The only person on the commission is Trevor who is not on the commission. He is the GSA advisor at Middletown High School, so we would need somebody from the commission to step up. 144 00:13:34,990 --> 00:13:39,850 And you know, as I said, like if it's cool with everyone, I would like to just step back for this year. 145 00:13:40,590 --> 00:13:49,670 I'd be happy to be there to serve as you know, the chairperson of this subcommittee, but would not vote. 146 00:13:49,670 --> 00:13:56,310 So you like to recruit your self even appropriate or I think back in the subcommittee, you know, 147 00:13:56,450 --> 00:13:59,950 because the way it's been going, it's just Trevor and I. 148 00:14:00,470 --> 00:14:05,890 So we just kind of discuss, we make a decision, we vote on it, and that's it, since it's just 149 00:14:05,890 --> 00:14:06,750 been the two of us. 150 00:14:07,330 --> 00:14:09,270 It's had ever been more than three people. 151 00:14:10,190 --> 00:14:10,470 Okay. 152 00:14:11,110 --> 00:14:14,190 I'm going to call out specifically in the packet. 153 00:14:14,630 --> 00:14:15,950 There is a... 154 00:14:15,950 --> 00:14:16,210 Hi, Laura. 155 00:14:16,210 --> 00:14:20,350 You want the one all the way to the left and all the way to the right the middle line is begun 156 00:14:22,210 --> 00:14:22,650 So 157 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:00,900 Okay. 158 00:15:03,420 --> 00:15:23,660 The following financial interest shall be imputed to be those of an official employees, a city that have espoused a child of an official employee. Personal and as distinguished financial interest shall include, but not limited interest rising from family relationship or business association. At this time, there is not an application open. 159 00:15:25,800 --> 00:15:31,460 Your son has not applied. And this is a hypothetical. If the rule 160 00:15:31,460 --> 00:15:39,440 of thumb according to Christopher's packet is avoid an appearance essentially if you believe 161 00:15:39,440 --> 00:15:44,380 that some item you have the power to vote on could be inappropriate in any way, you should 162 00:15:44,380 --> 00:15:49,700 recuse yourself from that vote to avoid the appearance of impropriety. 163 00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:57,360 So the rule of thumb, I did read that but I just, sorry to interrupt, I just, the only thing 164 00:15:57,360 --> 00:16:04,760 that concerns me is that since the subcommittee is so small, if I recuse myself from the 165 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:11,220 vote, but I'm still involved in the discussion about applicants, does that raise any impropriety? 166 00:16:12,420 --> 00:16:15,060 Or would I have to recuse myself from the whole process? 167 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:26,540 Personally, if I'm just giving you my thoughts, I would say that if you want to still be helping 168 00:16:26,540 --> 00:16:30,420 with like putting the information out there knowing who to send it to because like you're 169 00:16:30,420 --> 00:16:35,440 in the school system and you have those contacts and stuff and putting together the application 170 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:41,300 itself but I do think personally I would think it would be like you shouldn't be reading 171 00:16:41,300 --> 00:16:45,860 the applications or having anything to do with that side of it so it's a different commission 172 00:16:45,860 --> 00:16:51,500 or what should step in to do that part at least yeah I think that could be very I agree 173 00:16:54,630 --> 00:16:59,650 if you 174 00:16:59,650 --> 00:17:01,230 volunteer to do that part. 175 00:17:02,530 --> 00:17:04,730 Like read applications and go on now. 176 00:17:05,130 --> 00:17:05,430 Right. 177 00:17:05,870 --> 00:17:09,350 What are we doing is to step in and do that. 178 00:17:12,110 --> 00:17:12,510 Okay. 179 00:17:12,870 --> 00:17:15,290 I'm thinking on how many applications we get, Angela, if you need help with that, 180 00:17:15,370 --> 00:17:16,830 I can support you in that role as well. 181 00:17:16,930 --> 00:17:18,970 I'd be happy to join in and take that up this year. 182 00:17:19,810 --> 00:17:22,270 Well, we only got one last year, right? 183 00:17:23,570 --> 00:17:27,330 Yeah, and we get more than if we get more this year for some reason, 184 00:17:27,470 --> 00:17:28,590 I'll happily join in. 185 00:17:28,590 --> 00:17:48,310 Okay. Okay. Yes. Yes. Okay. Okay. This first of all, this is not an issue of people jumping in as needed. This is an issue of establishing a subcommittee. It is a commitment to be part of the subcommittee, not if needed at a later point. 186 00:17:49,150 --> 00:17:55,830 I want I would like a clear just direction from that that would you feel most comfortable 187 00:17:55,830 --> 00:18:00,590 not being involved in the subcommittee at all this year, other than providing guidance 188 00:18:00,590 --> 00:18:08,290 on past practice and forms I would I don't want I don't think I want my name attached 189 00:18:08,290 --> 00:18:15,450 to the subcommittee at all. I just I just don't think it looks right. I will be more than 190 00:18:15,450 --> 00:18:22,230 happy to disseminate the information like I've been doing in the past, but I would love 191 00:18:22,230 --> 00:18:27,010 for someone else to step up and Angela, if you would like to do that, the thing is we 192 00:18:27,010 --> 00:18:27,950 have room. 193 00:18:28,110 --> 00:18:29,770 As I said, three has been the max. 194 00:18:30,210 --> 00:18:34,310 It's really nice to work with a small number of people versus having a huge subcommittee. 195 00:18:36,070 --> 00:18:38,350 So last year, there was just two of us. 196 00:18:38,570 --> 00:18:41,270 We only had one applicant, so it really was not an issue. 197 00:18:41,270 --> 00:18:47,970 But if you and Trevor and perhaps one more person could be part of this subcommittee, 198 00:18:48,770 --> 00:18:53,690 you know, I have every intention of rejoining the following year. 199 00:18:54,370 --> 00:18:58,270 So this really would just be a one year commitment to do this. 200 00:18:58,690 --> 00:19:04,890 In terms of the time it takes, there's one meeting usually in like December 201 00:19:04,890 --> 00:19:10,530 where we just review the application, which I do regularly. 202 00:19:10,530 --> 00:19:15,150 you know, I will do that. I will do that. I'll just bring forward any changes and you know, 203 00:19:15,210 --> 00:19:22,050 you can take a look at that. And then the other meeting happens at the end of April beginning 204 00:19:22,050 --> 00:19:29,330 of May, because the deadline for the applications is like the like the last Friday and April, whatever 205 00:19:29,330 --> 00:19:37,490 day that is. And then we have like a two week turnaround to figure out who is going to be receiving 206 00:19:37,490 --> 00:19:42,730 this scholarship so we can offer that recommendation to the commission. So it's really just two days. 207 00:19:43,790 --> 00:19:47,890 I would be happy to step up to the subcommittee. Now that's some of my other responsibilities. 208 00:19:49,090 --> 00:19:54,610 Beth, would you like to move the creation appointment of the Middletown Prize Scholarship 209 00:19:54,610 --> 00:19:59,630 subcommittee to include Angela Crowe, Goliath Dodd and Trevor Charles as members? 210 00:20:00,570 --> 00:20:05,750 I would. Okay, a motion by Beth. A second please. 211 00:20:07,430 --> 00:20:14,550 seconded by Laura Timmins. Thank you, Laura. Any further discussion? I just want to comment. 212 00:20:14,950 --> 00:20:20,750 Beth, thank you for being very concerned about the appearance of impropriety and bringing these 213 00:20:20,750 --> 00:20:27,410 concerns early in the process and being willing to work with the process. I really appreciate that type of 214 00:20:27,410 --> 00:20:28,850 of, of rightedness. 215 00:20:30,150 --> 00:20:31,950 Thank you very much. 216 00:20:32,430 --> 00:20:35,810 As I said, this is like very close to my heart, the scholarship. 217 00:20:36,270 --> 00:20:41,330 Yeah, so looking forward to get back on the subcommittee next year. 218 00:20:42,430 --> 00:20:42,990 Good. 219 00:20:43,970 --> 00:20:47,210 So we've had a motion and a second. 220 00:20:47,670 --> 00:20:54,090 All those in favor of the motions say, I, I, all those posts say, 221 00:20:54,090 --> 00:20:57,350 Any abstentions? 222 00:20:57,930 --> 00:20:58,310 May. 223 00:21:01,040 --> 00:21:01,160 Oh. 224 00:21:02,300 --> 00:21:05,080 You, you can, this is fine, but you. 225 00:21:06,340 --> 00:21:11,860 Because it's a subcommittee and really the subcommittee at the end of the day is making recommendations, not binding. 226 00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:17,340 But I would favor it or I understand whatever is most appropriate appropriate. 227 00:21:17,780 --> 00:21:20,660 Well, some of us already have stayed. We'll give you the benefit of it. 228 00:21:20,660 --> 00:21:24,120 So we can say the matter passes with one abstention. 229 00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:27,880 I voted for personal. Yeah, that's. 230 00:21:31,220 --> 00:21:35,120 Moving forward, we have no submitted applications for both events. 