A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming town election on November 4th, where voters will decide the fate of the senior center project and the allocation of $2 million in capital stabilization. With the town meeting having already voted in favor of the project on October 27th, the committee is now concentrating on ensuring a robust voter turnout. Plans for outreach include robocalls and social media campaigns to remind the community of the critical two-step process: town meeting approval followed by voter participation at the polls. The campaign’s effectiveness was underscored by the chair, who mentioned plans for another round of telephone robocalls on the Monday morning preceding the election.

Logistics for polling were also discussed, with particular attention paid to the positioning of supporters outside the polling place. Members emphasized compliance with regulations regarding electioneering proximity, identifying a light pole with a flag as a reference point for where supporters should stand. Additionally, arrangements were made to provide transportation assistance for voters needing rides to the polls, with information disseminated through previous outreach efforts.

In anticipation of the election results, which will be announced both physically at the Great Hall and online after the polls close at 8 p.m., the committee expressed hope that those unable to attend the town meeting would still participate in the election. The importance of engaging supporters from the town meeting was reiterated, highlighting the need to remind them of their role in the electoral process.

Beyond the election, the committee delved into potential fundraising efforts to support the senior center project. Discussions centered on the roles of the building committee and the Friends of the Senior Center group, with a focus on how the committee could assist in fundraising given the limited number of active members in the Friends group. The committee recognized the importance of a coordinated and well-scripted approach to avoid confusing potential donors. One member noted the need to prevent situations where multiple solicitations overlap, emphasizing the necessity of clear communication.

Fundraising strategies were further explored, with the committee considering both large-scale business donations and smaller initiatives, such as selling bricks for a patio. However, members expressed caution about the practicality of accepting non-cash donations, as architectural compatibility could pose challenges. A disclosure agreement for those involved in business outreach was suggested to maintain transparency and avoid conflicts of interest.

The committee also discussed the design development phase of the project, which is estimated to last two to three months. Members expressed optimism that, pending approvals, the project could be ready for bidding by early next year. The importance of a detailed timeline was highlighted, with a suggestion to create a Gantt chart outlining upcoming milestones, including groundbreaking dates and the bidding process.

In terms of meeting logistics, members debated future meeting locations and schedules, considering both high-traffic areas and virtual options. With some members unavailable for specific dates, the week of the 17th was proposed for the next formal meeting. Coordination with contractors Vertex and Kapper was deemed essential.

As the meeting concluded, members reiterated the importance of managing the project’s budget responsibly, emphasizing the need for value engineering during the design development phase to ensure costs remain in line with expectations. Concerns were raised about potential cost overruns and the obligation to explore cost-saving measures without compromising the project’s integrity.