There we go. Oh no. A knife fell on it. Blade down. Steven was throwing knives in that carriage house and this was open and >> and it like spider web.
time. >> Okay, Madam Chair. >> All right. Welcome everyone to the Founders Day Committee meeting. It is April 13th, 2026. It's 7:15. Right on the nose tonight. Let's call this meeting to order.
Everyone stand, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> All right, roll call. >> Uh Steve Churnney >> present. >> Uh Sophie >> here, >> Council Member Miller >> here, >> and Mr. Josh >> here. Um, Madame Chair, Mike Harding did reach out to me and he will not be in attendance at to this meeting tonight.
>> All right. Wonderful. And I thought Seth was coming. I know he was sending me a message earlier about playing with the schedule for the event. So, he might still make it. He might not. We'll see. We'll find out. Yeah. >> All right. Um, approval of the agenda.
Any addition, deletions, or corrections? I'll make a motion to approve. Oh, I can't make motion. >> Stop. >> Decline. D9. D9. >> I just feel bad because we're missing some people and so I felt like I had to step in.
>> I'll make the motion to approve. >> Wonderful. >> I'll second. >> Awesome. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Approval of minutes. Consider approval of the minutes from the March 9th, 2026 regular meeting. Any additions, deletions, or
corrections? No >> motion for approval. >> So moved. >> I'll make the motion. >> That mean that means >> So you'll second. >> My big head blocked his voice.
>> No, I think there was something else in anyway. Okay. >> All right. All in favor? >> I >> All right. This is the most fun committee on you guys. Uh let's see. Consider approval of the
March 2026 financial report and monthly bills. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening, Founders Day Committee. >> Good evening. >> Uh March 2026 had an ending cash balance of $6,354.33. In March 2026, five donations were
received. Uh Dwayne's Body Shop, $750. Dwayne's Auto Sales, $750. uh that they they did request to be combined together uh for a white level sponsorship which they will be recognized on our Facebook page
>> and have been >> perfect uh steel thank you Josh for the steel wika cooperative electric uh donation of $500 uh lawn sale tool manufacturing 200 and DSI for $1,500
uh March invoices include DM stamps and specialty please. That's a $3025 uh name plaque for Seth uh here at the DASIs. And then the K check uh and Kch check for $150. And that was well done
by Josh. That donation trade for one interview and uh 60 30 second commercials. >> Awesome. Good work. >> So, uh Madam Chair, as >> Wait, did I'm sorry. Did you say 60 30 secondond commercials? They're going to run that 60 times. That's amazing.
>> That is awesome. I didn't realize. I know. I didn't realize how many. That's awesome. >> So, um, as far as, uh, in your attachments here for tonight, uh, we have the invoices and then we have the revenue and expense
sheets. So, Madame Chair, um, I'm looking for a motion to approve this tonight. >> Motion. >> A second. >> All right. I guess I can. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed.
>> All right. Thank you, Corey. Um, no public hearings and sadly we have no guests tonight to petition or comment. >> Where's Katie when we need her? >> Uh, approval of the consent agenda.
Nothing tonight. No old business. New business. Committee member assignments. Uh, Madam Chair, you did reach out to me earlier today saying that you wanted to go first in your report. >> I did. >> So, Madam Chair, we could just start with you.
>> Wonderful. Um, thank you, Corey. So, for fundraising, um, this is something that I kind of took over once Grace resigned and is now primarily under the hands of Josh. So, thank you, Josh. I really appreciate it. Mhm.
>> I think you said you sent an email out to like 80 different businesses in town. >> Um, Heath Valley Farms has a pending donation at this time. Like Corey said, we got the DSI $1,500 donation. Association one is coming
through and then the ad with Adam at Kche has been uh curated and ready to go for those 60 ads. Oh, that's so exciting. Um, so Josh, I know you said so you have a
spreadsheet that you kind of merged the two that we had going together. >> Yep. >> Did that say 187 on there for total fundraising? >> It did. Yep. >> So, I still need to go through and like figure out which checks we've received and which ones are still outstanding so
we can reach out to those ones >> and clarify. >> Thank you, Corey. >> Great. So just out of clarification, I did bring this along tonight. So what we have here, what we have actually processed, resolutions
and donations brought to the city hall that totals 11,200. So then I have another uh 11 another column over here with committed. So Lndale, beautifully made, Minnesota.
Uh I believe they were like they wanted to donate but closer to the event community foundation and we really got we we got to have a great appreciation for our city administrator. Um he got that grant application in. >> Thank you.
>> Um ahead of schedule and um he sub he submitted it for their meeting tonight. So they'll be reviewing. >> Wonderful. Thank you Joel. >> Yeah. Thank you. I didn't have all the, you know, the dots and crosses. So, >> but otherwise, yes, Mr. Ericson got that
in or submitted it. >> Uh, lawn sale or u the $5,000 donation has not come in yet. >> Okay. >> And then Triumphant Life Church, uh, thank you, uh, Council Member Miller. Um, but we have not received it yet, but
this is just in our committed area. >> And then the American Legion Auxiliary of $100. And I hope to get um that check on Thursday at the burger night. >> Awesome. >> Wonderful. That that is great.
