CLACC Grant Meeting Summary
March 6, 2024
PRESENT: Tim Wyss, Wendy Schoggins, Lori DeBoer, Ray Cress, Muriel Nelson
DISCUSSION:
Grant Submission Status:
AARP Purpose Prize Application (New submission)– Wendy reported that she had terrific help from community members to complete and proofread the application.
Asbestos Abatement – SAG – We were notified on Feb. 27 that the grant was accepted but still needs contract approval. That should occur by April 15 or before. An article will be prepared for the chronicle once the contract is signed.
Compeer – Someone quoted $2300 to replace the garbage disposal. Lori will contact Shawn Monson to confirm. It was questioned if the disposal is really needed, that is, if it’s only used a couple times/year. However, CLACC just passed the commercial annual inspection and the inspector reminded Tim that there are few places offering such facilities. He indicated he will promote this commercial kitchen. This could change the need for the garbage disposal. Also, the kitchen floor should be replaced. Marci will be advised of these needs to see if she can make a new grant request to Compeer.
T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program for Event Center Upgrade – No update (Marci was later advised that our grant submission was declined).
Community Foundation of Dunn County - $5,000 for sound system - No update
Otto Bremmer Foundation for Old School Thrift Shop Donation Center – The foundation declined the grant request.
Cupid’s Carnival Fundraiser – Wendy reported that it was extremely successful with about 400 people in attendance. Center tenants and local businesses joined together under Candace Kuhl’s leadership and Lori’s and Wendy’s assistance for the event. About $3,500 was raised.
National Historical Registration Update – Lori indicated that the initial application will be submitted within a week or two. Once/if accepted, the real work begins and when she will enlist our help.
Kitchen Update – Lori and Joan will soon go through the kitchen to identify supply needs. The dishwasher should be evaluated, preferably by someone who sells/works on commercial dishwashers.
Grant Opportunities for HVAC, roof replacement and other capital expenditures. Suggestions:
Seek grants from:
Bernick
Pachel
Anderson Foundation
Westconsin (Sherry Overby) – Lori offered to make the initial contact.
Contact local businesses (Oxbo, AFP, etc.). Ideas for presentation include:
The history of CLACC.
The value of CLACC to their company (community strength).
Services provided by CLACC to their company’s employees.
Wendy indicated she as contacts for these businesses.
Wendy recommended CLACC develop a 5-year plan.
Reminders
We have two bids for the roofing project and a quote for the HVAC.
There are also quotes for both the Old School Thrift Shop Donation Center and the parking lot improvement projects which should help when writing grant requests.
To research for more grant options, go to Grantstation.com
User: CLACC GRANTS
PW: OldSchool01
Next Meeting – Wednesday, April 3, 3:30 pm
CLACC Grant Meting Summary
February 7, 2024
Present: Tim Wyss, Wendy Schoggins, Marci Meyer, Sue Anderson, Lori DeBoer, Ray Cress, Muriel Nelson
Discussion:
Receipt of Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up Grant of $1,000
CLACC received a $1,000 check from Polk-Burnett on Jan. 17. Many thanks to Marci for submitting the request and monitoring its status.
Muriel will draft an article for the upcoming chronicle and route to committee members for comment by week’s end. (Update: the article was submitted for the Feb. edition)
Grant Submission Updates:
Compeer ($5,000 for fire suppression system): Compeer declined the submission because the system has been installed. If gas and electricity hook-up can be delayed until another submission is made, Compeer may cover that cost. Marci needs bids from the contractors to do so. Tim will work on getting the bids.
T-Mobile ($50,000 toward Event Center Stage & systems): Decision expected in February-March timeframe.
Otto Bremmer Foundation ($50,000 toward Old School Thrit Shop Donation Center).
Update – Marci was notified on February 12 that our application was declined.
Community Foundation of Dunn County ($5,000 for Event Center sound system): Decision expected in Feb.-March timeframe.
SAG ($148,000 toward Asbestos Abatement) Decision expected by March 15.
Project Research Status:
HVAC Upgrade:
Hugh J. Anderson was considered as a potential organization for a grant submission of $150,000.
