Burlington City Arts Board of Directors
Regular MeetingBurlington, VT · March 17, 2026
Minutes
BCA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
BCA Studios, 405 Pine Street
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Board Members Present: Michelle Buswell, David Zacharis, Billi Gosh, Dana vanderHeyden, Rachel Kahn-
Fogel, Hannah Lebel, Kristina Pentek, Parker Silver, Sarah Rogers, ONLINE: Greg Danford(BCAF Board),
Lori Rowe, Kelly Butts-Spirito, Livia Demarchis
Absent: Robin Pierce, Deb Wilkinson, Lisa Lillibridge, Barbara Perry, Laura McDonough, Bryan Parmelee
Staff present: Sara Katz, Rachel Zellem, Meara McGinniss, Elena Rosen, Zach Williamson
Sarah Rogers called the meeting to order at 3:10.
1. Approve Agenda & Minutes
• Parker Silver moved to accept the agenda meeting, Michelle Buswell seconded. All were in
favor.
• Parker Silver moved to accept the agenda with changes (add Elena Rosen to staff in attendance),
David Zacharis seconded. All were in favor.
2. Public Forum
No one from the public was in attendance. It was noted that Greg Danford, Foundation Board
member was present
3. Financial Update
Michelle Buswell, Treasurer, gave an update on finances: The City is looking at 10-12% budget
cuts across all departments. BCA is doing well in many of our revenue categories, but down in
corporate sponsorships. Due to several factors, many of BCA’s larger corporate sponsors ($25K-
$35K) have not returned. The development team is trying to fill that hole with smaller ($1k-$5K)
sponsors. Michelle asked the board to review the list of corporate sponsors that Rachel Zellem
sent around and be in touch with Rachel if they are able to make an introduction.
Community room rentals is another area where board members can help by spreading the
word. Lori Rowe asked if having fewer winter markets created fewer expenses. Sara Katz
explained that no, downsizing the BTV markets did not reduce the bottom line significantly. Lori
then asked what the budget category “Professional and Consultant Services” means. Sara Katz
explained that is where contracted non-artist expenses live, such as port-o-potties for festivals.
Kristina Pentek asked to what extent has the team been focused on real estate agents and
brokers. Kristina offered to reach out to her broker. Kristina suggested a “call to action” email to
board members, listing specific ways that board members can help. Lori agreed and emphasized
that a specific ask of board help exist within a specific time-frame. Sarah Rogers asked how
often would that be helpful. Hannah Lebel suggested a monthly email with specific campaign
areas. Rachel Zellem pointed out the time sensitive nature of event sponsorships. Sara Katz
commented that these could be two parallel initiatives.
Sara Katz reviewed the financial statement and asked for further questions.
4. Fundraising Update
Billi Gosh gave the fundraising update. This Friday, March 20th BCA is hosting the opening reception
for the spring gallery exhibitions, Human Impact: Contemporary Art and Our Environment and
What's the Difference? Sculptural Ideas, including a special preview of exhibitions at 4pm for major
donors. Sarah Rogers is hosting a fundraiser at her house later in the spring, which will include an
auction and live music. Stephen Kiernan is having a book launch, which will include an interactive
community made art piece and a fundraiser for BCA. Sara Katz discussed the vacant Director of
Philanthropy position and the fundraising team structure. Meara McGinniss mentioned that the
Spring Appeal would get underway in April, focusing on a digital approach to donors who have given
$500 and under. David Zacharis asked if board members could receive an email script for peer-to-
peer fundraising. Dana vanderHeyden asked about a beautiful note card that board members could
send to prospective donors. Meara explained that volunteers in the print studio are currently
working on a lovely card that will be distributed to board members. The fundraising team will be in
touch about all of these opportunities.
5. Community Room at 405 – Presentation
Zach Williamson and Elena Rosen presented on event rentals in the community room. The
presentation can be found here. Lori asked about the rate sheet and whether the wedding rates
should be separated into another sheet. David Zacharis asked about the sound system and Zach
explained that there was a more complex sound system for music and bands. Kristina Pentek asked
about licensing and IP for music and Zach explained that the city holds an ASCAP license. Krisitina
asked what distinguished this space from other community spaces in Burlington. Zach explained that
the parking, accessibility, and high quality technology really set it apart. Kristina suggested
connecting with the Vermont Womenpreneurs. Dana vanderHeyden suggested a brochure that
could be easily distributed. David Zacharis suggested hosting a wedding fair. Livia DeMarchis
suggested reaching out professional groups such as the VT Bar Association.