231 00:21:35,960 --> 00:21:40,340 Okay, we are going to move forward into age financial overview. 232 00:21:43,120 --> 00:21:50,680 first in the main packet there was kind of a breakdown of sources of revenue and expenses 233 00:21:52,580 --> 00:22:01,260 as well as a transactional breakdown. Separate from that. Christopher Ford has prepared a 234 00:22:02,260 --> 00:22:05,560 I'm so sorry there is definitely feedback coming from someone. 235 00:22:08,050 --> 00:22:08,810 Okay thank you. 236 00:22:11,070 --> 00:22:15,770 hearing my own voice electronically makes me literally lose my mind. I don't know where 237 00:22:15,770 --> 00:22:18,530 my mind is. Is it in the computer? 238 00:22:21,010 --> 00:22:26,340 So going over this impact of budget for Middletown 239 00:22:26,340 --> 00:22:34,040 Pride from 2025, from the 26th. First, we have lost approximately $32,000 in sponsorship. 240 00:22:36,240 --> 00:22:44,020 The chamber is no longer serving as a partner and physical sponsor, which we'll talk about 241 00:22:44,020 --> 00:22:44,540 momentarily. 242 00:22:45,060 --> 00:22:50,040 And although it says Wesleyan is no longer serving, Wesleyan may no longer be serving. 243 00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:58,720 They are reevaluating their approach to local non-profit causes. 244 00:22:58,720 --> 00:23:08,880 and I have thoughts that I will not share it as a visit or progress. So we anticipate a total 245 00:23:08,880 --> 00:23:15,700 projected deficit for this fiscal year of $56,700. 246 00:23:18,610 --> 00:23:23,420 There is a summary of costs herein. 247 00:23:27,070 --> 00:23:37,010 Christopher has created some food for thought and, again, I'll say, depending on Wesleyan's 248 00:23:37,010 --> 00:23:47,410 commitment, we're looking at a deficit of either $56,000 or $31,000 or $32,000. 249 00:23:48,550 --> 00:24:06,150 So Christopher has kind of put together three options ways we could move forward and this is not going to I personally am not comfortable having a vote tonight on someone moves for it because there's a lot of unknown variables. 250 00:24:06,690 --> 00:24:13,810 The chamber is still processing income and also external payments and obligations. 251 00:24:13,810 --> 00:24:16,230 So the final numbers aren't fully in. 252 00:24:18,070 --> 00:24:20,630 But option one is the same but less. 253 00:24:23,410 --> 00:24:29,710 This includes increasing vendor fees eliminating restocking of our merchandise and spending down our merchandise. 254 00:24:33,370 --> 00:24:42,690 Looking at capping our grant programs, capping our community events, reducing our showcase concert from three hours to one. 255 00:24:44,110 --> 00:24:54,690 reducing our stage setup to a much smaller stage and audio, eliminating the one or more zones 256 00:24:54,690 --> 00:25:01,670 at PrideFest, eliminating professional photography, and to cap the cost on balloon arches 257 00:25:01,670 --> 00:25:03,170 and decor at 2000. 258 00:25:03,170 --> 00:25:05,310 That's option one the same but less. 259 00:25:07,430 --> 00:25:15,610 option two is we only focus on pride fest and we do know year round programming. 260 00:25:17,670 --> 00:25:18,890 So we would 261 00:25:18,890 --> 00:25:25,930 eliminate the grant program, the community events program and scholarship program. Okay. And by 262 00:25:25,930 --> 00:25:31,170 community events, that means like game night, game night, yeah, all of those like that. Any events that, 263 00:25:31,170 --> 00:25:34,070 That's any events that have a cost associated with them. 264 00:25:35,390 --> 00:25:41,070 And then, option three, we keep our year-room programming and we significantly reduce 265 00:25:41,070 --> 00:25:50,070 pride fest into a much smaller front with no-shake case concert, preliminary zones. 266 00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:56,130 We remove the 21-plus area and we reduce our rentals. 267 00:25:56,130 --> 00:26:04,650 So those are three general options that Christopher has suggested has food for thought. 268 00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:15,720 Although I really don't want to have a motion to make a binding decision right now because 269 00:26:15,720 --> 00:26:22,360 I think this is a weighty conversation and do think that it would be appropriate for us 270 00:26:22,360 --> 00:26:31,200 to kind of talk through what we think are the most valuable aspects of what our 271 00:26:31,200 --> 00:26:37,690 commission under the banner middle-found pride offers are community and I am 272 00:26:37,690 --> 00:26:45,970 going to actually entertain a motion to suspend the rules of order for this 273 00:26:45,970 --> 00:26:52,900 conversation. Motion will spend the rules of order. Thank you Laura motion second. 274 00:26:52,900 --> 00:26:54,680 I'll second that motion. 275 00:26:55,620 --> 00:26:56,200 Was that Kai? 276 00:26:56,720 --> 00:26:57,020 Yes. 277 00:26:57,660 --> 00:26:59,560 Kai, you got the second, all those in favor. 278 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:00,760 Hi. 279 00:27:01,940 --> 00:27:03,000 Okay, all those opposed. 280 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:04,540 Sentience. 281 00:27:05,300 --> 00:27:12,020 Rules of order are suspended, which basically means this is just a free, undirected conversation. 282 00:27:12,780 --> 00:27:17,120 I will suggest that we do a time checking about 15 minutes and see where we are. 283 00:27:17,120 --> 00:27:25,680 right? We can just go around and share thoughts which may be easiest. Katie, do you have thoughts? 284 00:27:25,900 --> 00:27:30,440 I would love to just start out one thought which we talked about just a little bit last time 285 00:27:30,440 --> 00:27:38,120 with Dean Knight that if we were still keeping community events is that we could right away put 286 00:27:38,120 --> 00:27:43,240 game night back to like every other month or slash it in half. Just slash it in half definitely. 287 00:27:43,880 --> 00:27:49,380 That's how we had it in the past. I know this last year we did it monthly, but we could definitely go back. I just want to go 288 00:27:49,380 --> 00:27:53,320 That's an idea because that would save like $6,000 of the 289 00:27:55,680 --> 00:28:03,160 That full community events budget if that would help kind of with any of these like if that would help we would be fine with that 290 00:28:03,160 --> 00:28:06,340 I know that's how we did in the past. So I just want to throw that out there. 291 00:28:09,790 --> 00:28:11,350 Yeah, I'll throw out that 292 00:28:11,350 --> 00:28:19,730 But I think we need to be a little bit more careful with the scope of investment that 293 00:28:20,380 --> 00:28:23,230 we make in community events. 294 00:28:24,210 --> 00:28:31,070 I think we've done some very large community events over the past few years that we should 295 00:28:31,070 --> 00:28:33,530 definitely scale down if we do them again. 296 00:28:33,530 --> 00:28:42,490 But I think game night, frankly, is important not to think game night is important to the entire community. 297 00:28:42,850 --> 00:28:47,510 It is a constant social engagement and a building community. 298 00:28:48,470 --> 00:28:56,510 I also think that things like our community dinner is necessary because there's people who don't have anywhere else to go. 299 00:28:58,850 --> 00:29:07,290 But, you know, when we come to doing other events and workshops looking at the cost and 300 00:29:07,290 --> 00:29:11,170 trying to reduce those costs as possible, but I think the community events are important. 301 00:29:14,780 --> 00:29:18,620 I also agree that I think the community events is kind of what sets us apart as a commission 302 00:29:18,620 --> 00:29:25,080 and like I just hear so much positive feedback like and I get messages from I'm in communication 303 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:30,100 with Jen from the cafe and she like send me messages and be like you know 304 00:29:30,100 --> 00:29:34,060 someone came in today and they were telling me like how thankful they were for 305 00:29:34,060 --> 00:29:38,540 the game night like it really like it was meaningful to them and they were 306 00:29:38,540 --> 00:29:42,540 like thanks so much for having it and like so like hearing that kind of stuff and 307 00:29:42,540 --> 00:29:46,260 I've heard now multiple times of and I'm not attributing this to game night but 308 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:50,220 just in general what we're doing with these community events is like I've 309 00:29:50,220 --> 00:29:57,700 worse, more than enough, a non-zero amount of people say that they have moved to Middletown 310 00:29:57,700 --> 00:29:59,100 because of 311 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:29,920 How this community is and, like, the subject. So, like, it's been more than a couple of people that I've heard that problem. I'm always just like, wow, that's amazing. So, I definitely, like, would not want to eliminate community events programs. And I wouldn't want to eliminate the scholarship program. Like, that's where we make impact, right? I have a question that I'm going to the 21 plus area that 312 00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:37,870 we do like the people who run it are making money off of it right like a profit off of it like 313 00:30:37,870 --> 00:30:47,570 what's the cost to us do we know? The cost is the requirement to rent and put up fencing we get paid 314 00:30:48,030 --> 00:31:00,570 a portion of the gross profits of the okay so yes it is at the cost for us to implement the fencing 315 00:31:00,570 --> 00:31:07,500 we don't get back that amount from the profits off of the like blue sales and stuff like that. 316 00:31:08,380 --> 00:31:13,360 Wait, these are our costs. Yeah. They're like so. I'm just curious. I'm just thinking 317 00:31:14,040 --> 00:31:17,680 about it. Do we get money from them? Yes. Is it usually greater than 318 00:31:19,800 --> 00:31:27,500 however much it is? 2558? 