>> Awesome. That is great. So, >> but as far as what is available today or what's been collected today is 11,200. >> Okay, perfect. So, it still is very promising in terms of
total received once all of those committed checks come through. Um, which would then push us over the goal for the fireworks bill alone, which is obviously a huge feat. So, thank you everyone who has contributed to fundraising. Um, that
takes a huge weight off of the process. >> It's a team effort. I was nervous there was a tornado outside. Is there? >> No, no, no, no. I'm sorry for the distraction. >> Um, poor eating. >> So,
okay. Fundraising got that down. Fireworks, we pretty much have that down. It's essentially just we need all the committed funds and then we're good to go on that. Um, food permits I wanted to
discuss really quick. We've got the permits from Smoke and I think Kona Ice said that they sent their permit in to the city. >> Uh so Kona Ice is good to go. Okay. >> Um they've submitted all the required paperwork. >> Wonderful. >> And um I contacted them and they they've
been notified that they are >> good to go. >> They they are qualified. I have not received anything from Smoke yet. >> That is my fault because I have it. I just wanted to clarify or confirm. >> Um maybe I don't have it in this packet,
but I have it. I have the physical copy. So, um I will get that to you. >> All right. Uh and then there was a vendor that reached out via email. They must have seen our flyer and they do like Korean like those Korean
corn dogs and the mochi nuts and boba tea and all of that. Um, I think that would be a huge hit. They showed interest and I kind of gave them the information they requested as well as the food permit to fill out. I have not received said permit yet, but they did
show eagerness to be a part of the event. So, I'm kind of just waiting. I'll maybe send a follow-up to see if they're still interested. Um, and then Shields Like Cheesecake, I do need to connect with Homa. She I know she's expressed interest in the past about setting up, too. So, we're we're looking
really good on food in terms of all of that. The only one I have not heard back with the permit from is Meat Madness. So, I'll send a followup with them as well. And really, we just need the permit for for the day of, right? Like there's no deadline in terms of urgency
on the food permit. >> I'd like to have at least a month out before the event. >> Perfect. >> Just because it does take a few days to process. >> Wonderful. I'll make a note. Um, >> and Takari is right on Main Street. So that's But they wouldn't need a permit because they're already a business,
right? >> As far as like a mobile food stand. >> No, like if they just were doing their normal business on that day, they're just fine. >> Okay. Um, so
a very very exciting addition to the hopefully addition to the Founders Festival. Um, I was connected with Cindy who runs the carriage rides for the Frosty Fest annually and thank you Ki
for that contact. She was very excited to hear from me when I reached out in terms of doing the July 3rd event. They and we got really lucky cuz they're actually doing two events on the 4th. So, they were booked out. Um they are
available for July 3rd. She said she could uh do the carriage rides from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for $750 and any additional hour is $100, but they cannot exceed 3 hours for the
horses in the summertime because of July in Minnesota. >> So, um 850 would be the max, 750 would be the 2hour window. Um they will have hay and water provided. I did ask if we
needed to have any of that available for them because I would love to feed a horse some carrots, you know. >> Um, and she said that they'll have all of that. I would love to have some funds allocated to the carriage rides since the since we created this committee. I
felt that carriage rides were a huge asset to the historical presence of the event itself and they definitely create kind of a magical environment in terms of Hi guys. Sorry. >> Um they create such a great environment
for kids and families and adults to enjoy. Um >> and the sound of their hoops on the >> Yeah. achievement >> in the scraping of No, >> she really need the money. >> Um, that has not been clarified, but I
did let her know that we have uh a meeting tonight. I just connected with her over the weekend. So, super recent conversation. Um, they are excited to provide the service to us if we are willing to allocate the funds.
Um, so would we have to bring that request to council to or what would you suggest? >> Um, I wouldn't think that is necessary. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Good. >> I'll make a motion to allocate the funds, but clarify when they actually
expect payment. If they can push out, you know, further, that'd be great. >> Okay. And if or if you can negotiate a small deposit up front, that'd be fine, too. >> Is there any way to adjust the time to start a little later than 3, like 3:30 or 4?
>> Um, I'm sure we could do that. I had just kind of let her know that we're starting everything at 3, so I'm sure there's flexibility in terms of >> time frame. So, carriage rides, payment information, >> and then if we get a credit, if we're rained out or something like that, too,
we pay ahead. credit >> so we don't lose >> and then time adjustment >> and they're familiar already with everything since they come here in November. So, >> right and their route would be slightly
a skew from what they do in at Frosty Fest. But um yeah, I think this would also be something like Frosty Fest where it's something for people to look forward to every year that they know will be a part of the festival.
>> So, Madame Chair, I know that Steve made a motion, but what is the motion for? It's for this uh to receive a carriage ride contract that's identified from 3 until 5 in the amount of $750. And then additional questions regarding
um a pre or a deposit and seeing when we can >> well the original mo excuse me car it was just to allocate the funds and then >> allocate funds. >> Yeah just to allocate funds and then once we have all the information we can make a formal motion after that
>> but right now it's the allocation of funds. Um, do we before we proceed with that, do we want to do the full three hours or would we prefer just two? >> I feel like three would be better because and I think starting a little later.
