Dexter Farm Project meeting and minutes

Hi all;
I want to remind you that we are having a special Farm Project meeting tomorrow night, January 19th at the Town Council Chambers. We will be going to the Fossa Building and go thru the building then come back to the Chamber to discuss YOUR needs and thought with our Architects QA13's Ken & Paula.
I am including 2 sets of minutes from December and January.
I hope you are able to come and see the building and input your thoughts. Sorry I haven't kept in touch as much, but trying to get out of my mid winter slump!
Call me if you have any questions.
Judy

January 5th, 2010 minutes
Judy opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and giving them a brief run down on what the plan for the General store has developed into so far. Judy noted that she met with the QA13 Architects on December 17th and covered a broad scope of information with them about the project. QA13 Architects will be visiting the building on the 19 of January at 7:00 p.m. to do another walk through. we talked about the many things that can be accomplished on our own, as a community, to clean up, remove debris and get work going, to save on the cost.

Judy clearly stated that this is the time that the community needs to come together and that we need volunteers. The group discussed that weekends would be the best time to work. Jean asked if she could get some people in there, on their own, during the week, and it was decided that it would be best to stick to weekends so that the work could be supervised.
Judy asked Fred Sherburne if they could use his pick up truck for dump runs once we decided how the debris needs to be removed. A pick up was offered for use by Lauraine Piquette if needed. Jean suggested pricing a dumpster.
A roll off would be an easy way to get rid of all of the garbage at once. The group decided to wait and see what need to be removed and how. We were made aware of a few things that may need special disposal. We talked once again about reusing the tin on the walls. Judy said that the paint was so thick that it should be removed and the tin reconditioned. Dave reminded us that the paint would most likely have lead in it. We talked about cost once again.
It was requested for people to bring heaters and tools. Emily, Barb, and Kathy all have space heaters that they volunteered for use.
We talked about how important it is to find out the need of the suppliers, as far as refrigeration and space for their products. It is very important for as many farmers as possible to give feed back on this important question. Judy showed all of us a diagram if the current foot print of the building and pointed out an area where we hope to put a root cellar.
We have the stove and the slate sinks being donated for use in the new general store. Bradley heating has offered his labor for free to remove the heavy ten burner stove from the fourth floor. Judy remarked about what a great and reasonable businessman Bradley is.
It is planned for Paul Dillan, an attorney to help us understand what will be needed. He has agreed to do a farmers workshop for all interested. Fred mentioned that Miles carpenter insurance has also committed to involved with the project. Lauraine mentioned knowing someone who might record the meeting. That way that if someone missed the workshop and wants to watch it they will have it available to them on line.
Judy expressed how happy Ernestien Fossa was to hear that the old family store will be up and running again. She looks forward to visiting the store. Kathy suggested getting old pictures of the building and blowing them up to add to the decorating inside. Judy mentioned that the old Fossa sign might be available to us for use in the new general store.
We talked more about getting the students from the school involved. Jean mentioned that they do so much fund raising that they should be part of such an important project.
Once again the question of the second floor came up and it was decided that we must speak to the architects about the cost. A number of $20-$30K was estimated by Lauraine and it was mentioned about how it was easier to do it now than later. The fear of not enough money came up.
Also, Dave was concerned about adding any changes to the grant. He said he wouldn't want to risk what we already have. The idea of having a big town roof raising party came up once again. We have a tentative date of March 6th. The issue of handicap access to the second floor came up. The cost of an elevator, and what the second floor could be used for.

Mark said that the government was offering stimulus packages for 1% for a/c and heating. Dave said that we were looking into additional grants.
We went back to the idea of a fund raising party. Lauraine offered to organize the event. Judy suggested an auction and to use the kitchen there and all do some cooking. Jean mentioned that a pie auction always does well. Kathy mentioned donations from the farmers. Lauraine suggested for farmers to give gift certificates from the farmer for when their crops are ready. We talked about baskets for auction and bonds donated from local banks. We concluded that we should do it all, to do our best to bring in as much money as possible. Judy mentioned to invite the Key club and Have a barn dance, to get them involved with fund raising. Jean suggested a winter formal/prom. Lauraine offered her home to the key club members if they wanted to have such an event. It was suggested to invite all the local other Key clubs too.

Emily brought up the idea of an additional town board , to display local news and events located near the new store.
We talked about the importance of being green. We all agreed that this project is to assist in sustaining the local area to be more dependent on our own town for supplies and food. we went around the room to get a quick number of stores that we each shopped at. Most shopped locally,at one or two stores.
Our next meeting will be on the 19th at 7:00p.m.