2558. Yes. Is it $5,000 greater than that amount? Okay. 319 00:31:29,620 --> 00:31:34,640 As far as I'll step in, I agree, I think what everyone's saying, as far as the events 320 00:31:34,640 --> 00:31:35,040 are either. 321 00:31:35,180 --> 00:31:37,920 I know there have been a lot of folks asking to bring back the speed dating. 322 00:31:38,140 --> 00:31:42,260 We lost relish unfortunately when they closed down a mining of venue that would give 323 00:31:42,260 --> 00:31:45,280 us their space for, and no extra cost has been a challenge. 324 00:31:45,780 --> 00:31:50,200 However, I know there's lots of other restaurants that we can host a mixer where we don't have 325 00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:50,540 to give. 326 00:31:50,860 --> 00:31:55,280 I don't think we really would lose attendance if we took away the free drink ticket. 327 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:56,740 that we can definitely cost that way 328 00:31:56,740 --> 00:31:58,600 and have people just make sure we go to spaces 329 00:31:58,600 --> 00:32:00,660 that have their own food and beverages 330 00:32:00,660 --> 00:32:01,760 or like Bergenhaus, 331 00:32:01,760 --> 00:32:03,500 which doesn't charge for community spaces. 332 00:32:03,780 --> 00:32:05,060 Bergenhaus, they're closed. 333 00:32:05,880 --> 00:32:07,060 They're completely closed. 334 00:32:07,320 --> 00:32:08,000 Oh, darn it. 335 00:32:08,820 --> 00:32:11,100 Okay, well, I know I can bring my budget down 336 00:32:11,100 --> 00:32:13,180 for the mixers and social events that I do 337 00:32:13,180 --> 00:32:14,120 that people are wanting 338 00:32:14,120 --> 00:32:16,140 and I know that we can come up with some creative ways 339 00:32:16,750 --> 00:32:21,860 to still have mixers meet up stating situations 340 00:32:22,760 --> 00:32:25,480 and still have those bring that same kind of programming 341 00:32:25,480 --> 00:32:28,860 and cut the costs in half if not even completely 342 00:32:28,860 --> 00:32:30,800 if we can just find a venue that will let us come there. 343 00:32:31,060 --> 00:32:32,440 The only downside is it might not be 344 00:32:32,440 --> 00:32:34,340 to shut the whole venue down for us 345 00:32:34,340 --> 00:32:35,540 but I think we can still work around that 346 00:32:35,540 --> 00:32:36,860 and still have fun safely. 347 00:32:42,250 --> 00:32:45,170 So I'm just saying I'll work hard to bring programming 348 00:32:45,170 --> 00:32:46,350 and still keep it in a budget. 349 00:32:50,210 --> 00:32:52,990 I agree with what everyone's saying. 350 00:32:53,170 --> 00:32:55,570 Like I feel like the community programs 351 00:32:55,570 --> 00:32:58,270 and the scholarship programs are all really important 352 00:32:58,270 --> 00:33:03,850 and what that's a support, I would hate to see that go, I think, by just being more 353 00:33:03,850 --> 00:33:10,970 fiscally responsible on, you know, the price of those activities and just really paying 354 00:33:10,970 --> 00:33:16,910 attention because I feel like we really haven't had a lot of insight on what the budget looks 355 00:33:16,910 --> 00:33:23,530 like. And so, you know, it's very easy to approve things and not really think too much about 356 00:33:23,530 --> 00:33:31,190 the price tag. Knowing that we need to go in and be more responsible, we know right now 357 00:33:31,190 --> 00:33:35,930 at the beginning of the year that we have to, you know, be careful as we're doing this. 358 00:33:36,010 --> 00:33:39,930 And I feel like we can't balance that. The other thing I want to say is that, 359 00:33:40,690 --> 00:33:46,530 you know, we did have some success with the fundraiser that we did with the 5K or 360 00:33:46,530 --> 00:33:49,130 or wakethon or whatever it was, 361 00:33:49,290 --> 00:33:53,330 but I feel like we can add more things like that, 362 00:33:53,450 --> 00:33:57,670 where we are raising money and trying to recover 363 00:33:57,670 --> 00:33:58,610 some of the losses. 364 00:34:02,120 --> 00:34:05,340 I appreciate, Angela, I just wanna say, 365 00:34:05,420 --> 00:34:08,440 I appreciate the comment about fundraisers. 366 00:34:08,540 --> 00:34:12,360 And I think doing fundraisers is a good way 367 00:34:12,360 --> 00:34:17,120 to stop the bleed, but at this time, 368 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:20,400 And I also don't think because we have a track record 369 00:34:20,400 --> 00:34:24,780 of multiple fundraiser that we can say 370 00:34:24,780 --> 00:34:27,300 with confidence over this year, 371 00:34:27,480 --> 00:34:30,520 what that will bring in for guaranteed record. 372 00:34:33,140 --> 00:34:38,080 But I think it's, the fundraisers are a great way to start. 373 00:34:39,280 --> 00:34:40,360 Angela, thank you for letting me in. 374 00:34:40,360 --> 00:34:41,300 I agree with you, Bree. 375 00:34:42,100 --> 00:34:44,860 I definitely do think we should be running fundraisers. 376 00:34:45,040 --> 00:34:46,900 I don't think we should be counting on that income. 377 00:34:47,120 --> 00:34:47,920 It'll be a nice bonus. 378 00:34:49,200 --> 00:34:51,720 but we should definitely not be counting on it. 379 00:34:52,480 --> 00:34:54,480 I also agree that we should keep going 380 00:34:54,480 --> 00:34:55,360 with the community events. 381 00:34:55,360 --> 00:34:57,200 It's the community events that set us apart. 382 00:34:57,760 --> 00:35:00,600 If we have to cut back on pride, we can, 383 00:35:01,060 --> 00:35:03,420 but also just looking at the list of expenses 384 00:35:03,420 --> 00:35:06,360 from the commission, or not from the commission, 385 00:35:06,520 --> 00:35:09,640 from the center, there are a couple of expenses on there 386 00:35:10,380 --> 00:35:12,560 that I'm wondering if we can cut back on. 387 00:35:12,700 --> 00:35:15,180 For example, there is a monthly storage unit fee 388 00:35:15,180 --> 00:35:17,640 of 169.50 a month. 389 00:35:20,140 --> 00:35:25,020 If we can, we need the size storage unit we've got, which I'm assuming 390 00:35:25,020 --> 00:35:30,780 based on a little preliminary research is a 10 by 10, is there someplace else we can 391 00:35:30,780 --> 00:35:46,880 store that in a less expensive way. We've also got a square fee on there of, I think it's 392 00:35:46,880 --> 00:35:56,180 big the budget. The budget. The full budget. Now that's a square plus membership. If that, 393 00:35:56,320 --> 00:36:02,320 I'm wondering if that is for us or if that is for the chamber. And if it's for us. It's for us. 394 00:36:02,840 --> 00:36:10,000 Okay. It's our website. It's website. Is it or is it actually the ability to take credit card 395 00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:16,000 payments? Because you can get the free credit card payments. Which not for credit card payments, 396 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:20,320 credit card payments are generally processed directly through the chamber. 397 00:36:21,260 --> 00:36:25,020 Okay, but they're using a square device based on what was they provided for us at the 398 00:36:25,740 --> 00:36:32,680 yes, but I mean we can like if you want to reach out and ask them specifically for the contract 399 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:38,580 what is that charge is, please feel free. Okay because I mean if it's just the payment processing 400 00:36:39,200 --> 00:36:43,820 we can get a free account where they just charges per transaction. I don't think we've got 401 00:36:43,820 --> 00:36:49,840 that many coming in that it would be add up to four to twenty bucks a year. I will just caution 402 00:36:49,840 --> 00:37:02,880 that we cannot get money. Yeah, we we as mission are financial sponsor, which will be a discussion 403 00:37:02,880 --> 00:37:13,100 conversation. Yeah. And depending on that, they may already have a mechanism that will not be 404 00:37:13,100 --> 00:37:20,460 charged to us which is totally fair but I think we need to go through every expense that is being 405 00:37:20,460 --> 00:37:23,560 assessed against our budget and see if we can bring it down. 406 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:28,960 I agree but that means that again 407 00:37:31,140 --> 00:37:38,520 when we say we need that means that one is going to volunteer and do it otherwise it doesn't get done. 408 00:37:38,520 --> 00:37:40,320 Hi, I volunteer. 409 00:37:42,500 --> 00:37:43,620 I will be here. 410 00:37:44,200 --> 00:37:47,280 The answer is I will dig into this. 411 00:37:47,920 --> 00:37:51,200 Yep, if you want to explanation current charges, you can reach for a Haley. 