>> I agree. >> Okay. >> I also agree, Josh. >> Yep. No, I agree. I think >> three hours. >> Yeah, it'll go by fast. So, >> yeah. Seth, what do you think? >> Yeah, >> since you know animals. >> Well, she might have a minimum. She might not even want to do less than that.
>> Yeah. Well, and she had quoted for two hours and then said they can't do more than three. So, >> I was like, well, if we can't do more than three, we might as well do three. >> I agree with Josh. It'll go by quickly. >> Okay. Um >> All right. So, I just want to clarify
this for the record. So, Mr. Turney made a motion allocate allocation of funds to the carriage ride for three hours in the amount of $850. >> Well, yes. Yeah, >> that today that's the motion. >> Uh been looking for a second on that. Please
>> second. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I'm very excited for the first notion. >> I know you're It's like those dreams where you're screaming and nothing comes out. >> As long as you guys help me in the
carriage. >> All right, deal. >> We're going to lift your lift. >> Hoyer lift. And then my final update before everyone else can uh chime in. Um
we a few of us met at the schoolhouse last week and kind of got a feel for the the space inside. Um I think if Steve Vosapka is
willing to let us move things in there, that would be wonderful. especially like that big display case that just kind of impedes um but that can be discussed or arranged further down. But I think um just you know there's definitely some TLC needed
in the interior between you know maintenance and whatnot that's needed. So, as long as the city is able to do said maintenance or if we can, you know, do a power cleaning day together or something, um, I see no issue with
using the inside of the schoolhouse. We talked about having hopefully Steve Oipka posted there um as anformational resource and then someone on the upper level to um maybe dress the part and
kind of be like an old school teacher which I think would be totally cool. It's very old Kelly's Farm vibes. Um >> that might give some of us PTSD. >> Get the ruler SL.
Yes. Um, and then in terms of the market, the farmers market, I am waiting. I'll have an update on how many vendors come May, June. The first market is Mother's Day weekend. Um, so I'll for sure know by then. Uh but posting the
vendors up along the left hand side, wrapping around the back side of the schoolhouse to create kind of a a nice flow of traffic to attract the kids and the and the families to go towards the backside using that space for yard games
and whatnot. Um, yeah. And then Steve, when I talked to you today, you had a really great idea for >> an army tent. So, I'll let you talk about that, but I'm done with my updates. Thank you, Corey, for letting me have dibs.
>> Okay, perfect. Whose turn is it now? >> Corey, who goes next? >> Uh, actually, I'm gonna let you run the staff report. You go ahead since uh you took the lead here. >> Okay. Steve, why don't you give us your update? Okay, we'll do >> because we talked earlier.
>> Sure. Uh talked to Steve uh on Saturday and we're just going to wait for nice weather, but we're going to I hate turning my back. >> It's all right. >> I know. >> That's all right. >> So, um >> so we are going to we are going to
videoraph Steve in front and give a complete history and then we'll move. Uh he said he has a box so big of of nar of written material too that we can go through and we'll we're going to put together a very
professional look at Lndale with the intent of selling those and we'll we'll date it today but we could sell them throughout the year if you like. Um and he's down for that. my videographers, you know, ready to do that and there
won't be any expense on here for that. >> Going to cover that. Um, also talked with um, uh, Major Beal who lives here in town and uh, he'd like to bring some army folks down here and we could uh,
kind of do some recruiting but fold them into like a booth. And I'm thinking too, I I know of people that have the old tents, you know, the army tents too, they use with the shooters round up down there in Morristown. So, but definitely
major bills down for for coming down and bringing some >> army folks down. That's kind of cool. I also have um uh two two other things going on. The watermelon feed and uh the horseshoes. >> Yeah. >> So, that'll be kind of kind of fun to do
that. And um we just have to get >> Is it because I'm uncultured? What's a watermelon feed? >> Well, watermelon feed is basically you can you can do it a number of different ways. You can just set it out so people can buy and have some watermelon or you could have a watermelon eating contest and I would kind of like the contest,
you know, maybe Joel against Tom Burger or something like that. >> What about a seed spitting contest? >> You know, I've seen that too before, but it would be hard like somebody would choke, you know. We don't need liability. >> Yeah. So, so those are a couple couple of cool things. And also looking for
those um players where they can walk around in costume and stuff contact, you know, with those folks over there in Northfield. They're going to get back to me soon. >> That'd be awesome. That would be period periods actors. >> And eventually maybe we could even expand. Well, let's do this for this
year, but there's some other thoughts, too. >> Watermelon feed. >> Watermelon for horseshoes. Right. And I still haven't reached out to see if we could do a mural on the building, you know, the uh >> on the orange one. >> The orange building. Yeah, >> that'd be cool. >> Otherwise, we could always maybe see the
one >> parallel or across. >> Which one? >> There's that. Um >> Bill Litzky's chiropractor. >> No, other side. Um it's is that where Audrey's attic was?