6. Sustainability Discussion
Sarah Rogers discussed setting the stage for a conversation that would span the next two years
about what sustainability looks like for BCA. Sara Katz prepared a packet to outline the three
different entities that make up BCA and how they interact, to help the board better understand the
financial structure. Sarah Rogers asked the board to review this ahead of the next meeting and
encouraged the board to begin to think creatively about the future of BCA. At the next board
meeting someone from the BCAF board will be here to talk about collaboration between the two
boards. Dana vanderHeyden asked about plans for the north side of 405. The current plan is to
condo-ize the building and find a buyer for the $2.2 million, 16,000 sq foot northern half. These
proceeds will pay back the $2 million new market tax credit loan that was used to buy the building in
2019. Sara Katz explained that BCAF board members have begun taking prospective buyers on tours,
starting with area non-profits partners. Michelle Buswell suggested contacting CVOEO and the
United Way.
7. Adjournment
Parker Silver moved to adjourn, Michelle Buswell seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:49.
COMMUNITY
ROOM
PAST EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
Art Hop Dance Party 9/05/2025 Israel Odekuule Wedding 3/21/2026
Art Hop - Concerts 9/06/2025 BED All Night Dance Party 3/27/2026
SMASH VT September Tournament 9/27/2025 Early Bird Ladie’s Dance 4/3/2026
Lili Ruane Celebration 10/09/2025 BED All night Dance Party 4/17/2026
Joy Riders VT - BIPOC Skate 10/18/2025 Two Wheels Move the Soul 4/24/2026
Early Bird Dance 10/25/2025 Release Party (Robber Robber)
Schuster Rave 11/1/2025 STEPS VT Benefit 5/8/2026
M&T Corporate Non-profit panel 11/13/2025 BFC Trivia Night 5/9/2026
BTV Winter Market 11/29/2025 BED 4 Year Anniversary 5/16/2026
Board & Friends Celebration 12/9/2025 Stephen Kiernan Pollock’s Last 5/18/2026
Lover Book Release Party
Court Taylor Family get together 12/14/2025
BHS High School Reunion 5/23/2026
BED NYE Rave 12/31/2025
Vassia Wedding Reception 6/27/2026
Groundhog Fest 1/30-31/2026
Odile Carroll Wedding Reception 8/29/2026
Burlington Dem Election Results Party 3/3/2026
Congolese Community Party 3/14/2026
*BCA Produced Events
$94,560 EVENT RENTALS TOTAL
FY26 Gross Revenue Budget
$50,000 COMMUNITY ROOM RENTALS
FY26 Gross Revenue Budget
$6,621 COMMUNITY ROOM RENTAL ACTUAL INCOME
September to Present
$7,373 PROJECTED RENTALS
through June 30
$20,000 GOAL ADDITIONAL
through June 30
$50,000 GOAL FY27
$2,151 PROJECTED RENTALS FY27 (TO DATE)
FEE STRUCTURE
BASIC RATE INCLUDES
Events, meetings, movies, and conferences - Up to 140 chairs
with low production needs and no kitchen access. - 10 folding tables (8' x 1.5')
- 16 folding tables (6' x 2.5')
Non-Profits and community groups with - 12 round tables (5' diameter)
$325 FLAT RATE +
annual budgets less than $500,000 receive a - 6 cocktail rounds (2.5' diameter)
$50 PER HOUR
$100 discount on the flat rate. - Podium
- Basic room lights with lighting presets
- Basic sound system with up to 4 wireless microphones
- 92 x 164" 16:9 motorized projection screen with an 8,000 lumen laser projector
- One BCA Event Staff
COMPLEX RATE INCLUDES
Concerts, dinners, kitchen access and/or hired - The Basic Rate package as described above
bar service. - Complete QSC Sound System with Allen & Heath sound console and mic package
$500 FLAT RATE
- Light console for lighting control and performance lighting $175 PER HOUR
- Two BCA Event Staff (Additional staff may be added at BCA’s discretion.)
RENTAL ADD-ONS Seasonal use of the outdoor space $50 FLAT RATE / $50 PER HOUR
Additional BCA Staff, per staff person $40 PER HOUR
Wedding and wedding receptions $425 FLAT RATE
Deliveries and pick-ups outside of the hours of the rental $50 PER HOUR
Cooking and kitchenware (for up to 100 people) $400 FLAT RATE
BCA Community Room Marketing Plan
(FY26: Jan–Jun)
GOAL
Increase bookings by $20,000 before the end of the fiscal
year and grow awareness of the BCA Community Room as the
premier gathering and event space in Burlington’s South End
Arts District.
