Laconia Putnam Fund

Laconia Putnam Fund Board of Trustees Meeting February 26, 2021 This meeting was called to order on Friday, February 26, 2021 held at 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia City Hall, Laconia, NH with the following in attendance: Jim Rogato, Charles Bradley and Betty Ballantyne in person at City Hall, along with Linda Peary & Rich Landry via Zoom. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes dated 02/12/2021 were submitted and accepted as presented. NEW BUSINESS: Tara Shore, Program & Operations Manager of the Belknap Mill presented The Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series 2021. They will have a lineup of 9 programs at the start of summer performed at Rotary Riverside Park beginning May 21st and running every other Friday ending September 10, 2021 culminating with the Sock Hop. They requested a sponsor level of $8,500.00. Jim made a motion to approve $8,500, Charles moved the motion, Rich seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. It will be at no cost to the public and will include any outdoor COVID related NH State Guidelines that are in place at that time. Each performance in 2020 had 75 to 100 attendees and the Sock Hop up to 200 attendees. This year’s Sock Hop will be inclusive of the Rockin Daddios, antique cars, Pat Kelly-Radio and the food wagon named “The Winni Wagon”. Charles wanted it acknowledged his concern of the Mill advertising full page ads as an unnecessary expense. Charles did request a breakdown of the operating expense of the Summer Concerts. Tara did not have an issue with the request of the budget and costs associated with the Summer Concerts. OLD BUSINESS: Jim moved to take the vote on rescheduling the May 7th Jay and the Americans concert. Jim asked for a motion from the Board. Charles proposed a motion we reschedule the concert at a later date. We are to contact Julie to report on the availability of the act. In the meantime, Michael will investigate the cost of changing the concert to an outdoor venue possibly to be held in August 2021. The vote was seconded by Rich. Betty, Charles and Jim voted to approved. Linda abstained. A discussion ensued from Michael’s email offer sent on February 24, 2021. He offered his services to produce events through Julie. He would provide the mobile stage, sound, lighting and video wall etc. He would do all the legwork to obtain the outdoor space, handle the requirements that go along with events. He asked if he could help us facilitate a great summer event. Jim suggested we need to all the technical riders of our upcoming programs to be held at the Colonial. Spectacle will handle all the technical sound, lights and more for each show. Jim and Charles did not have copies of the technical riders, therefore they will reach out to Julie requesting copies of the of the riders for the upcoming programs. MISCELLANEOUS: Charles asked to invite Spectacle’s management to our April 2nd Putnam Meeting to explain their business plan. We can ask if they know of when the theater will be in full operation and when they plan their soft and hard openings at the Colonial Theater for 2021. We discussed our services for the soft and hard openings. It was an unknown as to when a show schedule can be set due to the Covid restrictions directed by the NH Governor. It was suggested by Jim that Charles contact the City Manager for information on Spectacle’s business plan for the Colonial. FATHER ADRIENNE/ST ANDRE BESSETTE: Charles had formulated an idea of a recognition for Father Adrienne. Currently it is not yet in writing. The informal thoughts are to arrange a Proclamation from the City. More to follow. FACEBOOK RETAINER – MEREDITH ELLIOT: Betty did reach out to Meredith. They did discuss options for better communication and discussions to engage with social media with Facebook & Instagram. Engage with history of Putnam and prior performances. Meredith will also be copied our minutes to be well informed of our upcoming events. More brainstorming to follow. Listed is Meredith’s contact information: Meredith Elliott 120 Valley Springs Road Columbia, SC 18192 Cell: 603-455-8032 E:MAIL: meregre@hotmail.com Meredith is readily available to all the Board Members. PUTNAM BOARD APPOINTMENT: Betty Ballantyne has been reappointed to a five-year term expiring at the end of March, 2026. NEXT MEETING: April 2, 2021 to be located at City Hall at 1:00 pm. With no further discussion to come to the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:46pm. Respectfully submitted, Betty Ballantyne Board Member