Community Benefits Committee Meeting Agenda, 11/15/23

AGENDA, November 15, 2023

1. Introductions

2. Requested vote to accept Center Court’s $750k gift. Membership vote deferred to December

3. Update on IRS 501C 4 status, Center Court’s Memorandum of Agreement and new CSHCA By Law changes to manage the $750k. These issues being worked on by our 501C4 sub-committee

4. Third review/recommendations for allocating the $750k  (First draft prepared at our 9/20/23 meeting, second draft at our 10/18/23 meeting.). Specific items proposed were:

a. allocate $750k over  3 years; focus on efforts that build “community” and seeks funding for future efforts                      

b. hire a consultant to be CSHCA staff 

                      -one staff  at  $100k/y   or $50k/y 

                      – hire 2 (or 3) with each having separate responsibilities

                      -summary of CSHCA meeting with lobbyist firm O’Neill Associates

c. develop more specific tasks for the proposed general areas of work for staff

                      -champion CSHCA Priorities for all Community Benefits from area 

                         (Comprehensive Planning, Infrastructure, Beautification,   Pedestrian                             Ways, Public Spaces)

                      -advocate for CSHCA positions with government officials

                      -communicate CSHCA positions

                      -develop and implement strategies as directed

                      -focus on business districts   (Dot Ave, SH Ave, Columbia Rd)

                                              –problem properties

                                              –seek funding for property improvements

                                              –organize retail events

                                              –pursue tree plantings, traffic and parking “fixes”

                                              –ensure safety policies

 d. hire consultant to develop our Vision for Freeport St/Dot Ave/Bay St, the entire      CSHCA area and review CSHCA Mission Statement

 e. fund 4 CSHCA committees annually

  f. fund necessary administrative expenses 

 5. Next steps       (Next CB meeting, Wednesday,  December 20, 2023)