TARGET AUDIENCES
Individuals: weddings, birthdays, graduations, celebrations, life events.
Artists and creatives—concerts, film-screenings, art events
Businesses: meetings, networking events, corporate retreats
Community Organizations: workshops, gatherings, community events
MARKETING TACTICS
Paid media: Seven Days, Burlington Community Newspaper,
BANG, Paid Social, Front Porch Forum
Organic promotion: social media series (Community Room
Close-Up), sharing photos and social media promotion
from rentals, collecting renter testimonials to share, direct
outreach support from Board and staff
Street visibility: Sandwich board on Pine St, one-sheet out
in BCA Studios, poster campaign across Chittenden County
KEY MESSAGE
Flexible, well-equipped event space in an inspiring arts
setting—rentals support BCA and the arts community
BUDGET (JAN–JUN) Total: $4,820
Packet
Burlington City Arts
405 Pine St
Community Room
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 3:00 PM
https://zoom.us/j/93537536705?pwd=RlpEeU1hL3l5TjJiYWdvOTZMRWdsQT09
1. Approve Agenda & Minutes
1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda
1.2. Motion to adopt previous meeting's minutes
2. Public Forum
3. Financial Update
3.1. Financial Update as of January 31, 2026
4. Fundraising Update
5. Community Room at 405 - presentation led by Zach & Elena
6. Sustainability Discussion
7. Adjournment
7.1. Motion to Adjourn
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BCA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
BCA Studios, 405 Pine Street
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Board Members Present: Michelle Buswell, Robin Pierce, David Zacharis, Billi Gosh, Dana vanderHeyden,
Rachel Kahn-Fogel, Deb Wilkinson, Lisa Lillibridge, Parker Silver, Barbara Perry, Laura McDonough.
ONLINE: Kristina Pentek, Ryan Moritz, Hannah Lebel, Lori Rowe, Livia DeMarchis, Kelly Butts-Spirito
Staff present: Doreen Kraft, Sara Katz, Heather Ferrell, Joyce Cameron, Melissa Steady, Rachel Zellem,
Meara McGinniss
Sarah Rogers called the meeting to order at 3:10.
1. Parker Silver moved to accept the minutes from the November meeting, Michelle Buswell
seconded. All were in favor.
2. Michelle Buswell moved to accept the agenda, Lisa Lillibridge seconded. All were in favor.
3. Directors Report: Doreen Kraft asked Barbara Perry to highlight her director’s report. Barbara
discussed successes in fundraising and encouraged the board to spread the word about
available rentals in the Community Room. Sara Katz updated on the HVAC repairs at the BCA
Center, which will result in staff largely relocating to 405 Pine Street for the duration of the
work, which will be about 8 weeks. The spring exhibition opening has been pushed to March 20
because of the work. Because the city owns the building, all repairs are managed and paid for
by the city capital improvements program. Sara reiterated the details of the BCA Center’s 50-
year lease agreement that ensures the building’s use as a community art center, signed in 2001,
wherein the BCAF leases the building for $1 a year. Lori Rowe asked about the marketing
strategy for rentals in the Community Room. Elena described the advertising strategy on a local
and more targeted level. Kelly Butts-Spirito suggested partnerships with younger presenting
groups might increase visibility on social media. Barbara Perry suggested offering the
community room to the NPAs for a reduced rate, in order to welcome more of the community
in. Laura McDonough suggested reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce.
4. Michelle Buswell, Treasurer, gave the financial report. She reminded the board that the city only
funds 40% of our budget, with the remaining 60% in needing to be raised through fundraising
and revenue streams. Class registration and studio revenue is on target for the goals for the
year. To reach the budget goal $220,000 needs to be raised, compared with this time last year
when the gulf was $100,000.
Michele named three areas for board members to focus on: come to BCA programs, bring
people with you, and brainstorm new corporate partners. There is nothing not to love about
BCA! Joyce Cameron addressed corporate fundraising and passed out a list of current corporate
funders for board members to review. If board members have ideas for new corporate
partnerships, they should reach out to the fundraising team.
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5. Joyce gave the fundraising update. The year-end appeal did really well, picked up 40 new donors
because of a mailing list gleaned from the grand list. The retention rate of donors was good. BCA
received several unexpected major gifts in December, increasing the average end of year gift
amount to double what it was last year. She announced that a committee has formed to work
on organizing the annual fundraiser this spring, the budgeted goal is $65,000 but Joyce is hoping
to raise $100,000.
