The committee focused on preparing for public information sessions aimed at explaining the senior center project to residents. These sessions are scheduled to occur at multiple locations, including the town hall, senior center, library, and high school auditorium, throughout September and October. The goal is to engage the community, providing clear and comprehensive details about the project. A committee member named Ellen spearheaded these outreach efforts, emphasizing the need for visual elements in the postcards and the timely distribution of materials. Ellen stressed the importance of making necessary adjustments to the visuals to ensure the community could see how the new center might look. The postcards, estimated at $1,922.70 for printing and mailing, form a part of this outreach, intended to inform the populace about the project and encourage participation in the public sessions.

Additionally, the committee has planned to utilize yard signs strategically placed throughout the town. The signs, costing approximately $770 for 100 pieces, are intended to catch the eye with minimal text for maximum visibility. There was a debate about whether to include the date of the election on the signs, with some members suggesting using stickers to keep the signs adaptable for any changes in election dates.

Furthermore, concerns about misinformation on social media were raised, with committee members urged to monitor local platforms to correct inaccuracies. The committee discussed the potential complications of multiple members engaging in social media discussions, noting that the presence of five or more members in a conversation thread could be problematic.

The meeting also delved into the financial aspects of the senior center project. There was a concerted effort to ensure financial clarity, with the committee preparing detailed breakdowns of construction and soft costs. This preparation is aimed at facilitating discussions with the finance and capital committees, as the project seeks endorsements from both.

In addition to the outreach and financial discussions, there was a proposal to use mobile signs at the fire station for advertising purposes. However, the use of town property for advocacy brought up questions about regulations, requiring clarification from town officials. The committee also considered banners with a “vote yes” message but acknowledged limitations on where these could be displayed.

To further engage the community, the committee intends to distribute materials at various town locations, including grocery stores and the transfer station. Linda, a member involved in outreach, is coordinating efforts at the transfer station, while Katie manages input on related Facebook pages. This outreach strategy is bolstered by a new website dedicated to the project, separate from general town information, to streamline communication and focus on building details.

The committee’s discussion underscored the importance of ensuring all members are aligned in their communications to the community, especially before upcoming meetings and presentations. The need for effective collaboration and communication was emphasized to secure the necessary community and committee support for the senior center project.

As the meeting concluded, scheduling for the next committee meeting was discussed, with a consensus forming for a meeting at 4 PM on an unspecified date. This meeting will likely focus on internal reviews and preparation for the capital planning or income meetings. The committee expressed that these internal discussions might not attract public attendance, but they remain crucial for the project’s progress.