Tim will ask Countryside for an updated bid to support a grant request.
Roof Replacement:
Tim has a bid of $97,805 from Paul’s Sheet Metal for the third floor roof. He is meeting with another contractor this week for a second bid.
Paul’s also gave a bid of $44,938 for the roof above the thrift shop where replacement will be needed in the next couple of years.
Parking Lot Improvements: No update.
Elevator: Wendy researched two potential grant sources:
Reeve Foundation who will cover the cost of equipment but not installation.
NTCIC who covers construction projects.
It was suggested that installing an elevator on the outside of the building could nullify historical registration.
Other:
Possible grant options:
Xcel Energy is by invitation only. No one knew of any possible contacts for an invitation other than possibly Steve Engebretson.
Pioneer - Lori indicated that Tim Prusak may be a contact for this company.
Carnival Glass Foundation – Chuck Clark’s son recently retired as an executive.
GrantStation: It was recommended to Tim who, as Board President, agreed to purchase a subscription to GrantStation ($99). Wendy will set it up so that committee members can access the software to identify potential grant sources for CLACC.
Kitchen Committee Update: Lori
Lori met with Kristina from Out of the Woods Goods
Areas of concern include:
The dishwasher: Board members continue to look for someone to check it
The disposal: The board approved purchasing a new commercial unit. It will require a plumber to install it.
Access to cleaning supplies
Suggestions include:
Purchase a Kitchen-Aid or similar stand mixer.
Clean out the dry storage area and rent out the space.
Offer linen services at a fee.
Go through the kitchen to identify other needed equipment and supplies. Lori plans to do this. Joan Lillie may be a helpful resource.
Lori will be attending an April 8 class on safe handling of food and offered by the county.
Cupid’s Carnival Fundraiser for CLACC: Wendy
Candace Kuhl, tenant and owner of CanDance, is coordinating the event on Feb. 18, 1-5 pm.
Activities for all ages are planned. Some are:
Music by The Pitt Crew
Bingo with 100% pay-out
Raffle (using license from the American Legion)
Bouncy House
Gift baskets from local businesses to be auctioned
Carnival games sponsored by local businesses and tenants
Ticket sales for games and food (Brickfire pizza, Kate’s Coffee Koop)
Raising the Bar will provide beer and wine.
Help is needed for set-up, perhaps even at the event. Contact Candace Kuhl if you can help.
The next Grant Meeting will be Wednesday, March 6, 3:30 pm in the CLACC Office.
CLACC Grant Meting Summary
January 8, 2024
Present: Tim Wyss, Wendy Schoggins, Marci Meyer, Muriel Nelson
Discussion:
Grant Submission Updates:
Fire Suppression System –
Waiting to hear from Polk-Burnett (sometime later this month).
Post meeting update – CLACC received $1,000 check on Jan. 17
Marci will contact Compeer for an update.
System is installed and awaiting hook-up; the plumber will have time in February.
Event Stage Request-
No update. T-Mobile has yet to respond.
Old Thrift Shop Donation Center request to Otto Bremmer Foundation
Response should come around March 20.
Asbestos Abatement - WEDC SAG Request
CLACC has access to the SAG portal to complete the application online.
The application must be submitted no later than March 31, but we should complete it sooner than that to coordinate with the abatement company’s potential availability.
Post meeting update – The grant request was submitted Jan. 21. The SAG account manager responded and requested some changes; these changes are underway.
Other –
The Community Foundation of Dunn County has a grant program. Since the center serves some people from that county, Marci will complete an application for either the lighting or audio system for the stage. It’s due by Feb. 1.
Project Research Status:
HVAC –
Discussion was centered on the level of coordination needed with the asbestos abatement project.
Roof Replacement –
Two firms have been approached to provide bids. They are Fischer and Paul’s Sheet Metal
Waiting for their bids.
Open Discussion regarding Grantors for “Brick & Mortar” projects as they are challenging to find.
A review of previous grants shows that the Anderson Foundation approved a grant of $7500 for roof repair in 2015 and denied another in 2020 for $22,000.