412 00:37:53,240 --> 00:37:55,140 As long as they remain. 413 00:37:57,480 --> 00:38:02,600 Active, although I just be clear the Chamber of Commerce contract is over. 414 00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:03,900 Right. 415 00:38:03,900 --> 00:38:03,960 Great. 416 00:38:10,870 --> 00:38:16,110 Can I ask a question about the grant program with Q plus and peer pride. 417 00:38:16,310 --> 00:38:21,210 I know just like in the example one just has an example of capping it. 418 00:38:22,110 --> 00:38:27,370 So would that just be they would then probably go through everything and let's say events 419 00:38:27,370 --> 00:38:33,450 in half that they're doing in the community that we're paying towards. 420 00:38:33,610 --> 00:38:35,030 So it seems like capital 10,000. 421 00:38:35,170 --> 00:38:40,870 So it's save 11,000, 575, is that what it means just that the ongoing events they're doing 422 00:38:40,870 --> 00:38:45,690 monthly hypothetically for each and we need to restructure both grants because they're 423 00:38:45,690 --> 00:38:54,490 expired anyhow okay so I'll say that Q plus is already brought up significantly reducing 424 00:38:54,950 --> 00:39:03,170 their offerings due to lack of consistent attendance okay um I know I'm going to talk about fundraising 425 00:39:03,170 --> 00:39:06,950 during events later even though we're kind of like tapping in we've talked a little bit about it 426 00:39:06,950 --> 00:39:11,010 But the other thing too is like I 427 00:39:14,790 --> 00:39:20,930 don't maybe I shouldn't talk about it now when we're talking about like who's taking over like our fiduciary like stuff 428 00:39:22,890 --> 00:39:29,770 Potentially like there might be opportunities because I know in the past it's basically been like Chris writing Christopher writing grants, right? 429 00:39:30,670 --> 00:39:32,950 Applying for grants and stuff or who's writing them? 430 00:39:34,150 --> 00:39:37,770 Applying for grants like for we've received like a little something 431 00:39:38,250 --> 00:39:40,210 That was made just a lot of a couple of years. 432 00:39:40,570 --> 00:39:46,670 Okay, you know, potentially as a commission maybe like we could have a subcommittee that 433 00:39:46,670 --> 00:39:51,950 does like goes into that and like starts trying to get other and again we can't rely on 434 00:39:51,950 --> 00:39:56,970 it right now but it could be something that we start up right try to take some of that. 435 00:39:57,950 --> 00:40:01,910 It's just it's weird I'm struggling with like we're acting like a nonprofit but we're not 436 00:40:01,910 --> 00:40:05,810 nonprofit, and I'm really having our time with that. 437 00:40:09,320 --> 00:40:10,520 We can talk later, I guess. 438 00:40:12,160 --> 00:40:17,680 That's what we did. We're in a brother. Yeah. So the important thing is we are 439 00:40:17,680 --> 00:40:26,060 go back to a middle, this commission is an advisory to the mayor who makes all final decisions 440 00:40:26,060 --> 00:40:31,340 based on our recommendations. So Christopher or I have met with the mayor regularly after our 441 00:40:31,340 --> 00:40:32,080 commissioning the case. 442 00:40:35,300 --> 00:40:42,020 We advise through the mayor with our recommendations how the mayor 443 00:40:43,020 --> 00:40:53,460 authorizes our financial sponsor which is the 501C3. We, that is all commissioners here, 444 00:40:53,640 --> 00:40:59,320 none of us are on the board of this violon C3. Okay, so they're in the 501C3. 445 00:41:01,160 --> 00:41:05,760 The 501C3 exists. We never had our own 501C3. 446 00:41:07,840 --> 00:41:11,500 The chamber contract included here in the packet 447 00:41:11,500 --> 00:41:19,740 explains the relationship a little bit more in detail. But effectively they created a sub-account for 448 00:41:19,740 --> 00:41:26,760 a project called Middletown Pride and received funds on behalf of that project and dispersed funds 449 00:41:26,760 --> 00:41:30,180 as directed under the mayor's decisions in our recommendations. 450 00:41:32,700 --> 00:41:41,050 So with that, let's lose in the chamber, are they still going to solve where you have 451 00:41:41,050 --> 00:41:42,490 50,000 dollars. 452 00:41:44,750 --> 00:41:50,190 So was that me by them saying or no longer a partner, sponsored, how much income? 453 00:41:51,750 --> 00:41:57,630 Well, that's what I, we can, that's the status of the Chamber of Commerce contract, but 454 00:41:57,630 --> 00:42:06,430 So basically, spoiler, we cannot operate in any fashion as we currently are without a financial sponsor. 455 00:42:06,650 --> 00:42:19,010 And so my suggestion when we get to the status of the Chamber of Commerce contract is going to be that we need to immediately recommend to the mayor tomorrow to issue an RFP in accordance with the city of middle town's purchasing ordinances. 456 00:42:19,010 --> 00:42:30,090 So we can identify a new find and basically someone who can pretty much step into what the chamber has been providing. 457 00:42:31,630 --> 00:42:39,030 So to be honest with you, to me, you're now the chamber running price, we're not going to have price. 458 00:42:39,750 --> 00:42:48,190 That's why, yeah, we need to discuss filing an RFP. We're not only would we not have a price fast, we will not be able to have community events. 459 00:42:48,190 --> 00:42:50,350 What about this event that's literally Monday? 460 00:42:51,810 --> 00:42:58,230 So the chamber has not terminated their services. 461 00:42:59,070 --> 00:43:02,530 They are legitimately decent partners. 462 00:43:02,910 --> 00:43:06,510 And so they're still handling as Katie knows. 463 00:43:06,890 --> 00:43:08,630 They're still paying stuff on our behalf. 464 00:43:08,890 --> 00:43:13,030 But they are waiting for us to make a decision sooner rather than later. 465 00:43:13,390 --> 00:43:14,190 Okay, that makes sense. 466 00:43:15,190 --> 00:43:18,310 So now what are we going to do with the 200K rollover route? 467 00:43:19,870 --> 00:43:29,010 The 200K rollover would go to the first of people who would win an R&P and enter into 468 00:43:29,010 --> 00:43:30,370 a multi-year contract with us. 469 00:43:33,870 --> 00:43:40,230 It's in their contract at the time that their contract spires and we identify a new financial 470 00:43:40,230 --> 00:43:40,750 sponsor. 471 00:43:41,050 --> 00:43:41,930 It rolls over to them. 472 00:43:41,930 --> 00:43:47,910 If we do not, then it reverts and is given, I believe, to the city of Middletown, which 473 00:43:47,910 --> 00:43:51,430 means it disappears into the general fund that's lost for our use permanently. 474 00:43:57,110 --> 00:43:58,770 Do we want to have more conversation? 475 00:43:59,770 --> 00:44:01,550 This is the 17-minute time check. 476 00:44:02,590 --> 00:44:07,170 So my philosophy, I work with a lot of budgets, is you 477 00:44:11,200 --> 00:44:14,840 really got to hang on pass history for 478 00:44:14,840 --> 00:44:16,780 future success, at least for faces. 479 00:44:17,840 --> 00:44:31,820 So a lot of good thought in operating scholarships and raising fundraisers for income, but it's something that is tough to bank your dollar on. 480 00:44:32,120 --> 00:44:43,100 So you generally start with the biggest budget line items first and you work their way down. 481 00:44:43,760 --> 00:44:50,720 You know, you produce the soundstage, kind of, disco, the amount, the reduces I can say, 482 00:44:51,060 --> 00:44:54,820 you kind of disco the time of the event. 483 00:44:55,360 --> 00:44:59,900 And so we ask for you, I think. 484 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:27,580 We need to cap our events that we have, like, the dating night, you know, at 2000 or facts, whatever, I don't know how much. The, you know, the game night is, but maybe cap it at $1,000. They, they are, they are, it would be hard press to have them lower what it is because they're, they're not really pulling the profit. 485 00:45:27,580 --> 00:45:33,640 Yeah, well, I think we could lower the cost by capping the number of people. 486 00:45:33,820 --> 00:45:33,940 Sure. 487 00:45:34,840 --> 00:45:38,700 And maybe also reducing food options and things like that. 488 00:45:38,700 --> 00:45:40,180 Those are things we could do. 489 00:45:40,680 --> 00:45:44,700 But yeah, and I appreciate your insight on that. 490 00:45:44,980 --> 00:45:49,860 And I would just suggest rather than capping event costs at $2,000, 491 00:45:50,560 --> 00:45:56,280 I think we need to set the total expenditure in our next couple of conversations. 492 00:45:56,280 --> 00:45:59,580 It's like how much money throughout the year we're going to get to community advice. 493 00:46:00,880 --> 00:46:06,500 And that track our commitments because otherwise we'd run through the risk of, cool, now we 494 00:46:06,500 --> 00:46:07,780 have $10,000 or $10,000 of us. 495 00:46:08,060 --> 00:46:12,420 Right, but at a high level for you, how many events do we have? 496 00:46:13,400 --> 00:46:20,560 0.25, 0.26, you know, divide that by a certain amount. 497 00:46:20,560 --> 00:46:24,380 Now, you say, well, when I happen to have many, 498 00:46:25,040 --> 00:46:27,060 there'll be cats that they're going to have. 499 00:46:27,360 --> 00:46:28,940 And then it could be more. 500 00:46:30,380 --> 00:46:31,460 It's kind of that easy. 501 00:46:33,880 --> 00:46:36,320 It sounds like we have a lot of good ideas 502 00:46:36,320 --> 00:46:37,640 for how to reduce things. 