>> It's got like the kind of gray gray tone brick. homes that uh that was in the orange building. >> That's the orange building. >> Audrey's >> Oh, yeah. >> That's the orange one. >> Okay. The one with the corner unit that just had the little >> the tipsy bull frog. >> Tipsy bullfrog on.
>> That's a What a name. Yeah. >> Is that a tattoo shop? That >> That is a tattoo shop in there. No, but the tipsy bullfrog is going to come. It's a little bar. Yeah. >> Wow. Okay, that's all I have right now. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Seth.
>> Yeah. I feel like this is your official welcome because this is the last meeting you were just thrown into it. >> Yeah. >> So, welcome. >> Thank you. >> What do you have for us tonight? >> Um, well, I haven't really been asked to do anything. So, I I mean, I have
>> Yeah, >> I I think one of the things I heard you saying, Corey, the first meeting I was here was, "Please give me an outline of the day." I think you asked that four or five times that day. >> You did. Yeah. >> And I did not deliver. Well, I I don't He didn't really direct it at one person
or not. So, >> okay. >> I I am I mean, I've done some events before. So, I threw together a slide just as a placeholder. If you wanted to look at it, I could email it to you now. >> Yeah. >> And I I created a budget um with that.
>> Okay. >> Um and it would be in I didn't put um horseshoe throwing, but I did put watermelon seed spitting in. >> Nice. So >> you guys are sinking up here. >> Yeah. I mean, I just think, you know, we
basically have three months to go. So we from my perspective, we should almost be deciding like tonight. >> Yeah. >> What we're going to do because >> to pull it off, well, I think we're probably going to need 10 to 20 um
volunteers, maybe more depending on how many events we want to do. Um, so it just um it just feels like it would be a good time to be um deciding what that day is going to look
like. So, >> and Seth, I know that council member Miller also volunteered to put that events flyer together also. >> Okay. didn't get much done on it because I was kind of waiting to see where we were at with activities because I didn't know
what to plan around the one year ago. >> Um I appreciate the work that I'm excited to see what Seth has done and I'm happy to partner and team up and do whatever I can to help. >> Awesome. >> Um actually I forwarded it to you Sophie. Can you
>> forward I don't have you guys in a email group yet. I'd like to offer this up, Seth, to all you guys. >> I brought this to one of the first meetings I did a I used AI and I and I actually formatted actually the whole day.
>> It's starting in the morning environmentally unconscious. >> So, I'm going to offer that. Can I offer this to Seth then Sophie? Is that okay? >> Yeah, of course. >> Take a look if you actually do use AI turn this. Okay. Yeah. take take a look at put the criteria that you've learned
or you're learning or use this up here >> and it really does a nice job >> spitting it out. >> And we also just remember since Mike is in here about the cornhole tournament that is still a thing. >> Um I've also got um just for an
appearance the IMCA vintage race cars >> going to come and bring a few to have on display. So we just need to figure out where we want to station them. Another thing I did reach out to Amy at the Lonsdale Legion to see if because with
it being um you know American history I feel like honoring the veterans and things like that is super important. So I would like to get something going on with the Legion as well. So I'm kind of just waiting to >> hear from her about um ideas for down there as well to kind of pull people
back down that to that end of Main Street too because the band at Rail 19, you know, it's down that way. So I feel bad because I really don't have much information right now firmed up. >> So but the bottom line is how do we get this done? Because Seth, thank you for
that reminder that I asked the advisory board several times the importance of finalizing this so we could start moving forward. As you said, now we it's time to start concentrating on the actual logistics and and finding volunteers. We
need a sign up genius, I think, for um cuz that's >> how like community day she does a signup genius for that. Um I think that would be good and do it in little shifts for people. We can start promoting um >> like 2our shifts probably. >> Yeah. And maybe we don't have to
necessarily designate a specific activity at this time since we don't have it, but at least like that people are interested in helping >> and then I feel like >> within the next few weeks I should be able to have things firmed up with the
Legion and um >> Well, look at >> you know to bring that back. >> You guys, Seth has this laid out beautifully. >> Yeah, he does. I just forwarded it. Well, I mean, they're placeholders. I I'm just I just feel like I'm a because
I run a business, I have to stay organized because I'm >> very visually pleasing. I will I will note that. >> So, it just felt like if we can at least create some placeholders and then we can decide, well, um, the mayor doesn't do
well speaking publicly, so we're going to can that. And >> Oh, he does. He would love to speak. >> I figured he probably did. >> Great time. Um so anyways that's just a suggestion and you know maybe if people wanted to look
at it during this week or >> however long we decide as a committee we want to take to kind of consolidate and then make a decision on what the actual events are going to be. And you know like you just said you >> you know >> you've got other things that you know
you want to do maybe at the Legion or whatever. Just it would be nice to have a master plan that shows exactly who's going to be where all throughout the day. >> Yes. >> And then start pulling people into it. >> I am glad I didn't put this together cuz it would have been horrible in
comparison. >> Madam Chair, h how would you like to proceed with this because our next meeting is in May. >> Yeah. I think if we can all commit to this week, cuz today's Monday, and have any additions,
deletions, or corrections by Friday, I had to. Um, and then you can make revisions according to what all of our inputs or changes may be. Um,
I think unless you guys want to take the time tonight, it's really >> I think I need more time to just kind of dig into it. >> Um, and I think >> a cup of coffee. >> Yeah, look at all the things. >> This is amazing stuff.
