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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-03 Millennium Steering Committee MinutesThe AW11 n04M Part, x~~Yt~ir~, ,t~sas;~cJnuctt+ J D cvn!Tr 1 i, (999 l ~i ~S ~ # n a • . , . 6 a Minutes Millennium Steering Committee March 3, 1999 Meeting # 14 The meeting was convened at 7:02 PM in the Berger Room at Town Hall. In attendance: Anna Carroll Foulds, Alan Foulds, Alan Smith, Karen Sawyer, Mary Williams, Dick Stosez, and Steve Crook. Non-committee members: Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner, Ann Marie Brennick from RMLD, Lt. Robert Silva from the Police Department, Jane Fiore, Health Director, Mike Debrigard, from DPW, Ted McIntire from DPW, Phil Boisvert from the Fire Department, and Phil Rushworth. Business 1. Presentation A presentation was made to the various representatives of the town administration. Anna (Ace) presented the five elements of the planned celebration, including the "Map Room", "Uptown 2000", Birch Meadow 2000, "Dawn of the Millennium Breakfasts", and the Millennium Choir concert. Several issues to be addressed were brought up by members of the committee and town officials. Among them were the capacity of the Field House, safety issues surrounding decorations, allowance of vendors, permit for a "Y" sleepover, number of police needed, permits for food, schools, and fields, electricity needs, and street closings. The possibility of a bonfire permit was discussed, and liability issues were raised. Peter will hold a staff meeting in one week. Ace will follow up with him in two weeks. Alan S. will also contact Peter on issues relating to Birch Meadow 2000 requirements. 2. The minutes were approved 6-0-1. 3. Correspondence Mary turned over a field house permit to Alan S. who will see to it that it is filled out and submitted. She agreed to get similar permit applications for all other school property that will potentially be used for the celebration. 4. Sub-committee reports Uptown 2000 - There is nothing new to report. Birch Meadow 2000 - Nothing new. YMCA - Steve will address concerns discussed by Jane Fiore with the "Y". Talent Co-ordinators Ace reported that Karen Samatis has made some headway with the talent search. She made contact with Jim Keigley of the Continentals, who said that his band definitely wants to participate. He will get back to her with the number of band members available. She will contact Betty Cronin concerning the aerobics demonstrated. Rick Nelson has indicated that his band, "Downeast Revival" will perform only if paid. Steve passed on the name and e-mail address of Kevin Vendt (kvendtnrctv.oKg) who is in charge of a theater group at the Baptist church called "Music, Mime, and Drama" (MMAD). Electronic Communication - Karen reported that she was dissatisfied with the redesign of the web page, submitted by her sub-committee. Karen asked that anyone on the committee who has updates or deletions to information on the site should e-mail her. Karen asked that she be contacted with any ideas for RCTV shows concerning the Millennium Party. Steve and Alan S. will submit "job postings" to Ace for mention on "Ask the Town Manager", on which she will appear as guest on March 25. Karen will discuss the possibility of our page being hosted on the "reading.com" page, with Steve Ryan. Written Communication - None. Industrial Expo - Dick reported that the Industrial Expo will be held at the Public Library from December 27th to January 71h. The library will establish a theme, and will host a booth in the center. Dick will meet with Ann Marie Brennick to discuss the RMLD involvement in the Expo. Video - Alan reported that he, Roberta Sullivan of the Historical Commission, and Phil Rushworth examined several photographs of Reading in the 1890's, for use in the video. He also announced that an outline has been developed, beginning with the town's 25e anniversary celebration in 1894, and ending with the "Century Meeting" on the Common in 1900. Phil will put together a budget for photographic equipment and tape duplication, for use in a grant application to the "Historic Preservation Fund". Corporation - Nothing to report. 5. Fund Raising Activities T-shirts - Dick reported that he received a sample shirt from Hartnett of Woburn on Feb. 23ra On Feb. 26th he picked up the completed order. All orders have been filled and will be delivered to PSST on March 4th. So far 10% of the order has been sold. The shirts are now on sale at The Hitching Post on Haven Street. Reading Eye Associates on Haven Street has offered its front window for use in displaying the shirts, for six weeks. Poster - Nothing to report. Celebration Trust - Mary announced that the Celebration Committee (350th Celebration trust) has had two resignations. Alan F. will work on filling the seat reserved for the Moderator to appoint. Sponsorship Marketing - Mary has not heard from Kathryn Whitenack. Mary will call her. Other - No business. 6. Mdaight Celebration At the last meeting, Alan F. presented a plan for celebrating midnight. Judging by the responses from out-of-town, showing a strong interest in a folksy and historical celebration, a plan was presented, which reflects the celebration held here 100 years ago. The main ceremony would take place on the Common. At 11:45 all Uptown 2000 activities would come to an end, except for those in the tent on the Common. At 11:55 some sort of glow would begin, creating an aura, as the end of the century nears. At midnight, townspeople would count down the chimes of the Old South clock as they did a century ago. At the last tolling the militia cannon would fire, and a tethered weather balloon would rise behind the church, illuminated by a searchlight, and bearing some sort of new years greeting. The band in the tent would strike up Auld Lang Syne. Following that, all activity in the square would cease, except for recorded versions of Auld Lang Syne, which would be heard throughout the Square for % hour. All of this activity would be cablecast to a large screen TV at the Field House. At 11:55 special lighting would be used to match that in the Square. At midnight confetti cannons near the screen would shoot, followed by balloons being dumped into the Field House from above. The band would strike up Auld Lang Syne. Following the ceremony, the all-night party would continue at the Field House. On a motion by Dick and seconded by Karen, the motion carried unanimously. 7. Open Discussion Discussion returned to concerns surrounding the distinctions between Town Hall and School Committee authority. Mary will contact Superintendent of Schools, Harry Harutunian, and Ace will contact Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner concerning the availability of all buildings and fields. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 PM. to April 7th, 1999.