503 00:46:37,820 --> 00:46:41,700 And now, because we have been kind of like, OK, OK, OK, 504 00:46:41,920 --> 00:46:45,840 because we really haven't had to worry about this all that much. 505 00:46:45,940 --> 00:46:48,880 So I think between all the people that are here 506 00:46:48,880 --> 00:46:54,900 and like I think we have enough of a mindset that we are going to be able to cut costs and places 507 00:46:54,900 --> 00:47:00,680 like I don't think anybody's like no I want to keep everything expensive like we'll figure it out 508 00:47:01,280 --> 00:47:03,620 as long as we have the community events like 509 00:47:05,670 --> 00:47:10,510 um given the time is it okay if we resume the 510 00:47:10,510 --> 00:47:17,230 schedule meeting okay do we need motion anything yeah I can have a motion uh motion to resume schedule meeting 511 00:47:17,230 --> 00:47:25,250 second Laura motion second and dolly all those in favor say hi hi all those 512 00:47:25,250 --> 00:47:34,910 opposed sanctions here we go fairly we raise our hand too next item violation of 513 00:47:34,910 --> 00:47:42,410 performer contracts hey everyone yeah so I know last month we had talked 514 00:47:42,410 --> 00:47:49,850 briefly about an issue I raised about performers that violated their contract and 515 00:47:49,850 --> 00:47:54,530 how we would like to pursue that moving forward. 516 00:47:56,610 --> 00:47:59,630 I'm still in the same sort of 517 00:47:59,630 --> 00:48:08,530 mindset that I had last month and so yeah interested in hearing if anyone has 518 00:48:08,530 --> 00:48:14,570 any thoughts about anything to pursue it otherwise I'm good at yeah yeah for me I think what 519 00:48:15,170 --> 00:48:21,370 my understanding was Derek that you were going to kind of come up with a wording of emotion 520 00:48:22,150 --> 00:48:31,650 that rather than by name we'll simply set performers who no show no called or did XYZ are 521 00:48:31,650 --> 00:48:39,150 are prohibitive from performing at Middleton Pride or something. 522 00:48:41,620 --> 00:48:41,760 Yes. 523 00:48:42,240 --> 00:48:44,140 So I would make the motion. 524 00:48:44,620 --> 00:48:57,180 So essentially performers, contractors who fail to fulfill their obligations of the contract for Middleton Pride would not be hired for future Middleton Pride events. 525 00:49:01,390 --> 00:49:09,870 Okay. So let's just be, I want to write this out specifically. So in case Christopher can't 526 00:49:09,870 --> 00:49:16,750 transcribe it. So can you say the motion slowly? Sure. So it would be, so I would make a motion 527 00:49:16,750 --> 00:49:24,390 that performers or contractors who fail to fulfill the terms of the Middletown Pride contract 528 00:49:25,410 --> 00:49:29,030 will not be hired for future Middletown Pride events. 529 00:49:40,240 --> 00:49:46,100 Okay, I'm going to kind of leave a kind of a statement. 530 00:49:47,140 --> 00:49:50,120 So first, I'm going to ask because there's a motion on the table. 531 00:49:50,440 --> 00:49:53,980 He said, I propose, you know, I don't think he officially motioned. 532 00:49:54,880 --> 00:49:56,540 He said, I would make a motion. 533 00:49:56,940 --> 00:50:00,040 If it's okay, Laura, I mean, 534 00:50:00,680 --> 00:50:04,520 What I was also going to say is I see where you're going is to do it as an amendment. 535 00:50:05,320 --> 00:50:05,600 This one. 536 00:50:05,980 --> 00:50:07,360 Yeah, but I think you're on. 537 00:50:07,480 --> 00:50:10,940 I think you have a great idea because I suspect you're now Angela. 538 00:50:11,100 --> 00:50:11,260 Yes. 539 00:50:12,220 --> 00:50:14,100 I would like to amend that myself. 540 00:50:14,480 --> 00:50:15,600 So we're going to first. 541 00:50:16,040 --> 00:50:17,060 We do not have a motion. 542 00:50:18,060 --> 00:50:19,460 Sorry, we have a motion. 543 00:50:19,580 --> 00:50:20,440 We do not have a second. 544 00:50:20,460 --> 00:50:21,380 Derek has made a motion. 545 00:50:22,200 --> 00:50:23,580 We cannot amend something. 546 00:50:23,780 --> 00:50:27,140 And I'm just trying to do this formally because this is going to have an impact. 547 00:50:27,920 --> 00:50:32,320 We have a motion, we cannot amend it until the second by Laura's evidence. 548 00:50:32,880 --> 00:50:40,060 We now enter into discussion by which Laura, do you want to offer an amendment? 549 00:50:41,810 --> 00:50:49,390 I offer an amendment that we include in outlaws that fall on advisement by the middle 550 00:50:49,390 --> 00:51:03,120 down, right, LGBTQIA plus commissions, that we can consent to an excused. Okay, 551 00:51:06,160 --> 00:51:07,900 so just 552 00:51:07,900 --> 00:51:15,940 to get the wording is like contractors who fail to fill their contract without a formal 553 00:51:37,440 --> 00:51:45,700 I'm going to ask you one more time to say that's because we have to vote on it. 554 00:51:46,980 --> 00:51:47,460 I'm going to ask you one more time to say that's because we have to vote on it. 555 00:51:47,460 --> 00:51:57,560 contractors who fail and what's your how how do you want to word it so he said that contractors 556 00:51:59,680 --> 00:52:01,260 reconsideration will be 557 00:52:03,800 --> 00:52:04,560 granted 558 00:52:05,660 --> 00:52:12,060 based on an appeal to the military LGBTQA plus commission okay 559 00:52:17,010 --> 00:52:18,890 do we have a second 560 00:52:20,530 --> 00:52:24,090 Do we we are seconding the motion to amend? 561 00:52:25,970 --> 00:52:26,990 Sure second 562 00:52:27,890 --> 00:52:33,930 Monica has the second motion by Laura to amend now. We're just discussing this a method 563 00:52:35,450 --> 00:52:40,810 So the amendment adds a reconsideration option 564 00:52:40,810 --> 00:52:47,780 I would like to tweak that slightly a 565 00:52:48,420 --> 00:52:53,180 A, the reconsideration suggests a formal process. 566 00:52:53,740 --> 00:53:00,480 I would like to put a clause in there that specifies, essentially, that contractors who 567 00:53:00,480 --> 00:53:09,680 fail to complete their contract without notice are there for, 568 00:53:12,220 --> 00:53:13,480 because if they want to cancel 569 00:53:13,480 --> 00:53:18,340 the contract and they tell us about it, they should not be subject to this, the same degree. 570 00:53:21,180 --> 00:53:27,540 We're in discussion for Laura's and you can amend an amendment and we'll just track them each. 571 00:53:27,860 --> 00:53:37,040 I will say that without notice is not, that means someone could tell you five minutes before that they're not performing. 572 00:53:37,800 --> 00:53:38,640 And that's notice. 573 00:53:38,640 --> 00:53:48,140 I would say if you want to pursue that without prior approval from the commission. 574 00:53:49,600 --> 00:53:56,040 Can I say like in the contract right there is there something in the actual contract 575 00:53:56,040 --> 00:54:02,220 that says what is a failure to like complete the contract like what counts because maybe 576 00:54:02,220 --> 00:54:09,240 that instead of us like trying to figure out the exact wording right now, like we can obviously 577 00:54:09,240 --> 00:54:17,480 do what we're doing, but like failure to what's the... you know what I was saying, we need 578 00:54:17,480 --> 00:54:23,060 60 days notice, we need 20 days notice for this, we need 20 days notice for this, or barring 579 00:54:23,060 --> 00:54:25,000 an emergency or something like that. 580 00:54:25,000 --> 00:54:32,200 and having these are the circumstances under which there are a lot of people. 581 00:54:33,540 --> 00:54:40,000 Hi everyone. So there is language in the contract that states 582 00:54:40,620 --> 00:54:45,220 the agreement that contractors perform is subjected to tension by sickness, accidents, 583 00:54:45,400 --> 00:54:50,180 riots, strikes, epidemic acts of gods or other legitimate conditions beyond their control of the 584 00:54:50,180 --> 00:54:54,600 contractor fails to perform during the a lot of time for whatever reasons. The party agrees 585 00:54:54,600 --> 00:54:57,420 that no compensation will be owed to the contractor. 586 00:54:59,500 --> 00:55:08,200 Okay, so as Derek has pointed out, the excuse and notice is baked into the contract already. 587 00:55:10,740 --> 00:55:16,720 So right now, what we have on the table is that we have the right to not hire them again 588 00:55:17,180 --> 00:55:21,860 and they have the right to appeal to the commission. 589 00:55:22,400 --> 00:55:23,680 Only if you approve my amendment. 590 00:55:23,680 --> 00:55:32,540 Right. But that's what's on the table. Yeah, we're currently approving the amendment only so the amendment will add the reconsideration was there further discussion on this specific amendment. 591 00:55:34,850 --> 00:55:37,110 Okay, seeing none all in favor. 592 00:55:38,090 --> 00:55:43,230 Commissioner Timman's amendment to add the reconsideration language. 593 00:55:44,950 --> 00:55:46,230 Say aye. 594 00:55:47,370 --> 00:55:50,710 All those opposed. 