>> Oh my goodness. So, Seth, I'm assuming I'm assuming you're taking the lead now on on orchestrating the the schedule for the day. >> And then, um, yes. >> Thank you. Way, >> uh, Council Member Miller, are you still
doing a flyer then, or are we using this as the flyer? Sorry, I don't have access to what we're looking at. >> I'm happy to, um, if this can be made into a flyer. Otherwise, I can just pull things out of it once we finalize it to make a a nice 8 by 11 flyer.
>> All right, that sounds like a good good approach. So, Madame Chair, by this Friday at uh 4:00 p.m. uh we got to have we got to get this done. >> I agree. I agree. So, what we have at
that point is what we have. >> So, we can start focusing on, like I said, logistics and event uh coordination. Um, okay. I'm just looking really quick for the
like the Trishka Park soccer games and um stuff like that. >> Yeah, >> we can look at all I put kickball in there. I mean, I just u again because I've only been here once,
>> I didn't remember all the events we talked about. >> Um but what I could do then with what with your revisions once you get those in is I'll rework this and then I'll try to um create basically um a task list
for each of the departments. So for the soccer game, for the whatever we decide and then um put different people in charge of those different parts of events throughout the day. So >> yes.
>> So basically I can create lists of each activity, how many people we need and then give you kind of an outline on how you need to prepare for that day. Basically what kind of stuff you need. But one of the things that I was thinking um when I was doing this is I
know we I don't know where we've come up with the numbers for um the actual fireworks um how close we're going to be to that but um there's a number of things like we've talked about having a band and I don't remember does is someone donating
a stage. >> Real 19 is handling all of that. So, yeah, and Mike had sent an email saying >> he they were going to figure it out. So, I'm guessing that it's been figured out. >> I'm hoping. >> Okay.
>> By me, Mike, we need to know. >> Well, and we could just put if we put one guy, for instance, in charge of the stage and the band, and they just stay on that task until they've got that hammered out, and I can give them an outline of here's what you need to do to
prepare for that. But, you know, if we're going to have a kickoff time, presumably you're going to want, if you're going to want the mayor to kick it off, you got to have a stage or some sort of PA system for him to officially kick it off from. >> Yeah. And for that, I was thinking he
stands on those beautiful steps of the schoolhouse >> with floral arrangements and a podium and an American flag. >> Y, >> a big flag. >> So, >> do we have a big flag we could bring? You know that I agree it would actually
be ideal to kick it off from there, but then it means we need a PA system for downtown and something for the school. I mean, I suppose he could just >> shout >> shout. Um, >> well, I could see maybe if Tyler Borggan
would want to be in town that weekend cuz they come down uh they've come down once since they moved. So, um, he's got all that DJ equipment that he's set up and he can do it in just a matter of >> an hour or two. So, um, I can reach out
to him and see if he's available or even interested in coming for something like that. >> I can handle the schoolhouse if that's where he's going. I have all that equipment, too. >> You do? >> So, I'll take care of it. >> Yeah. >> That was safe.
>> That That would really help. I mean, thanks for that. You're welcome. So, I attached a budget to it and uh it's a separate attachment and just kind of used some local vendors to give price ideas and stage equipment and PA stuff
would be a huge savings to get rid of. So, >> this is so in depth. I just I'm like, you're overqualified. >> This is amazing. >> Okay. Well, >> thank you so I can't get back to this until Saturday. So, not till late Friday
night or >> Friday. Friday at 4:00. >> Yep. Friday. >> That is the cut off. >> Yep. >> Um Hari, real quick, I just wanted to ask in terms of volunteer count, how many ambassadors would be helping? >> Let me look at the current sign up. We
did um we are going to have candidates now too. So, I'll have more uh possibility. We have our actual orientation tomorrow night. So, I'll know more then. So, I should be able to report back by Friday at 4:00.
Um, let me just get into that event. So far, I don't have anybody signed up, but everybody knows it's on the calendar. So, >> we have a May events meeting and also after the candidate orientation tomorrow night. >> Perfect.
>> So, cool. >> Um, >> speaking of candidate, if I may. >> Yeah, of course. I'd like to say to the committee here, if we could make a decision, no political candidates to participate. You know, if somebody wants to set up a boo, I could see this happening. It's a
huge year. Absolutely not. >> Huge year. And I say no. >> Yeah. It's the 250th and it's like big. >> Oh, it's Yeah. It's midterm. So, >> no. This is not political. This is nonpartisan. >> I want to make sure that we don't do that. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. I do think the army tent though is a good idea because celebrating. >> Yeah. >> You know, the freedom that they >> But just to clarify, it's not like recruitment, right? This is just >> just a display time. >> That's an interesting question. That's
what I thought. Yeah. So, but we'll we'll try to manage that, Corey. Okay. If you give me a little grace on that one. >> All right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um Josh. >> All right.