6. FY27 Budget Update-Doreen Kraft explained the current challenges faced by the city in terms of
budgeting. BCA is trying to be part of the solution while retaining the core values of the
organization. Doreen and Sara welcome any feedback, especially feedback from the community.
Deb Wilkinson brought up the supply wish list created with the Ed team, as way to alleviate
budget anxiety. Sarah Rogers encouraged the board to bring those donations to the next board
meeting.
7. 405 Update-Doreen updated the board on the progress of the capital campaign and some
upcoming deadlines. The BCAF board is drawing up a draft condo agreement and looking for
possible buyers for the north side of the building. State approval for final environmental site-
work has come through.
8. Committee Reports
a. Executive Committee Reports-The executive committee is reviewing the board manual
and creating a shorter bulleted list of important info for board members.
b. Communications and development ad-hoc committee. The committee is working with
the communications department to make buttons that “Ask me about BCA!”. Board bios
need to be updated and put on the website. Elena Rosen discussed the difficulty of
measuring the success of an awareness campaign.
c. Lori Rowe reported from the Education group. The group met with the staff who
discussed budget anxieties. Deb Wilkinson spoke on behalf of Art from the Heart and
the usefulness of the “Ask me about BCA” buttons at the hospital and making sure that
BCA is part of people’s awareness of AFTH. Barbara Perry spoke about the hospital
board and the lack of awareness of Art from the Heart. Dana vanderHeyden spoke
about a recent experience at the hospital with staff loving the new artwork.
d. Hannah Lebel reported from the events committee-they are working on the same
projects as before the pause for the holidays.
e. Sarah discussed the exhibition committee, which is the same as the regular exhibition
committee, and not an ad-hoc committee.
Sarah Rogers thanked the committees and announced that the ad-hoc committee structure will
continue for now.
6. Update from the Curator. Heather Ferrell encouraged board members to come to the BCA
Center to enjoy the last few days of the current exhibition. She outlined the coming exhibitions
(see attached), including Human Impact (focusing on the climate), a sculpture show curated by
Jacquie O’Brien, Veronica Pham (summer), Dark Botanica (fall), and Laurent Gresso (spring 2027)
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Sarah Rogers challenged board members to coordinate a small private gallery tour with Heather.
Lisa Lillibridge volunteered.
7. Parker Silver moved to adjourn, Laura McDonough seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:44.
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BCA Budget Report
07/01/25 -1/31/25
YTD YTD FY26
Account Account Description Transactions Budget Prior Year YTD Budget
Fund 101 - General Fund
REVENUE
Department 27 - Burlington City Arts
4385 Ticket Sales 75,691 75,000 71,418 75,000
4275 Rent & Lease 137,655 124,060 133,839 207,560
4395 Art and Merchandise Sales 32,904 51,556 17,493 81,525
4397 Class Registration 269,812 198,000 220,959 302,000
4600_120 Fees For Services Culture & Recreation 34,155 36,487 33,780 84,000
Third Party Gateway CC surcharge 8,539 4,958 3,977 8,500
4380_109
4600 - Fees For Services Totals 558,755 485,103 481,466 758,585
4875 Grant
4330 Foundations 116,000 100,000 85,000 250,000
4875_100 Grant Federal Operating 0 0 45,000 0
4875_140 Grant State Operating 13,000 9,000 10,000 9,000
4875 - Grant Totals 129,000 109,000 140,000 259,000
4950 Donations
4950_115 Donations Corporate 96,992 156,000 162,802 250,000
4950_120 Donations Board 32,111 91,500 103,282 125,000
4950_123 Donations General 28,653 30,000 25,811 50,000
4950_125 Donations Major Gifts 179,822 125,000 129,064 255,000
4950_130 Donations Special Events 0 0 1,000 65,000
4950 - Donations Totals 337,578 402,500 421,959 745,000
Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585
REVENUE TOTALS 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585
EXPENSE
Department 27 - Burlington City Arts
5000 Salaries and Wages
5000_100 Salaries and Wages Regular, Full Time 704,189 750,204 716,775 1,242,488