Would Westconsin be a potential grantor for the HVAC project ?
Marci will ask other grantors when talking with them if they have any recommendations.
Status – National Historical Registration
Lori has contacted the state historical society and is waiting for their response.
Fund Raising – The Cupid Carnival
The carnival is being organized by Candace Kuhl, the tenant and owner of “CanDance Studio”.
Scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Feb. 18, 1-5 pm in the Event Center
Activities are planned for all ages:
Live music by Pitt Crew.
Bingo, raffles, bouncy house, door prizes, some businesses will provide games, etc.
Brickfire Pizza and drinks.
Marci suggested ways to gather interest prior to the event (sell tickets in advance, give 1 free ticket in advance to get people to the event where they buy more, etc.).
Obtain more information at the CLACC Facebook page
Next meeting – February 7, 3:30 pm in the CLACC Office.
CLACC Grant Committee Notes
(In lieu of December 11, 2023 meeting)
Updates are summarized below:
Status of grant submissions and projects:
Tim - the Fire Suppression System is on track for installation soon.
Marci – Grant submissions
Request to Otto Bremer for the Old Thrift Shop Donation Center- submitted Nov. 30.
Should hear back soon regarding the T-Mobile request (for stage, audio & lighting systems).
The Operation Round Up/Polk Burnett grant for the fire suppression system – should hear in January.
(Previously reported) Grant submission for $5,000 to Compeer for fire suppression system completed Nov. 19.
Marci continues to look for grant opportunities and will update the group as needed.
Muriel – SAG grant request for asbestos abatement project.
Ray French hosted a teleconference on Dec. 14 with Al Bannink-village treasurer, Tim, Wendy & Muriel to advance our request to the next phase. The village holds responsibility to complete the formal application; it will include the project narrative and budget analysis that were previously submitted to Ray for review. Al has scheduled the week of Jan. 8 to work on the application. Muriel will gain access to the application in advance and complete those areas where CLACC input is required.
While the submission deadline is March 31, it would be in our best interests to submit the application prior to that.
Other business:
Marci suggests we submit an article to the paper as soon as we obtain a grant. She also suggested a letter to businesses by year’s end asking for support but we’re too late for that this year.
Lori has updates regarding the kitchen after talking with Out of the Woods Goods:
‘The handwashing station needs to be updated with a better paper towel holder and a hanging soap dispenser. I have purchased these items and they are in the kitchen. Warren has not had an opportunity to get them up. I will be asking our 4-H club to donate these items; if they do not, Warren and I will. The other big item is a working dishwasher. I am not 100% sure of the status of the dishwasher but this will need to be repaired.’
Lori also offered to research after Christmas what’s needed to get the community center onto the National Registry of Historical Places.
Members of the board who attended the last board meeting support the idea.
Finally, from Tim (and I concur whole-heartedly!):
“This group has done a phenomenal job of pursuing grants and getting quotes and keeping the needs of the Center in focus. My sincere thanks to each of you.”
Next Meeting – January 8 at 3:30 P.M.
October 19, 2023
Present: Tim Wyss, Marci Meyer, Wendy Schoggins, Sue Anderson, Muriel Nelson
Project Updates:
HVAC System – Replacement
Tim reported that the current system is already malfunctioning. He’ll contact Joe Mara for guidance.
Replacement may be made a higher priority and hence, grant monies because of not only the operating problems but also the HVAC system connection to asbestos abatement.
There was discussion but no solid ideas on what organization to contact for grant monies.
Asbestos Abatement Project (High Priority)
The September 5 Clear Lake Village Board Meeting minutes reflect the village decision to work with CLACC on accepting and transferring any grant money received from SAG. Muriel will obtain a copy to attach to the grant request.
Muriel set Nov. 1 as the deadline to submit the grant request to SAG. People are urged to review the documents; Muriel will email the links to the two documents.
Tim and Mark Rundquist have determined the mechanical work required so that Asbestos Removal Services can proceed with their work in the boiler room. (The stack above the boiler must be anchored into the ceiling prior to demolition).