>> Yeah. Um, like Sophie mentioned, uh, I reached out to 80 plus businesses via email using the Lonzale business list that Katy Berg provided me. Um, a lot of them were just local businesses that have not
already been contacted yet. So, they're kind of like the smallest of small, so wasn't a great uh not too much potential there. So, unfortunately, I haven't got any traction from those. Um, I'm planning to send either a follow-up email or try to follow up via a phone
call to those businesses as well. Um, just to make sure they got my email. Um, and then, uh, like mentioned and shared in the email thread, I started a, um, kind of like a business outreach tracker spreadsheet, um, that just tracks who
we've reached out to, how we reached out to them, email, phone call, flyer. Um, um, and then also it tracks their donations or the committed donations, which I can line up to make sure we can get the ones that Corey provided here.
Um, with that said, I think we have about 18,000 in committed donations. Um, so enough to cover fireworks, but we still need a few thousand more to make this thing really happen, be able to afford
the the items here that Seth uh listed out in his spreadsheet. Um but yeah, my really next uh focus is going to be following up with those businesses. Um and just trying to find other options to
reach out to. Um it is a little bit of a roadblock since we're not a 501c3 in a lot of situations. Also some hesitant around uh businesses wanting to donate since we've never had this event before. So, >> I definitely think after this year,
seeing the product of what they're paying for, we'll have a lot more luck with that. >> Yep, for sure. So, >> um that's on my to-do list next. Um and then I'd also look to take the lead on starting to create some banners for
promotion around town and some flyers that we can post up on light poles and such. Um so, I think it's it's going to be that time where we need to >> start. Josh, can we can we >> accept private donations? >> Mhm. >> Because if that's one of the things
Excuse me. Go ahead. >> Anyone? Yeah. >> The reason So, you're going to mention banners. One of the things we're using in another environment is putting QR codes. I mean, substantial QR codes that people if they like the venue, they go up, boom, and they can donate. I think
that'd be consideration to do that with the banners. Right. He was going to ask uh Joel how how tricky it would be to put a QR code on the old utility bill. >> Well, we just tried that. >> Mhm. >> Didn't have a great response. >> What was it like 200?
>> Actually, 400. >> 406. >> Oh, wrong. >> 2%. >> Out of >> Well, scratch that one. >> But I wouldn't mind having QR codes posted around if people want to make a donation toward >> Untown Bulletin boards, whatever. Would
you be willing to do like a new graphic flyer and then we can as a social media team post that too? >> We could hang one out here on the diet. >> But the problem with the QR code is usually that leads to a link to donate and so but here we don't really have a
specific like they have to come here to make the payment or mail the payment. So how what would the QR code be for? >> Well, I would have it linked right to an account. Uh, you'd have to have a landing page of some sort and then have that tied to a bank account. >> Yeah, that might be a little too techy.
>> So much if we don't do the QR code just something >> if I can have a guy do that. Would you accept? I have something that does. >> Well, the problem is like it would be the city bank account. >> Well, I know if Joel >> But I wouldn't want to put I don't know. >> Can Can we do that, Joel? Corey,
>> I want to talk to Tammy >> cuz I I know how to do it. I just don't have >> Oh, you know how to do? Yeah, I just don't have the >> And remember, we we are working we should be done with this now with our easy easy pay solutions on our website. It seems like they sort of ghosted us.
>> Um I made several calls for followup. So I think uh additional steps need to be taken part on the city side. >> Yeah. >> As far as getting it implemented. So, I'd like to stand by with this idea because we still original thought process was >> to log on to the homepage someplace on
the homepage and if Josh wanted to make a $20 private donation, >> you could do >> make a $20 private donation. >> Cory, can we uh when we're streaming this like tonight, can we put a QR that they could they could be generated tonight? I don't think YouTube will let
you unless it was like a link to the QR code to then >> cuz I've done that before. We just >> Well, we have eight people watching us tonight. So, >> oh, so forget it's not worth it. Hi, Eight people. >> Feel free to donate. >> Sophie, your husband is watching
tonight. >> No, I don't know. The mayor. >> It's likely scratch that idea. But but but but you know we are with YouTube we are you know anybody can watch this internationally just >> yeah so if anybody wants to make a donation
>> please it'll just make the event even better. Um but there's some outdated things on our original flyer. Um you know barbecue cookoff is no longer I do not have parade on here so that's
at least a bonus. But I think I think just having an updated, you know, even if it's um simplified, >> I can do that. >> Thank you. Cuz I I want to get that on our website. >> Need these at all? Just let me know cuz I do have both of them.
