MAINE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2004
The Maine Community Development Association held their annual meeting at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Matthew Eddy Christopher Spruce
Joella McBreairty Peter Lyford
Tony Levesque John Simko
Orman Whitcomb Perley Beane
Isaac Wagner James Gulnac
Al Smith Paul Bernier
Lori Allen Rodney Lynch
Steve Dyer Nellie Goulette
Tammy Knight Tonya Perkins
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by President Matthew Eddy at approximately 1:00 p.m.
II. TREASURER’S REPORT: Ron Harriman presented a copy of the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the eight months ending August 31, 2004 as follows:
Total Revenues for the Month: $ 3.00 Year-to-Date: $2,627.00
Total Expenses for the Month: $ 75.00 Year-to-Date: $1,719.00
$ (72.00) $ 908.00
The total of the Fund Balance is: $12,712.00
Tony Levesque moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented; seconded by Al Smith. The vote was unanimously in favor.
III. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF AUGUST 20, 2004 MEETING: Tony Levesque moved to accept the meeting minutes as presented; seconded by John Simko. The motion passed.
IV. NOMINATION COMMITTEE: Al Smith presented James Gulnac and Michele Gagnon as the slate of new members to serve a 2-year term on MCDA. Tony Levesque made a motion to have the Secretary cast one ballot accepting the nomination; seconded by Chris Spruce. The vote was unanimously in favor.
V. DISCUSSION ON THE STRATEGIC PLAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Matt Eddy summarized the accomplishments made over the past year. He asked for ideas that the members would like to see for the upcoming year. Suggestions included:
- MITF – Continue talks on the Maine Investment Trust Fund
- Community Reinvestment Act (Guest Speakers from various financial institutions, non-profit organizations, etc.)
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Brownfields Program
- State Planning Office (Particularly their role in reviewing comprehensive plans and the MITF applications)
VI. OTHER DISCUSSION:
- Community Reinvestment Act – Examples of guest speakers might include Elizabeth McPherson of Genesis Foundation, Maine Affordable Housing Network, as well as bankers from various financial institutions.
- The State Planning Office is requesting comments by November 12 regarding the review policy. It was suggested that perhaps MCDA could put a ‘blurb’ on our website linking it to the SPO website.
- Regarding the MITF program, the State should be supporting the Maine Downtown Center. MCDA should advocate for MITF and help with funding every other year through a bond issue. Perhaps request $500,000 every other year to supplement economic development projects that don’t fit under the CDBG program. Lori Allen, Program Director, for the Maine Downtown Center spoke briefly regarding the lack of funding for the Center, which prohibits them from doing so much more in the downtowns. John Simko moved that MCDA sent a letter of support to DECD regarding the MITF program; seconded by Tony Levesque. The vote was unanimously in favor.
- MDOT – James Gulnac reported that the planning and economic development activities for MDOT will be used in making decisions through the RTAC process.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 19, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eastern Maine Development Corporation in Bangor. The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Joella R. McBreairty
Secretary