Minutes from Rockford Horizons October 27, 2009 Meeting

The Horizons Visioning/Strategic Plan was discussed and the progress reviewed.

Communications:
The community events are being posted on the Town reader board. The community calendar is being circulated in the Town utility bill. It is also on the Horizons blog as well as the Town website. A few copies should be posted throughout Town such as at the Post Office and various businesses. Phil Evans will have a presentation at the November 10th meeting to discuss what he has learned from several broadband providers. A survey will be drafted and sent out to the community to find out the desire for wireless and broadband and how many households can afford it. The Town is currently on a contract for administration of the website. The Horizons blog is being updated more frequently.

Community Center:
More programs were discussed to be housed in a facility. The Horizons group is finalizing paperwork for 501(c)3 status with IRS.

Community Garden:
Ther was discussion about the sort of crops that should be planted next year and those that were not popular. A local contractor will be contacted regarding putting raised beds in one of the garden spots. A greenhouse has been donated which will help get seeds started. The three garden spots will be available for use again next planting season. The farmers market was a success this year and the hope is to have music and cooking demonstrations as a bonus.

Patrick Malone was in attendance and helped us with ideas to get youth involved. One incentive is to get a student involved in the website and other projects such as designing placemats and soliciting for donations from local businesses. They would do this during their senior year and upon entering a college would receive an incentive of $1,000.00 toward their tuition (e.g.). Patrick also gave us an application for Horizons Community Capacity Fund which Vivian P. will complete and send in.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Harvest Moon.