Sachem Fund Board

Sachem Fund Committee 2/26/09 Room 335 Meeting Notes Attendees: Co-Chairman Alderman Bill Nash, Co-Chairman Bill Quidgeon, Jr., Joseph Ruffo, Comptroller, Mark Brown, Ambassador Mohegan Tribal Council, Lottie Scott, Mayor Benjamin P. Lathrop and Recording Secretary Evelyn Bessette Not Present: James Gessner, Mohegan Tribal Council, Peter Davis, Director of Planning Members of Press Present: Claire Bessette, the Day, Michael Gannon, Norwich Bulletin, Kevin Gordon, WICH 1. The Special Meeting of the Sachem Fund Committee was called to order at 5:35 p.m. 2. It was determined a quorum was present 3. A motion was made by Bill Quidgeon, seconded by Joe Ruffo to approve the Minutes of the January 22, 2009 Motion carried in due form 4. Mayor Ben Lathrop addressed the letter of resignation submitted by Bill Nash and requested Bill reconsider and rescind his letter of resignation and remain as Co-chairman of the Sachem Fund. Bill Nash went on to explain his reasons for submitting his resignation and advised the committee he had received an outpouring of confidence from the community and the members of the committee to remain as Co-Chairman. Bill advised he did reconsider and withdrew his letter of resignation. 5. Application Deadline – Clarification of deadline was stated by reading content of email dated Monday, February 23, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. which reflected approved minutes of Sachem Fund Meeting 12/2/08… “Motion made by Bill Nash to hold off next round of distribution until after March 1, 2009. Deadline of April 1, 2009 to receive applications, review and make recommendations in May for monetary distribution in June 2009. Motion carried in due form”. There were recommendations brought forward at this time regarding the possibility of suspending distribution of funds for the 2009- 2010 budget year to be continued into later years, or for a lesser amount proposed. The Mohegan Tribe voiced they would bring back to their Tribal Council their recommendation would be to compliment whatever amount the City of Norwich deemed appropriate. No determination on the above recommendations at this time, but rather consider them to be discussed at a later regular meeting. 6. Clarify the Application Process – The checklist inclusive of the process for applying to the Sachem Fund (see attached) will be posted on the City’s website on the Sachem Fund page for public view and determination. Further recommendations were brought forward for consideration to be discussed at a later regular meeting: A. only one (1) application per agency or organization. B. Limit amount to give out to agencies or organizations. C. Put cap on amount of distribution based on fund balance at the time. D. research to develop some type of loan program category to recapture money in some way to extend the life of the Sachem Fund. 7. Application Review Dates – Start reviewing applications March 1, 2009 – Deadline to receive Applications April 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. – Review applications and make recommendations in May, 2009 8. Disbursements Dates – Recommendations by Sachem Fund Committee made in May, 2009 for City Council approval at the second Council Meeting in June, 2009 with distribution following. 9. Allocation caps – Discussed no determination at this time, will discuss further at the next regularly scheduled Sachem Fund Meeting. 10. Citizen Comment: a) Mr. Keith Ripley – commented that an April 1, 2009 deadline will not allow groups to know if City support is in the budget for their groups. Mr. Ripley believes the deadline should be delayed until after April 8, 2009. b) Mr. Bob Zarnetske – commented to suspend the cap rather then give out dribs & drabs to make recommendations to fund projects that would make a positive impact or provide re-training to out of work employees or to help with a start up business. c) Sheila Hayes – Recommended not to move the deadline that only adds to the confusion. Also, to fund organizations that put money back into Norwich business like the NAACP has done this year already with celebrating their 100 year anniversary celebration. d) Brian Kobalryz – recommended funding projects based on how project will impact Economic Development. Next meeting dates – Wednesday, April 8, 2009 5:30 p.m. Room 335 Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:30 p.m. Room 335 Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Evelyn Bessette, Recording Secretary