Plymouth's 400th Anniversary

Minutes of Public Meetings of the Plymouth 2020 Committee: 2010

MINUTES - Meeting of the Plymouth 400th Committee
Monday, March 22, 2010, 7:00 PM
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Offices,
Cordage Park, North Plymouth

Committee Members present: Peter Gomes, Chairman; Peter Balboni; Ben Brewster; Paul Bumpus; Tamson Burgess; Paul Cripps; John Mahoney; Gary Marks; Enzo Monti; Monica Mullen for Sen.Murray; Patrick O'Brien; Ed Santos; Ken Tavares

Absent: Kathy Babini*; Jim Baker*; Peg Baker*; Tom Calter; Vinny DeMacedo; Ellie Donovan*; Rodney Joseph; David Kirkpatrick*; Butch Machado; John McDonogh; Paula Peters* - *excused - prior notice

Invited guests: Darcy Lee
Several members of the public

The meeting was opened at 7:00 PM by Chairman Peter Gomes.
Recognition was made of the numbers of the public who were present and who were made welcome.

Darcy Lee, Consultant, was recognized and reminded the committee that payments to her were approaching 120 days in arrears and could activate a total re-assessment of her role. The process appears to be proceeding but very slowly and is stalled at Town Hall. Patrick O’Brien, Assistant to the Town Manager, will try to expedite.

Jeff Berger, Plymouth resident, asked to address the committee with some suggestions for capitalizing on the 400th planning to promote overall tourism for the town. Examples were to involve a prominent historian to produce a book or article which would stimulate interest in the Pilgrim story; reserving a name now for a website to be developed as part of the ongoing activities of the celebration, and to consider adding promotional give-aways to stimulate interest.

REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN

Presentation to the Board of Selectmen
The presentation to the Board of Selectmen on March 2, 2010, by Peter Gomes, Ben Brewster, and Ed Santos seemed to be well received, imparting information not previously communicated. The need to report frequently became apparent as a means of informing and involving the Board. The authority to appoint members to the Committee remains with the Board but as a courtesy nominees should first be discussed with the committee chairman. Billing and payment procedures were clarified and involve the creation of a specific nonprofit entity. A budget statement will be needed will be developed by fall outlining the funding requirements.

Response to the Wampanoag Letter
A letter in response to the letter from the Wampanoags of November 2009 has been written and sent by Chairman Gomes., and is now awaiting reaction.

Provincetown Invitation
Since Jim Baker has been involved in the tentative planning to participate in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Pilgrim Monument, further discussion will resume upon his return.

Branding
Paul Cripps reported that meetings have been held with the TKO design representative but more specific presentations will not be made until some advance fees are paid.

License Plate Initiative
Tammy Burgess is generating a lst of organzatuions to be approached in the promotion of this program. There is still some difficulty in acquiring a bonding agent to back the program,.

Status of 501C Application
Kan Tavares and Ed Santos reported that the application process is moving slowly forward, with several requirements already in place but with several more to go. One problem is that much of the initial paperwork was made out in the name of John McDonogh, who is no longer in the area. Chairman Gomes will confer with John as to how best to resolve the situation.

OTHER INITIATIVES AND DISCUSSION
The subject of what sub-committees can be anticipated as planning proceeds was raised by the Chairman. Committee members are asked to come to the next meeting with lists of possible headings. Some suggestions might be Finance, Publicity, Parade and Fireworks, Hospitality, Reception, Infrastructure, Government Liaison, or Legacy. Also to be discussed will be the role and responsibility of each committee, how they will be set up, and how members will be appointed.

The question arose as to what the state’s involvement will be. Monica Mullin explained that the state has indicated its willingness to cooperate with infrastructure needs. Pat O’Brien said that the town has begun to list earmarks for which we would request assistance. Darcy Lee pointed out that specific goals and organization will rely heavily on the feasibility study which is still in process. In the meantime, membership in the state 400th Committee is still unfilled. A course of action might be to ascribe a specific role for each seat and then invite the appropriate spokesperson to accept or appoint a representative. A meeting will be requested between select members of this committee and the state delegation before the April 19 meeting.

In a related issue, and following up earlier discussions, membership in the main Committee may need definition, primarily as to which seats are dedicated to specific groups or positions and which are at large. Members are asked to bring their recommendations, as specific as possible, to the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Enzo Monti, Interim Secretary