595 00:55:52,110 --> 00:56:00,030 abstentions. Okay, amendment passes. So now we vote on the policy recommendation from Derrick, 596 00:56:00,170 --> 00:56:05,350 which is failure. I'm not going to even try to remember exactly. I'm going to have to look at 597 00:56:05,350 --> 00:56:15,410 the transcript, but failure to execute your contract is going to result in a prohibition against you 598 00:56:15,410 --> 00:56:21,050 being hired again by Middletown Pride, reconsideration is possible as Laura 599 00:56:21,050 --> 00:56:27,170 meted. So with that in mind, that motion was already seconded so we go directly 600 00:56:27,170 --> 00:56:35,370 into a vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. 601 00:56:44,670 --> 00:56:45,390 Any 602 00:56:45,390 --> 00:56:48,230 status of the Chamber of Commerce contract. 603 00:56:50,490 --> 00:56:52,850 We have the contract in the packet. 604 00:56:53,330 --> 00:56:55,690 The contract is term is over. 605 00:56:57,230 --> 00:56:59,330 Chamber, as I said, are partners. 606 00:57:00,510 --> 00:57:01,670 They've been good partners. 607 00:57:02,190 --> 00:57:03,730 They understand the importance of middle company. 608 00:57:04,530 --> 00:57:06,310 So it's not like they're walking away and saying, 609 00:57:06,650 --> 00:57:08,910 your money is now dumped on your left. 610 00:57:09,910 --> 00:57:11,730 They are giving us some grace to understand 611 00:57:11,730 --> 00:57:28,650 how the city wants, but I think in general, what they were contracted to do is pretty solid. 612 00:57:29,370 --> 00:57:35,950 Like it's the services that are ultimately necessary to maintain not only 613 00:57:35,950 --> 00:57:39,910 in a high-fest, but some year-round financial stability 614 00:57:40,470 --> 00:57:44,830 and processing of payments, as well as general point of contact 615 00:57:46,310 --> 00:57:49,790 because obviously none of us are full-time pride commissioners. 616 00:57:50,670 --> 00:57:52,350 And when it comes down to dealing with contracts, 617 00:57:52,770 --> 00:57:54,430 when it comes down to dealing with contractors, 618 00:57:55,090 --> 00:57:58,590 when it comes down to maintaining the infrastructure, 619 00:57:59,230 --> 00:58:00,750 the merchandise, the inventory, 620 00:58:03,030 --> 00:58:06,070 we don't really have that ability. 621 00:58:08,430 --> 00:58:17,170 So, for that in mind, I would strongly, I mean, I'll happy to make the motion myself. 622 00:58:18,170 --> 00:58:26,230 I'm going to suggest that we recommend the mayor that in accordance with Middletowns 623 00:58:26,830 --> 00:58:32,630 purchasing and procurement guidelines that we advise the mayor if he should immediately 624 00:58:32,630 --> 00:58:34,870 issue an RFP for similar services. 625 00:58:34,870 --> 00:58:47,350 It's the just so folks know and able to your contract an excess of $100,000 will go has 626 00:58:47,350 --> 00:58:48,370 to go before the council. 627 00:58:49,590 --> 00:58:55,470 There has to be at this point a competitive bidding process which will be handled by an 628 00:58:55,470 --> 00:58:57,870 RFP for those of you who know it as a request for proposals. 629 00:58:58,510 --> 00:59:03,390 The request for proposals is actually handled as a formal government business process. 630 00:59:03,390 --> 00:59:11,690 It is published. There is a sealed bidding period. The same materials is provided during 631 00:59:12,010 --> 00:59:13,570 the RFP process. 632 00:59:16,770 --> 00:59:23,850 This is going to be clear. We cannot communicate with bitters. If you 633 00:59:23,850 --> 00:59:29,590 know someone who's interested in it, it is important for that conflict of interest, for that 634 00:59:29,590 --> 00:59:37,750 ethics that once the RFP is issued, we do not engage. If someone has a question, we direct 635 00:59:37,750 --> 00:59:40,090 them to the RFP administrator who will be purchasing. 636 00:59:42,890 --> 00:59:45,110 Is the idea it would be for the same 637 00:59:45,110 --> 00:59:54,510 $50,000 for three years or is there- That is generally not how an RFP is- Okay, they are actually 638 00:59:54,510 --> 00:59:59,870 bidding how much they'll charge us. Okay, that is- Thank you. 639 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:07,020 Technically open to negotiation, um, once depending on how it is, you know, the 20. Yep, so we 640 01:00:07,020 --> 01:00:15,500 comes in. I would be surprised. Technically, the commission was doing it for 40 because 641 01:00:15,500 --> 01:00:21,160 that there was a 10 K bonus that was amortized over the term in addition to the base thing. 642 01:00:21,560 --> 01:00:29,280 I would strongly recommend we don't characterize that as a bonus. That was because 643 01:00:29,280 --> 01:00:37,280 Their understanding of their responsibilities did not match the expectation when our 644 01:00:37,280 --> 01:00:44,640 pride fest exploded into a 35,000 person and they and I'm going to be frank, they have 645 01:00:44,640 --> 01:00:46,500 suffered losses in supporting us. 646 01:00:47,480 --> 01:00:56,220 They have taken hits and $10,000 in my opinion does not cover their losses, but that's what 647 01:00:56,220 --> 01:01:04,860 they were willing to take in order to continue the project. So I now, bonus to me, it's basically 648 01:01:04,860 --> 01:01:05,660 making up for a long time. 649 01:01:05,680 --> 01:01:11,340 So this is scope, right? So we have scope growth and that's a, that's one of the things 650 01:01:12,360 --> 01:01:17,780 or that like we didn't tell them that maybe doing logistics for a 35,000 person event with 651 01:01:18,220 --> 01:01:20,860 taking over half the city, downtown, having to deal with. 652 01:01:20,860 --> 01:01:25,420 We expect. Yeah, well, yes, the commission did not success 653 01:01:26,480 --> 01:01:29,600 It's just how good our ideas are 654 01:01:31,960 --> 01:01:37,820 So do you need a motion to say I go to the mayor and do this I would appreciate a motion 655 01:01:37,820 --> 01:01:40,840 Okay, that motion that you immediately go to the mayor 656 01:01:40,840 --> 01:01:48,180 The rest that we have a RFP for services that the chamber of commerce provided 657 01:01:48,180 --> 01:01:50,820 that it's no longer present. 658 01:01:51,520 --> 01:01:53,220 Okay, there's a motion to make a recommendation 659 01:01:54,580 --> 01:01:58,320 to the mayor to immediately issue an RFP. 660 01:01:59,860 --> 01:02:00,720 We have a second. 661 01:02:00,960 --> 01:02:01,240 Okay. 662 01:02:02,660 --> 01:02:05,040 I heard Katie first, so we're going to get Laura's 663 01:02:05,040 --> 01:02:05,600 made the motion. 664 01:02:07,580 --> 01:02:11,460 Before we go, before the vote, just so everyone knows the process. 665 01:02:12,020 --> 01:02:14,140 It's going to take once the mayor approves. 666 01:02:14,540 --> 01:02:18,100 It's going to take a bit to formally write the RFP. 667 01:02:18,100 --> 01:02:24,840 It is not an easy process because each one has to be tailored, then it has to get approved. 668 01:02:25,840 --> 01:02:30,780 It goes out to public for, I have to look at the minimum requirements. 669 01:02:32,200 --> 01:02:40,700 Then there is a review process to confirm that the bids match the bare minimum requirements. 670 01:02:41,560 --> 01:02:48,520 at that point, a decision will be made on how to process that RFP, who would award it to. 671 01:02:49,900 --> 01:02:54,520 After that, a contract has to be formally negotiated. 672 01:02:54,880 --> 01:02:58,260 That contract then has to go probably to finance and government. 673 01:02:58,840 --> 01:03:04,200 Once finance and government approves that, it has to go before the Common Council for a full vote, 674 01:03:04,420 --> 01:03:09,260 only after that time period, after that vote, 15 days later, I believe it can be executed. 675 01:03:09,260 --> 01:03:22,040 The reason I'm bringing up why it has to be done now is that if we don't get the RFP issued we may not be able to bring us to the council enough to October. 676 01:03:23,360 --> 01:03:30,400 So this is going to be a quick turnaround so we can at least have a contract award hopefully by September October at the latest. 677 01:03:30,400 --> 01:03:39,140 So from a discussion standpoint, I know that two years ago before you came on, we were 678 01:03:39,140 --> 01:03:44,880 submitting ARP's previously, is that a different scope or is that the same scope? 679 01:03:45,160 --> 01:03:50,460 That scope was to take over primary organization responsibilities, not financial. 680 01:03:51,760 --> 01:03:58,220 So that was specifically for someone to run an organizing plan. 681 01:03:58,220 --> 01:04:01,960 and just the Prime Funds, not hold our budget. 682 01:04:02,540 --> 01:04:07,800 So that the one response, that was like $60,000 bid, 683 01:04:08,400 --> 01:04:12,080 that was $60,000 just to deal with one day about it. 684 01:04:13,020 --> 01:04:16,340 This will be scoped to mimic the chamber. 685 01:04:17,040 --> 01:04:20,640 All right, so started in a row. 686 01:04:21,060 --> 01:04:25,640 So, a lot of times suppliers that handle that much money 687 01:04:25,640 --> 01:04:42,580 haven't been qualified suppliers that are kind of certified to, you know, that's a great question. 