HANSON — The Recreation Committee will be fine-tuning its policy for fundraisers — as well as its continuing amending of other policies — at Camp Kiwanee’s Needles Lodge after some issues had been raised about programs planned by the South Shore Children’s Museum — a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit —founded by former Recreation member Juvelyn Hartwig.
No vote was taken on the issue during the Monday, Nov. 15 meeting.
Initially, concerns had been raised about unpaid bills, which have since been paid, a point verified by the town’s treasurer/collector. For that reason, new Recreation Chairman Frank Milisi did not allow discussion on that point.
Member Brian Smith had expressed concern over a fundraiser apparently approved Sept. 29, but was not brought before the committee previously.
“I’d like to know who these folks spoke to,” he said, also asking why it was presented as a private party rather than a fundraiser, for which the Camp should have been paid 20 percent of receipts. The 7 p.m. To midnight schedule also requires late hours for staff doing cleanup. He also questioned the handling of the liquor license and deposit check for the comedy night set for Nov. 19.
“We’re in a financial hole,” he said. “What are we doing?”
The paperwork had been received Monday, Nov. 8, but Camp Kiwanee Administrative Assistant Dori Jameson said she had received a call months ago from a museum representative Leah Snowdale. Selectman Jim Hickey said he took the liquor license application and check over to Town Hall for Jameson to offer a hand because he was going there anyway.
Vice Chairman Audrey Flanagan said the event had been on the calendar for quite some time, but had originally been planned as a drag show – which was not planned as a fundraiser. It was later changed to a comedy night fundraiser.
A security deposit for the prior event was rolled over to the fundraiser.
Fundraisers held at Kiwanee are supposed to be charged a fee, according to Recreation policy.
Hartwig stated to the Express, the fundraisers are vital to finding a new location for the museum.
“I’m not at all thinking there is anything deceptive about this, but it is completely unorganized,” said former Chairman Diane Cohen. “As far as the pricing, we need to raise our rates [and] I believe that is something the commission is going to be working on.”
Milisi said the rate discussion is “absolutely valid.”
“That’s something that needs to be addressed in the future so that, when a situation like this comes up, there’s a proper policy to protect both parties involved,” Cohen said.
Hartwig did contact The Express, after the meeting – and had spoken to the Committee, about the timing of the discussion. The meeting had been moved up to 6 p.m., despite her explaining to some members in advance, that she could not attend until 6:30 p.m., because of work commitments.