5000_110 Salaries and Wages Regular Part Time 91,273 80,789 0 140,034
5000_115 Salaries and Wages Seasonal/Temporary 191,072 180,982 184,691 298,385
5000 - Salaries and Wages Totals 986,534 1,011,975 901,466 1,680,907
5100 Overtime 7,722 9,600 7,446 13,905
5200 Other Personal Service
5200_106 Other Personnel Services Staffing 0 1,803 4,246 3,090
5200_110 Other Personnel Services On-Call 0 541 360 927
5200_115 Other Personnel Services Other Compensation 2,388 4,927 3,249 8,446
5200_116 Other Personnel Services Longevity Pay 0 358 0 614
5200_120 Other Personnel Services Shift Differential 271.39 0 0 0
5200_130 Other Personnel Services Allowance Taxable 4,341 7,489 5,431 12,839
5200 - Other Personal Service Totals 7,000 15,118 13,285 25,916
5400 Employee Benefits
5400_100 Employee Benefits FICA 73,783 76,787 67,941 131,635
5400_115 Employee Benefits Retirement B 75,439 75,436 81,158 129,318
5400_120 Employee Benefits Workers Compensation 0 29,300 27,685 50,229
5400_125 Employee Benefits Health Insurance 0 176,912 159,992 303,277
5400_130 Employee Benefits Dental Insurance 0 7,796 9,779 13,364
5400_135 Employee Benefits Life Insurance 0 1,606 1,876 2,753
5400_145 Employee Benefits Employee Parking 3,520 1,797 2,080 3,080
5400_150 Employee Benefits Recognition 1,415.41 1,485 25 2,546
5400 - Employee Benefits Totals 154,158 371,118 350,536 636,202
2,356,930
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YTD YTD FY25
Account Account Description Transactions Budget Prior Year YTD Budget
6000 Office Supplies 2,696 3,000 1,302 5,000
6005 Postage 3,597 2,400 3,122 4,000
6007 Shipping and Moving 1,286 8,300 3,221 12,000
6010 Computer Equipment 126.88 0 114.99 800
6015 Computer Software 0 0 0 0
6025 Furnishings 415 0 0 0
6200 Medical Fees And Supplies 238.17 720 630 500
6202 Printing/Copying/Paper Mgt 12,889 11,450 15,531 23,000
6203 Dues/Subscriptions 4,517 1,898 3,759.55 6,100
6208 Special Supplies 38,526 50,282 43,720 87,965
6211 Specialized Equipment 4,626 6,000 5,501 11,200
6212 Fuel 450 0 173 850
6300 Repair & Maintenance 608 0 0 5,000
6327 Customer Credits & Refunds 0 200 355 500
6350 Legal Notice & Advertising 47,028 52,735 75,149.15 92,000
6400 Utilities
6400_100 Utilities Electricity 8,000 7,000 5,000 12,000
6400_125 Utilities Telecommunications 3,295 3,967 3,834 6,000
6400_127 Utilities Cellular Communications 2,633 1,925 1,071.27 3,300
6400 - Utilities Totals 13,928 12,892 9,906 21,300
6500 Professional and Consultant Services
6500_103 Professional and Consultant Svs Security Contracts 15,601 13,000 27,817 24,000
6500_118 Professional and Consultant Services Contractual Services 100,681 96,950 195,008 147,625
6500 - Professional and Consultant Services Totals 116,282 109,950 222,825 171,625
6510 Artist Services
6510_100 Artist Services non-salaried compensation 161,175 188,900 230,023 190,400
6510_110 Artist Services commissions 11,300 0 12,750 18,000
6510_120 Artist Services consignments 19,333 18,000 77,508 36,000
6510_130 Artist Services reimbursements 487 4,200 3,579 5,500
6510 - Artist Services Totals 192,295 211,100 323,859 249,900
6700 Travel & Training
6530_125 Rentals Vehicle 238 1,500 1,208.50 2,500
6700_100 Travel & Training Education 100 0 0 1,000
6700_110 Travel & Training Travel Expense 1,480 6,100 1,801 7,500
6700 - Travel & Training Totals 1,818 7,600 3,010 11,000
6800 Fees for Services
6800_140 Fees for Services Hospitality Expense 8,583 12,225 22,670 15,200
6800 - Fees for Services Totals 8,583 12,225 22,670 15,200
7000 Bad Debt Expense 2,475.50 0 290.7 0
7200 Capital Leases
7200_115 Capital Leases Equipment 571 652 571 978
7200 - Capital Leases Totals 571 652 571 978
7303 Regulatory and Bank Fees 3,728 5,000 5,675 8,500
7303_100 Regulatory and Bank Fees Gateway/Third Party Processing 0 58 500
7730 Scholarships 47,411 26,200 51,970 85,500
8400 Special Events/Projects 72,900
9999 Expenditure control general 0 0 0 -59,040
Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208
EXPENSE TOTALS 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208
Fund 101 - General Fund Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585
EXPENSE TOTALS 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208
Fund 101 - General Fund Totals (634,174) (933,810) (1,022,431) (1,421,623)
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