688 01:04:42,860 --> 01:04:48,920 So I first they have to be established by the one C3 or there's a couple of non-profit types 689 01:04:48,920 --> 01:04:54,060 that I suggest, you know, I'll suggest to the mayor that we go with because there are lobbyist groups 690 01:04:54,060 --> 01:04:59,900 groups who still represent the community. I'm going to suggest that they have to demonstrate 691 01:05:00,600 --> 01:05:06,760 a proven track record of having handled previous ones, which is common in our RFPs. We solicit 692 01:05:06,760 --> 01:05:13,300 full experience, like what relevant experience do you bring? I would also suggest that either 693 01:05:13,300 --> 01:05:22,500 a requirement or preferred, because we can do one or both, is that they have a mission 694 01:05:23,420 --> 01:05:27,100 that includes service to the LGBTQI plus community. 695 01:05:28,300 --> 01:05:29,920 It doesn't have to be a requirement, 696 01:05:30,740 --> 01:05:33,500 but I definitely think that we should be clear 697 01:05:33,500 --> 01:05:34,520 that you're working, 698 01:05:34,900 --> 01:05:38,980 you have experience working with LGBTQI plus people 699 01:05:40,600 --> 01:05:42,280 if you wanna be part of a pride. 700 01:05:43,200 --> 01:05:44,380 It doesn't have to be a mandatory, 701 01:05:44,380 --> 01:05:45,900 if we only get a couple of respondents 702 01:05:45,900 --> 01:05:47,340 in the early middle of the United Way. 703 01:05:51,660 --> 01:05:59,600 My question is realistically, what is the last possible day like that we need to have 704 01:05:59,600 --> 01:06:04,900 this to be able to actually pull off a pride fest next June? 705 01:06:05,740 --> 01:06:07,380 What month did I take over as a organizer? 706 01:06:08,300 --> 01:06:08,760 I don't know. 707 01:06:08,880 --> 01:06:09,380 I think it was November. 708 01:06:10,240 --> 01:06:10,480 Okay. 709 01:06:11,300 --> 01:06:11,520 Okay. 710 01:06:12,060 --> 01:06:12,180 Okay. 711 01:06:12,320 --> 01:06:15,340 I just, because like there's going to be onboarding, there's going to be like, you know, it's 712 01:06:15,340 --> 01:06:17,120 not, it's, it's like going to be hit the ground running. 713 01:06:17,120 --> 01:06:20,120 You've got to have the contract to place by January 1st. 714 01:06:20,520 --> 01:06:24,820 We'll want to contract in place before January 1st because we can't do stuff like start 715 01:06:24,820 --> 01:06:26,240 negotiating and booking. 716 01:06:27,700 --> 01:06:33,540 I understand, but you've got December where everybody's all, I'm hoping that if we issue 717 01:06:33,540 --> 01:06:37,100 the RFP, we can have the vote at the council meeting. 718 01:06:37,120 --> 01:06:44,100 Yeah, I was just wondering, I'm saying a lot, if that doesn't happen, what do we think 719 01:06:44,100 --> 01:06:50,500 like realistically, like, how late could we go without being like, that we can't do this 720 01:06:50,500 --> 01:06:50,660 year? 721 01:06:51,560 --> 01:06:59,080 Um, January, we delayed this, um, and there's still more to talk about. 722 01:06:59,280 --> 01:06:59,440 Yeah. 723 01:06:59,660 --> 01:07:00,240 I'm, yeah. 724 01:07:00,440 --> 01:07:00,720 Sorry. 725 01:07:00,880 --> 01:07:01,480 That's okay. 726 01:07:01,720 --> 01:07:11,800 I, I think that drop dead date, um, is kind of more up in the air and let's, let us, um, 727 01:07:12,400 --> 01:07:15,020 At this point, we don't have respondents, 728 01:07:15,240 --> 01:07:21,140 then the real reality is that not only made me not have a 729 01:07:21,140 --> 01:07:25,860 pre-profess, but we will be unable to continue any type of 730 01:07:25,860 --> 01:07:30,590 programming or grant programming for the future. 731 01:07:31,550 --> 01:07:33,210 Okay, can I say a quick question? 732 01:07:33,450 --> 01:07:33,610 Of course. 733 01:07:33,770 --> 01:07:36,310 Is there a minimum amount of people you need from our peers? 734 01:07:36,490 --> 01:07:38,430 Like, if one applied, that's okay. 735 01:07:38,590 --> 01:07:40,190 It's not like you have to have a certain amount. 736 01:07:40,190 --> 01:07:48,450 It is not a requirement to have a certain amount and just because we only have one doesn't mean it has to be awarded. 737 01:07:48,830 --> 01:07:50,230 Yep, we don't have the last one. 738 01:07:50,310 --> 01:07:57,190 Yep, so if someone technically qualify like gets in the door but then we look at it and say, 739 01:07:57,190 --> 01:08:07,490 huh, your entire thing may may be been made up and written by AI. May. I mean this is 740 01:08:07,490 --> 01:08:17,410 a hypothetical. Okay. I'm really going to emphasize, do not call people on the RFP. 741 01:08:18,150 --> 01:08:24,070 In advance of the RFP being issued, please feel free to tell folks that an RFP is 742 01:08:24,070 --> 01:08:30,810 going to be issued. That is okay because you can inform them that there's an opportunity, 743 01:08:33,490 --> 01:08:33,570 so 744 01:08:35,350 --> 01:08:42,610 yes. It might be nice. Yeah, and yeah, we have made it clear to some of the organizations 745 01:08:43,130 --> 01:08:52,290 that were aware of the contract ending that once we get to this point, members of the commission 746 01:08:52,290 --> 01:08:55,830 who have been having conversations with them, just about the future middle-town pride, 747 01:08:56,170 --> 01:08:59,370 those conversations at that point. 748 01:09:01,650 --> 01:09:04,910 We have a motion in a second. All those in favor of 749 01:09:04,910 --> 01:09:10,630 making their recommendation from there. Say aye. All those opposed say nay. 750 01:09:13,180 --> 01:09:13,760 Sentions. 751 01:09:14,920 --> 01:09:17,280 Matter passes with unanimous consent. 752 01:09:19,440 --> 01:09:23,160 Routine responsibilities. So there's a question 753 01:09:23,160 --> 01:09:26,380 And what do I kind of do separate from being organizer? 754 01:09:27,340 --> 01:09:27,900 Okay. 755 01:09:31,120 --> 01:09:32,560 It's on the back. 756 01:09:34,960 --> 01:09:35,060 Yeah. 757 01:09:35,860 --> 01:09:38,380 I am going to also say at this point, 758 01:09:39,600 --> 01:09:41,400 like you have the list. 759 01:09:43,380 --> 01:09:45,080 I don't think we need to do anything. 760 01:09:45,080 --> 01:09:46,400 We're going to list at this moment, 761 01:09:47,080 --> 01:09:48,180 because honestly, 762 01:09:49,760 --> 01:09:52,340 until we know what's happening with that RFP, 763 01:09:52,620 --> 01:09:53,400 until we know, 764 01:09:53,400 --> 01:09:59,860 like what is this commission going to be doing? I don't think we really need to 765 01:09:59,860 --> 01:10:07,600 start figuring out who's going to be taking individual tasks. I'll continue 766 01:10:07,600 --> 01:10:16,220 to do these to maintain, but this is also me saying, you know, again, if folks 767 01:10:16,220 --> 01:10:22,780 anytime someone says we should, that means that's we either identify a person right 768 01:10:22,780 --> 01:10:30,180 than for that or it's not going to get done. So thanks to everyone who said we should do something 769 01:10:30,180 --> 01:10:32,480 and then follow it up by volunteering to do it tonight. 770 01:10:34,900 --> 01:10:37,640 Any discussion on that task list? 771 01:10:43,930 --> 01:10:50,730 We will discuss it later. That's on point. We'll discuss it later, especially because for all we know 772 01:10:50,730 --> 01:10:59,590 Oh, as we rescope the contract, they might be, for instance, they might be much better 773 01:10:59,590 --> 01:11:04,710 and have an existing grant administration program that we can plug into and not take on 774 01:11:04,710 --> 01:11:05,930 responsibility to ourselves. 775 01:11:07,510 --> 01:11:09,070 Who would meet with us? 776 01:11:12,210 --> 01:11:12,270 Sorry. 777 01:11:12,270 --> 01:11:12,350 right? 778 01:11:15,740 --> 01:11:16,520 Yeah, right. 779 01:11:16,600 --> 01:11:20,660 We wasn't, if they wanted to do it. 780 01:11:23,680 --> 01:11:24,240 Okay. 781 01:11:24,320 --> 01:11:27,260 Similarly, with Militant Pride 2027, we're all some responsibilities. 782 01:11:28,220 --> 01:11:36,920 You know, we have people who volunteer for Valley Producer, March Producer, and Showcase Producer. 783 01:11:37,600 --> 01:11:38,680 Thanks to everyone who did. 784 01:11:38,820 --> 01:11:39,840 Thanks for everyone who stepped up. 785 01:11:40,340 --> 01:11:44,320 But I think it's premature right now to even come up with that assignment. 786 01:11:44,320 --> 01:11:50,540 because we don't know what price is going to look like next. But keep in mind as we get closer 787 01:11:50,540 --> 01:11:56,960 with that RFP, once it's awarded, we will still be giving direction on how we imagine things to go. 788 01:12:03,130 --> 01:12:04,050 Yearly events? 789 01:12:06,120 --> 01:12:07,100 Does anyone have any comments? 790 01:12:09,990 --> 01:12:12,590 So given the fact that 791 01:12:12,590 --> 01:12:16,710 to some of the ease that are going to be a hurry 792 01:12:17,130 --> 01:12:19,670 for we have to move kind 793 01:12:21,680 --> 01:12:23,860 of to soldier outside the chamber. 794 01:12:24,660 --> 01:12:27,280 How are we playing on like that? 795 01:12:27,860 --> 01:12:30,440 I think that in terms of our yearly events 796 01:12:30,440 --> 01:12:33,220 and our current community events, 797 01:12:35,770 --> 01:12:38,330 we should think about what events we want to host 798 01:12:38,930 --> 01:12:45,490 and we can propose them after we come up with, 799 01:12:45,490 --> 01:12:48,210 just how we want to handle the options of finances. 800 01:12:49,670 --> 01:12:55,470 But I wouldn't, I would suggest that we not abandon our general routine plans. 