Minutes:
5 January 2005 Steering Committee
Present: David Cunningham, Nancy Elkington, Claire Dacey, Phil Huffman, Brian Shupe, Jean Butman, Whit Humphreys, Tina MacMillan, Joe Trenn, Cecilia McGuire, Holly Boyce, John Fedor
Minutes Read
David moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Nancy. And so moved.
Phil passed out improved timetable of the project. (attached).
PLACE Program comes first, so Claire began:
See Handouts, attached.
3 main presentations, and one transitional:
1st Includes overview of entire project
Physical Landscape
2nd Cultural Landscape
Human History shaped land to what it is today
“Read the landscape” to learn about the history of Benson
3rd Biological and Ecological Landscape
Natural Communities
Rare Species
Wildlife
4th Tie all previous 3 presentations together and launch into the “visionary process.”
In addition, the PLACE program will have 3 field walks.
Use questionnaires to guide steering committee to devise agenda for the 4th meeting to segue into “visionary process.”
David mentioned the January 22nd Conservation Committee meeting with the seniors about the history of Benson.
Make questionnaires 1-6 not 1-10 for choices.
Three types of questionnaires must be prepared:
1- Public Meeting Evaluation (mostly completed)
2- Interviews & Focus Groups using questionnaires
3- Direct Mailing survey more detailed questions
On the direct mailing, get demographic information (age & etc.) and also ask if they attended any of the events.
Must come up with interview questions and test them on each other to fine-tune them.
Perhaps consider a 4th questionnaire geared toward kids at the school.
MUCH DISCUSSION
Public meeting evaluations ask about threats that put the resources discussed at the event in jeopardy.
That is negative make it positive, such as: Are there opportunities to preserve the ------ you learned about at this meeting?
Next Agenda:
Work on mailing questionnaire.
Nancy moved to accept the event questionnaire with 1-6 (not 1-10) for the senior forum and other events. Seconded by Joe. And so moved.
Should PLACE program events include any forward-looking conversation at the end of each event? Steering committee agrees that should only take place at the 4th PLACE event, but give opportunity to ask questions and discussion at the end of each.
Discussion of overlap with Benson Planning Commission meetings.
Claire passed out information request on community knowledge.
PLACE Program Target Dates:
1- End of February --- Feb 17th
2- Mid March --- March 17th
3- Early April --- Mar 31st
4- Mid April --- April 21st
Check ice fishing derby for conflicts.
Location? Community Hall
Discussion of events:
Recreation Forum may be difficult but it will be beneficialÉ Make it a meeting where the steering committee listens.
Next Agenda:
Continue going over events setting dates and assigning people to do things to make the events happen.
Brian and Phil will circulate a description of Benson: Past, Present & Future for the display board.
Next Meeting January 19th at 6 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
John Fedor
A Community Project to Celebrate Benson’s Past,
Explore its Present, and Consider its Future