Minutes of the New Market Town Council Work Session Tuesday, February 18h, 2025 4:00 p.m. The New Market Town Council met in the Council Chambers ofthe Arthur L. Hildreth, Jr., Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, with the following members present: Mayor Peter Hughes, Peggy Harkness, Larry Bompiani, Scott Wymer, Janice Hannah and Bob King. Council member Daryl Watkins was absent. Mayor Hughes opened the meeting at 4:08 p.m. and acknowledged the agenda topics which were discussion about the New Market Community Center and staff updates. Mr. Hughes asked Mr. Garrison, Town Manager, to lead council into the discussion oft the New Market Community Center. Mr. Garrison introduced Megan Williamson, owner of Pine Knot Projects, the contracted consulting firm to assist with the Community Center project. Mr. Garrison gave a brief review ofthe history ofthe project thus far. He stated he wanted to open the floor for more discussion but wanted to hear from the council their thoughts about the project. Mayor Hughes called in each council member to allow them time to give any their thoughts, and ideas for the Community Center. Mrs. Hannah stated that she feels it is an important project for the community and understands the expense and we need to work on it a little bit at a time. Mr. Bompiani agreed that we need to start making progress as we have had the building for four years and are doing less with it than the previous owners. He stated that there are small things we can start doing to be able to utilize the building. Mr. King asked ift the Community Steering Committee was still active. Mr. Garrison stated that it was but is currently stalled as they are waiting for the council's input and direction. Mrs. Harkness stated her concern about the costs. Mr. Garrison discussed different avenues for moving forward and focusing on the small wins. The council went on to discuss the different avenues, grant funding and grant options, and potential partnering options. Mr. Garrison encouraged conversation about the different projects that could be done currently to allow more use of the building with a focus on the main floor. Mr. Garrison clarified in the meeting that council was indeed in favor ofkeeping the building and continuing to look into renovations, and move forward with grants to help with the cost ofthe renovations. At 5:40 p.m., Mr. Hughes adjourned the work session meeting. * C Mayor PeterHughes 2,1 N. Garrison, Town Clerk 3of24