801 01:12:55,950 --> 01:13:03,710 We should be making sure that whatever we pose is very, has an eye towards keeping costs 802 01:13:03,710 --> 01:13:04,310 in control. 803 01:13:04,770 --> 01:13:08,770 And it could be like maybe when we propose an event and we approve it out of the meeting, 804 01:13:09,050 --> 01:13:13,150 we have to go to the chamber and say, would you be willing to process this thing of course? 805 01:13:15,510 --> 01:13:20,470 At this point, I'm going to take it as a given until they tell us otherwise that they're 806 01:13:20,470 --> 01:13:22,890 going to continue to serve as our financial sponsor. 807 01:13:23,210 --> 01:13:29,250 It's just like they are in the process of kind of can tell you, as we get closer to November, 808 01:13:31,050 --> 01:13:38,170 they're not going to be as engaged in terms of planning for the next year. 809 01:13:38,310 --> 01:13:39,930 They're not going to handle the contracts or anything. 810 01:13:39,930 --> 01:13:44,430 Uh, um, do you have any other comments, Laura? 811 01:13:47,710 --> 01:13:54,850 Um, you know, given that Wesley and I'm not clear on their relationship, 812 01:13:58,190 --> 01:13:59,150 you say they've made 813 01:13:59,150 --> 01:14:05,470 love and longer be sorry. We did all the events at Wesley and because they were sponsored. 814 01:14:06,290 --> 01:14:12,810 And I wonder if that's going to be something that we want to see good doing. 815 01:14:13,930 --> 01:14:14,770 Do you want to? 816 01:14:14,990 --> 01:14:20,890 I will just say I don't think that Wesleyan is just going to stop hosting events on campus. 817 01:14:21,270 --> 01:14:23,350 That's, I can't imagine that happening. 818 01:14:24,150 --> 01:14:28,830 And in particular, like the October ones are like they do a whole month long thing. 819 01:14:30,190 --> 01:14:33,890 And I'm sure it's in the budget for this year for the Resource Center. 820 01:14:34,110 --> 01:14:40,030 I can check with Dolatria, but I'm sure it's already there for this year. 821 01:14:40,030 --> 01:14:47,070 There are effectively multiple branches of Besson, so the office that is in charge of 822 01:14:47,070 --> 01:14:53,650 basically their community engagement is not the office that has been working with us 823 01:14:54,470 --> 01:14:59,970 and partnering with the student body and employees faculty and us to host the event. 824 01:15:00,210 --> 01:15:05,930 It's a completely disconnected, but that's a good, that's a good concern to have. 825 01:15:09,750 --> 01:15:13,730 Yeah, moving 826 01:15:13,730 --> 01:15:20,630 out to end, fundraising during events. I just, you know, we host these events for free to the 827 01:15:20,630 --> 01:15:28,510 public, and I love that. But there are people that I think would be willing to like donate 828 01:15:28,510 --> 01:15:34,390 something if it was just like a like when they check in just be like there's no 829 01:15:34,390 --> 01:15:39,230 cost to this event but if you ever want to donate to Middletown Pride to help 830 01:15:39,230 --> 01:15:43,370 us keep events like this going here's a QR code like that's it like I don't 831 01:15:43,370 --> 01:15:46,990 want to be like pushy or anything but just like saying going forward at any 832 01:15:46,990 --> 01:15:52,290 events that we do host just having a QR code available to be able to like but I 833 01:15:52,290 --> 01:15:57,070 don't even know if we have a portal for donations that's the other like so 834 01:15:57,070 --> 01:15:58,450 That's why I wanted to talk about it. 835 01:15:58,990 --> 01:16:03,930 My suggestion, dolly, would be to reach out to Hilly 836 01:16:06,610 --> 01:16:11,790 and CC me in Christopher, please, and vice chair Katie. 837 01:16:12,830 --> 01:16:16,090 And say we, you know, I always start up 838 01:16:16,090 --> 01:16:20,110 I think, you know, we are in the process of, you know, 839 01:16:20,730 --> 01:16:25,530 identifying a new financial sponsor, but in the short term, 840 01:16:26,150 --> 01:16:31,110 could you help us create a donation portal so that we can start fundraising at our events? 841 01:16:32,950 --> 01:16:37,270 So I think that's going to be a small ask and then you can report back to us 842 01:16:37,270 --> 01:16:43,150 and what they say and if they say yes before our next meeting share the QR code with everybody. 843 01:16:44,650 --> 01:16:50,090 Cool thank you. Thank you for bringing me up. Anything else to discuss on that? 844 01:16:52,860 --> 01:17:00,780 old business. Another pain. How was the last game? Fantastic. 845 01:17:03,160 --> 01:17:03,900 We had a good 846 01:17:03,900 --> 01:17:09,600 group of people. That was only a lot of new people again. Yeah. Yeah, it's great. 847 01:17:09,800 --> 01:17:14,720 We're just seeing every time that there's new people coming and it feels like 848 01:17:14,720 --> 01:17:18,800 we're reaching more. I find it just really interesting. This is the last couple 849 01:17:18,800 --> 01:17:22,500 months. It's a good amount of people. Sometimes there'll be even like ten 850 01:17:22,500 --> 01:17:24,600 and people that come in that are brand new, 851 01:17:24,860 --> 01:17:26,840 just really excited about it, it's really laid back. 852 01:17:27,320 --> 01:17:28,940 I feel like we have waves, like we'll have waves 853 01:17:28,940 --> 01:17:30,580 and people coming over and over again, 854 01:17:30,720 --> 01:17:32,060 and then they'll kind of stop coming, 855 01:17:32,260 --> 01:17:34,400 and then there's like this new wave that comes in. 856 01:17:35,500 --> 01:17:38,240 But like I said, Jen keeps getting feedback 857 01:17:38,240 --> 01:17:40,800 from the community, it's kind of become a, 858 01:17:41,380 --> 01:17:43,440 like every time I'm there, there's definitely 859 01:17:43,440 --> 01:17:47,940 like community there, like it's become a safe space, 860 01:17:48,160 --> 01:17:49,840 I think, in the community, which is nice. 861 01:17:49,840 --> 01:17:57,740 it's fantastic yes I want to read my check-out was when we first started in 862 01:17:57,740 --> 01:18:06,680 2019 I want to have pride 365 and so I had December now skating at the ice 863 01:18:06,680 --> 01:18:16,760 ring one person so for this growth is really amazing it's nice I'm more 864 01:18:16,760 --> 01:18:21,520 consistent stuff, I think, it's like people start hearing about it and be like, oh yeah, 865 01:18:22,200 --> 01:18:23,040 it's cool. 866 01:18:26,060 --> 01:18:27,780 We can do a nice skating again one day. 867 01:18:28,020 --> 01:18:30,320 Okay, I'm going to let it ring again. Oh, it's gone. 868 01:18:30,900 --> 01:18:36,680 These would be demolished if it's a Middletown 5 gram program, Q plus is on 869 01:18:36,680 --> 01:18:40,380 suspension, pure pride. At this point it's 870 01:18:41,600 --> 01:18:44,840 operating as if the grant has not been suspended but I have to 871 01:18:44,840 --> 01:18:49,720 if there's some folks about how your privacy is structured for taking leadership responsibilities. 872 01:18:50,540 --> 01:18:55,020 And then we'll be able to have a conversation like I'm not going to suggest we renew. 873 01:18:55,520 --> 01:19:00,100 I'm not going to file for renewals to grant until we come up with our next steps in our guidance. 874 01:19:01,340 --> 01:19:05,140 We skipped A to the Pride pedal. 875 01:19:06,180 --> 01:19:08,380 Well, I want to end on the Pride pedal. 876 01:19:08,380 --> 01:19:09,960 Oh, perfect. 877 01:19:11,300 --> 01:19:16,020 We have to make the motion to, you know, move the agenda item. 878 01:19:17,540 --> 01:19:18,840 I hear by Rizanta's chair. 879 01:19:23,360 --> 01:19:27,400 I'll say it was great event. We had just about 30 people who came. 880 01:19:28,120 --> 01:19:30,220 A lot more than that signed up and. 881 01:19:31,020 --> 01:19:35,080 They were still impressed by how many came because they said sometimes they'll get. 882 01:19:36,400 --> 01:19:41,820 15, maybe 20 people so it was a great event. 883 01:19:42,320 --> 01:19:48,160 We went after to the brewery and had pizza and beverages 884 01:19:48,160 --> 01:19:52,660 and it was just, it was really neat to see a community in a different way. 885 01:19:53,220 --> 01:19:56,320 On the river it was really neat to see there was a bunch of new people. 886 01:19:56,420 --> 01:20:00,480 I would say half the people there had not participated in the pool before, 887 01:20:00,480 --> 01:20:05,580 possibly had ever kayaked before. So they brought a lot of boats for people to use and we're 888 01:20:05,580 --> 01:20:11,960 you know teaching them at the beginning how to do it and how to pull the invasive water chestnuts 889 01:20:11,960 --> 01:20:20,340 well. And then it was meet people at the snacks and drinks. We're just really spending time. 890 01:20:21,020 --> 01:20:25,760 I don't know hanging out and talking. It was very neat. It just felt very community heavy and just 891 01:20:26,420 --> 01:20:35,320 great showing. We did not have ASL, so we did not, it'll be 500 less than what we had originally 892 01:20:37,320 --> 01:20:41,560 put through, so that was, that worked out too. But yeah, it was a great event. 893 01:20:46,770 --> 01:20:47,170 Thank you. 894 01:20:52,400 --> 01:20:59,280 I'm going to entertain a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn. Thank you. Laura made the motion.