Fire Suppression System
Marci has submitted 3 grant requests for the system. We should hear from 2 of the organizations once their submission deadlines occur in early December.
A tenant, Out of the Woods Goods, has offered to ask their contact for a bid. We appreciate that offer. Also, they will be invited to attend the next board meeting to explain their needs.
Event Center Stage System (Movable Stage, Audio & Lighting Upgrades)
Marci is waiting for one additional letter of community support so that she can submit a grant request to T-Mobile Hometown. Tim offered to work with Heidi Paulson for her letter as it related to the Community Theater, an important renter.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of an improved stage system. This includes the school’s desire to hold performances in the Event Center and the fact that systems are non-functional.
Old Thrift Store Donation Center
No grant submission(s) have yet been made. It was suggested that we (perhaps, Marci) research potential options in the many Anderson-related philanthropic organizations.
Roof Replacement
Tim is waiting for a quote from the roofing company. He has no other information to report.
Because of time issues, other projects Parking Lot Improvement, Elevator) were not discussed.
The next meeting will be on Monday, November 13 at 3:30 in the CLACC Office.
CLACC Grant Meeting
September 11, 2023
Present: Tim Wyss, Ray Cress, Marci Meyer, Wendy Schoggins, Lori DeBoer, Muriel Nelson
Project Updates:
Asbestos Abatement Project (high priority):
Tim, Ray, Wendy & Muriel met with Ray French, WEDC/SAG, via Zoom on Aug. 29. Ray provided guidance on the application process and timeline expectations. He forwarded application forms that must be completed.
The same CLACC members plus Mark Rundquist took a walk-through of the ground floor with Joe Adar of Asbestos Removal Systems on Sept. 7. The Periodic Surveillance Report from 1993 was used as a guide. Joe took several samples from pipe lagging insulation, ceiling tile and floor tile to determine their asbestos content. Results from this testing will determine whether additional asbestos removal should be added to the project and grant request.
9/18 Update – Joe Adar reported back that there is no asbestos in the ceiling tile or its adhesive. Estimates on remaining work due by end of month.)
Muriel will write a draft of the “Project Narrative”. It will be posted so that everyone can review & comment. Once reviewed and accepted, the narrative needs to go to Ray French for his vetting.
9/19 Update: The Project Narrative is posted for everyone’s review)
Muriel will also work on the SAG Worksheet/Budget as information becomes available. That will eventually be posted for review too.
HVAC Replacement:
If this project could be moved ahead of (or along with) asbestos removal, some “redo work” could be avoided.
Marci was asked to look for potential grant options.
Roof Replacement:
The contractor indicated that the earliest he could come to determine a bid is sometime next month.
Fire Suppression System:
Tim received a quote from Summit Systems in Eau Claire for $4275.
Marci is going to make a grant request to Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up grant fund for an additional $1000 (in addition to the $2500 requested from another source).
Update – Compeer (formerly AgStar) suggested to Marci that this project fits better into their “General Use Program” that has a limit of $10,000. She’s going to ask for the full amount from them. Nice, huh!
Update - Polk Round-Up reported that this qualifies for their grant funding too. They also offered to share our information with other area grantors who give to nonprofit organizations. Also very nice!
Event Stage, including lighting and audio:
Marci is developing a grant request to T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant Program ( www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants); their maximum is $50,000. The next available window for applying starts Oct. 1.
T-Mobile requires five letters from the local community that support CLACC’s request. Potential people to request such a letter includes:
Chris Petersen – School District (Update: He has agreed)
Heidi Paulson -Community Theater
John Koeper – Lions Club and CLACC supporter
Lori DeBoer – 4-H Club
Wendy Schoggins – Civic and Commerce Association (Update: Letter completed)
Tim will ask these people to write a letter of support. Marci will draft a letter for Tiim and Wendy will facilitate the distribution.
Parking Lot and Old Thrift Shop Donation Center:
Discussion held for a future meeting.
The group reviewed and provided suggestions for the very rough draft of the SAG Project Narrative prior to meeting adjournment.
Next Meeting – Thursday, October 12 at 3:30
