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April 4, 2007 – committee meeting, held in GG school.  Present:  15 committee members, Warren, and 9 community members.  Terry Fluke called the meeting to order and opened with some general announcements.  Adam Rabel will be the spokesman and go-between for give/take between our group and the Fire Department Board.  Terry Fluke is stepping down as chair but, will remain on the committee and attend meetings when she is able.  Christie and Diane did some individual research on webpage construction.  Christie got the most reasonable quote and will move forward to implement as soon as possible.  She was asked to be sure to add a web template, so that the site is interactive.  Doug motioned to elect a committee to decide on a group name – for ease in recognizing us and setting up a webpage.  The name committee returned shortly thereafter with our new name:  “Gateway Community Plan”, with a backup of “GG Community Plan” for use on the webpage address.  From this time forward, our process is known as the Gateway Community Plan and the committee members as the Gateway Community Planners.

Warren briefly spoke about the Gateway Village Project.  The new application should be submitted in the next few weeks and is expected to request a 5-lot minor subdivision, much different from the initial request.  Each lot is roughly 12 acres and each can be developed into “almost anything” since there is no zoning in place, but is subject to approval.  This will keep their options wide open and they are merely setting the stage for what is to be proposed next.

Back to the webpage set-up:  Christie will put things in motion, pay for it, and figure out about incorporating or setting us up as a non-profit organization.  Doug stated that being a non-profit will help protect the group from liability.  Doug & Siobhan presented their version of our mission statement.  Everyone should read it and funnel ideas/changes/additions either via e-mail or to Doug’s fax number 582-0628.

Warren presented the group with a Draft Work Program.  This document includes and addresses three phases:  Collecting and Analyzing Information, Developing the Community Vision, and Implementation, including Neighborhood Planning Policies and (possibly) Regulations.  Warren stated that he is fully engaged in our group and that we should put him to work.  He will help us through every step of our process and can provide a wealth of information to our group and community.  He stressed the fact that we need to have a kick-off event within 6-8 weeks – some sort of community gathering to inform everyone in our focus area of our process and plan, as well as to solicit as much input as possible.  He will help structure the event(s), collect and type information, and be present for all events and our meetings.  Someone suggested a spaghetti feed . . . where your filled out survey is your meal-ticket.

Next, we discussed our survey and received a draft of what is proposed to be sent to our focus area.  The only changes suggested were:  a cover letter, explaining our purpose, should be included.  “Protecting Property Rights/Values” should be included under question #6.  Dick D. did the footwork regarding the survey printing/addressing/mailing and provided our sample copies.  They will cost about .69 each.  It was suggested that we also have additional copies of the survey to be available at our kick-off event and any other community events where there will be high community attendance.

Our funding needs are apparent.  With the cost of the website and our survey mailing, we will need roughly $850 right off the bat.  Kerri Payne will draft a letter to the Planning Board requesting funds needed and documentation to support the request.  We will need to attend to fundraising in the very near future.

Christie Francis and Richard “Dick” Shockley were voted in as co-chairs of our group.  Along with Kerri Payne and Margaret Jarrett, these four individuals are recognized “signers” for our bank account.  Any combination of at least two of these individuals will be acceptable.  Kerri will also provide a bank balance accounting at each future meeting. 

Warren suggested that an “executive board” meet with him, on the odd weeks when our group does not usually meet, to discuss progress and future agenda items.  Our executive board consists of Christie and Dick S..  They, Kerri Payne, and Warren will meet next Wednesday for a lunch meeting at Stacey’s.  Anyone can attend.  Our regular committee meetings will continue on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday evenings (7-9) of each month . . . forever?!  Patti Steinmuller assured us of the availability of the GGCC.

Adam Rabel raised the question of objectivity at our meetings.  He is concerned that we should dwell on our committee business and agenda items that are of interest to our cause, not on individuals or particular projects, until we have a committee plan.  We will discuss “meeting structure” on a future agenda.  In all cases we, the committee, must be objective, impartial, and a vehicle for the public voice.  Otherwise, we will not be trusted or viewed as credible.  Warren suggested “The Rumor Mill” – get everything (rumors, suspicions, etc.) on the table for discussion, during the first 10 or 15 minutes, to ease fears and questions.  Rumors, no gossip.

We discussed fundraising and exposure opportunities to get our message out and about the community, and to get our surveys circulating (in addition to the mailing).  On April 21^st, there will be a Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast at the GGCC.  Adam volunteered to distribute/collect surveys.  We should probably supply a drop box and pens/pencils for that purpose.

The next meeting is on April 18^th at the GGCC.  Since the fireman’s breakfast is on the 21^st, we are hoping to have the survey done by then.  We picked several tentative dates for our kick-off event.  Patti Steinmuller will e-mail us with availability of the GGCC.

Terry Fluke was thanked for serving as our chair and the meeting was adjourned.