>> Will you just send those to me? I I think I have this one already, but just do them both so that I have them together. >> Do you want the Lawnville one, too? >> I sure do. >> That's going to be my business card. >> Where
Um before we jump away from Josh, >> can I just jump in ask a couple questions. Um do you know roughly what percentage you're at for donors compared to people that you have to ask? >> I I mean you don't have to give me exact
but are you like at 50% or >> so we've like of how many people have reached out to you? How many people have actually comm committed to donating compared to the list that we're working from? >> Yeah. Um
there's probably 150 businesses on my list and we've had 16 businesses donate. So that's probably pretty good. I mean a little over 10%. >> Yeah. I'm I'm just wondering if it's
feasible some of the things that I put as budget items for the actual event day. Um how much we would need to slash that um based on what you think you might pick up at this point. >> Yeah, we might. I mean, there's it's
also a potential idea to see if some of those businesses you have listed on yours would be willing to donate their service or items like >> Oh, yeah. That would be cool. >> In return for some sort of recognition. >> Yep. >> That's a great idea.
>> Yeah. Kind of a a side tangent here. Would we have interest in DSI parking a truck anywhere for kids to like >> as long as full >> or running
>> instead of a dunk tank? It's a you know truck. >> Now you're talking about >> get picked up by the claw, you know. Um, and then I wanted to ask about t-shirts. Is that something we're still
interested in doing? Uh, the whole, you know, everyone on the committee and staff would have a shirt. Um, if Tom Berg wanted one, um, any volunteers? I know the, you know, the more shirts there are, the more that racks up a
little bit, but is that something that we're interested in? And >> I feel like I would pay for my own shirt. >> Okay. >> You know, I wouldn't want that to come out of the cost of what we're doing. >> Um, it would be, I think, beneficial to have something so that people can more
easily identify. >> Totally. Volunteers. >> And I'm thinking like concert t-shirt style. We can have, you know, instead of all the the the tour locations on the back, it would be the sponsors listed on
the back. Um, and then something fun on the front. >> The logo. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, the logo. And we can like around the sponsors on the back have like fireworks. Yeah. >> You know, >> that'd be cool. >> I've done a few merch in my day. But I,
you know, we can have Golden Arrow do it or I can drop [ __ ] from Printful or >> I have a friend who does it in Bloomington, too. And >> Oh, awesome. >> Yeah. Screen printing. So, >> sweet. Yeah. >> Wonderful. Um, and that's something that we can do a little bit closer to the event. That's
not so much of an urgent thing, but I just wanted to retouch base >> on it because I'm >> We did sell shirts, too. >> We could sell shirts if we did like a >> a bulk order, but then that's talking of
fund allocation. >> Yeah. So, >> something to keep in mind for next meeting or down the line. Um, >> can I just ask one more question for you? >> Totally. >> Um, so I know you've talked about this,
but I didn't hear where we landed. Um, have you talked about doing or come to a conclusion about doing tiers for your donors? >> Yes. So, we have the three tiers. I know we brought that up last meeting like maybe we should have more tears. Um
>> the star level. >> Yeah. And what I kind of talked about with Sophie was at this point like we've already sent it out to so many people that I think we're just going to have to commit to what we already talked about for this year and just go with that. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. I we can totally revamp next year. >> Um especially since there were a lot of pivots made with fundraising in the first place. So, we live and we learn and we get better as we go on. >> Yeah. Um, so have you decided on are you
going to put them on a banner or I'm just thinking with the remainder of the people you have to go after if you have a really clear way of saying, you know, if you give on any of these levels, you're going to go on a banner on this spot on that day. you know,
maybe on the stage where the mayor's going to present or whatever. Just something to be more appealing and really substantial so that they know I'm going to give this and my name's going to go here. Have you done Have you thought of anything like that?
>> Not not to the specific level that we'd probably like just cuz I don't really know what that's going to entail yet. I don't know if we're having a banner on the stage or >> what banners we're even doing at this point. So, our like levels are kind of just like, well, you'll get recognition
on social media, like you'll your logo will be on signage for the event. We didn't really specify like it'll be on this specific signage. Like, it's just any signage we create. >> We're hoping to list all of our sponsors. >> So, >> so I would just say as a business owner,
especially in these days, I would want to know what I'm getting for my money. Y um if you can be even if we can as a team decide you know over the next several days >> what that needs to look like so that you really have the tools you need to be
effective with the last you know 130 people >> y >> um >> yeah so >> I'd make a motion that we decide how we're going to present the um honoring the donors
by Friday or Saturday of this week. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think a solid Friday touch base over all of this would just be ideal. Um yeah, cuz man, 3 months is like >> it's coming.
>> Feels like we just started. >> But we've come a long way, you guys. We can't we can't discredit that. But as far as recognizing our donors uh based upon their contra or the donation level uh we have been sending out our Facebook posts or thank you post been working with our marketing team on that
>> so that we are current uh with our white level sponsors. >> Um also I'm seeing that I thought we previously discussed that we'll have all the donors on our website. We'll have all the donors on a on um well various
banners or whatever banners we have. Mhm. >> Uh because I know that was that that comment was relayed at the last meeting as far as the importance of a local business owner being recognized for their for their donation. We can't we can't just look at it lightly. No. >> Yeah. I agree.
