A central focus of the meeting was the committee’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee engaged in discussions about how to allocate funds effectively among various programs and events. The committee had been allocated $30,500 for the current year, with discussions underway on how to request funds for the next year. Members were tasked with distinguishing between ‘needs’ and ‘wishes’ in their budget requests. The debate around budget allocations was lively, with members encouraged to articulate what they considered necessary versus desired if additional funds were available.

One point of contention was the transportation service that previously provided free rides on weekends for seniors to attend religious services. With the service no longer available on Saturdays and Sundays, the committee discussed the need for sponsorship. The importance of ensuring that seniors could access their places of worship was underscored, as the committee had been the sole financial supporter of this service.

Moreover, the committee grappled with budget adjustments for existing programs. The successful domino tournament, funded by the city, and the Halloween social, covered by sponsorship money, were highlighted as examples of community events that did not require committee funds. Conversely, the budget for senior field trips saw a proposed increase from $6,000 to $7,500, with members wishing for $10,000, citing rising bus service costs as a contributing factor.

Further discussions covered potential new events and the necessity of securing sponsorships. Ideas included a domino tournament and summer programming such as movie nights, with a suggestion to incorporate yoga or zumba classes. The committee was encouraged to propose new classes or programs, which would be voted on in subsequent meetings.

Attendance and engagement of committee members remained a significant topic. There was discussion about the importance of consistent participation, both in meetings and events organized by the committee. Members emphasized the need for clear communication regarding absences and participation, with the possibility of action being taken against those who miss three consecutive meetings without a valid excuse.

The meeting also featured a discussion on the design and installation of a commemorative plaque for architect Ilario Candela. The proposal to honor Candela was met with enthusiasm, with private property owners offering to cover costs associated with the plaque’s creation. This initiative was seen as a way to celebrate local history and architecture without incurring expenses for the town.

The committee’s efforts to balance budget considerations with the desire for quality entertainment for community celebrations were evident in the deliberations over the July 4th event. A proposed fee of $300 for a Broadway singer to perform the national anthem sparked debate, with some members advocating for a lower fee or suggesting local talent be considered. The committee aimed to balance budget constraints with the desire to provide engaging and high-quality entertainment.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the need for additional sponsors for upcoming events, with the committee short by a few hundred dollars. A workshop was scheduled for the following Monday to review committee rules and procedures, emphasizing the importance of established protocols for event planning and budget management.