>> Um >> and peepers for letting us use their land. >> Correct. >> Yes. Thank you for that. >> That's like the premier sponsorship. >> Well, and you know, just some feedback on that. I I think that that's really good. I mean, I think that's a great
place to start, but I think I mean, I've never been to our city website. I will change that. I promise, but I think that um you have a limited um cross-section of people that will do that. And it
would be nice to make it more public. I mean, you've already said that we'll get it on a banner. I I guess that's what I'm focusing on. If we can hash out that part so that we know >> and maybe we can't do it, but at least we know one way or the other. Is there
going to be some clear public >> Yeah. >> um visible acknowledgement on the day? >> Yes. >> And >> and >> if we do the day well, that'll be one, >> right? Yes. And also alongside that, would we be able to uh I don't know how
billboards work, but on the digital side, would we be able to have a screen slide come through on the billboard at all that day? >> As far as a dynamic board or >> the is that what that is? Yeah. The new billboard. Yeah.
>> I'm sure there's a cost to that. >> Okay. >> But want to clarify that that that's not a city function. No, >> that is a private uh circle city up door. >> So, they wouldn't cut the city a deal. >> I have not reached out to them or um
researched that. I I'm not sure what their current or what their advertising costs are. >> Okay. And that could potentially be another trade like true. >> I don't know. But I'm thinking too um Colton Kemp does an amazing job usually covering Lonsdale events and so that's
another opportunity for all of our sponsors to get recognition >> or we pay for an ad in the paper >> and we can also pay for an ad in the paper too. >> But I'm thinking like this is a big deal for Lon Bringing Back Fireworks. So he's going to want to do some kind of a write up about it. >> Yes. Should I should we have that done
sooner than later or do we want that done? >> I think closer to the event like I think in June would be better to I don't know just personally. >> And then >> front page Colton. >> Yeah. Um,
and then for the peeper acknowledgement, I do agree that doing something like social media and on signage would be worth uh worthwhile. Um, so I guess I'll let you kind of dictate if we push that
out right away, if we want to wait until kind of right before the event and be like a massive thank you to the peepers for >> hype for the event, combine it into >> Yeah. kind of >> the excitement, >> that buildup, >> the buildup. >> Mhm.
>> Yeah. So, we can revisit that as the marketing team >> down the line. And I also do want to point out whenever we have these um you know the resolutions for accepting the donations at the council meetings um
>> the council has been doing a very very very good job recognizing the donate don the donors plus the pet for pe for family also >> and that will continue >> as long as I'm here >> forever. No, I'm just kidding. Uh,
speaking of did DSI get resoluted resolved? >> Uh, yes, they were in the last resolution. >> Okay. >> Um, >> I know we just did the uh >> Dwayne's auto body for an acknowledgement, but I'd be happy to out
there. >> I I'll follow up with you tomorrow. I was out of the office on Friday, and that resolution was approved that Thursday night. Perfect. In the packet. >> Yeah. No rush. Just want to make sure. Um, all right. Other business.
>> Uh, madame chair, the city council approved resolution 2026-20, a resolution accepting donations for the 20 2026 founders fest fireworks display steel basic cooperative electric 500 um
lale to manufacturing for and for 200 at the March 2026 meeting. Actually, that has to be updated with several others that were added to that. Uh committee toured the historic three landmark uh school on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at
3:30 p.m. Uh Madam Chair, you did a recap of that already. Uh I was just happy that we could all or those who are available were I was happy that we could meet out there on site. I'm very impressed of, you know, I have a greater
um perception of how large a space that is from being out there. >> Yeah. No, it's going to be great. Being at the site kind of makes it a little more real, you know? >> Right. But as far as the key uh takeaways tonight, so 4:00 this Friday
is the deadline uh for activities. And then, Council Member Miller, you said you're going to follow up uh with Seth >> and break it down to comm to do a a flyer or a page flyer. >> Yes. And then I can blast it on Facebook. >> Perfect.
>> Yes. >> And I also did um talk to Margarite at the library about um getting some of those things scanned in. She was actually planning on doing it later this summer, but she's looking into seeing if she can get the high quality scanner to
get it going sooner, but we would need volunteers. And I said, I'm in and I bet I can find some other people, Sophie and whatever we need. So, more to come with that as well. >> Um because it'd be really cool to have some kind of just slideshow playing um photos over and over.
>> Yeah, I agree. >> So, that is another update that I just remembered. Mhm. Thanks. >> That's okay. >> You You don't have You don't get to be the lead on any task assignments. So, >> it's okay. It's fine. >> Get blown over. >> I know. It's fine. I just
>> like we're about to be. >> No. >> All right. Madam Chair, the next meeting is Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. >> Wonderful. >> And I'm seeking a motion to adjourn the meeting tonight. >> Motion.
>> Second. I like it here. So, uh, Sophie, you made the motion. >> Yep. >> All right. >> And I think Josh >> All right. This meeting is adjourned. Okay.