Golf Manor committee clears use of ARPA funds for resident postcards, discusses Little Free Pantry pilot and Juneteenth logistics

The Golf Manor Village Community Engagement Committee on April 7 approved spending up to $2,000 from an ARPA fund to pay for postcards advertising village events and discussed a proposed Little Free Pantry ordinance and logistics for an upcoming Juneteenth vendor event.

The committee’s decision to use ARPA money — rather than requesting a transfer from the general fund or awaiting Recreation Commission approval — came after members learned finance staff approved the committee’s request to spend up to $2,000 directly from an ARPA account. Committee members were told the ARPA account currently holds about $165,000 that is not yet allocated to other uses.

Committee members said the postcards will be used to promote village events including Juneteenth, the Fourth of July activities, Labor Day cookout and the community yard sale. Members discussed two mailing methods: paying postage to address every household individually, or using a carrier-route “resident” drop-off to reach streets serviced by selected postal routes. The committee noted the carrier-route option is more cost-effective but delivery timing is at the discretion of postal carriers.

Separately, the committee reviewed a model ordinance for installing a Little Free Pantry — a weatherproof, mailbox-style cabinet where people can leave or take food and household supplies. The model ordinance under consideration was drawn from legislation already passed in another state. Committee members discussed typical issues such ordinances address, including signage with “healthy eating” guidance and a basic check-in schedule to reduce spoilage and liability. Members identified likely pilot locations mentioned during the meeting: the parcel near Pleasant Ridge Montessori and an area near the Amberly Village gateway; a hair salon on a main approach to the village was also suggested as a possible site.

Committee members discussed operational questions and next steps: whether a resident or volunteer would build and maintain the pantry, whether donations should be limited to hygiene and dry goods instead of prepared food, and whether local churches or retailers could help supply items. The committee agreed to review the ordinance more fully and, if supportive, make a recommendation to village council; council approval would be required before installation.

The committee also reviewed event logistics for Juneteenth. Members said seven vendors had registered so far, that vendor registration is being processed through Square to accept online payments, and that vendors pay a $25 registration fee. The committee described plans to publish a QR code linking to the village calendar on the postcard and to use Square’s features (including opt-in marketing) to collect emails or phone numbers for event notifications.

Other operational items discussed included continuing the “yard of the month” program, community-wide yard-sale weekend (listed as May 30–June 1 in the meeting notes), and staffing or app-related costs for the village’s existing mobile app. Members said staff had requested more information before deciding whether to continue paying for the app and noted Square’s marketing/text features could duplicate some app functionality.

The committee approved routine meeting business during the session — including motions to excuse two members from the meeting, accept the agenda and approve prior minutes — and adjourned. The group set its next meeting for Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m.

Votes at a glance: motions recorded in the meeting included: (1) a motion to excuse two absent members — approved; (2) a motion to accept the meeting agenda — approved; (3) a motion to approve the prior meeting minutes — approved; and (4) a motion to adjourn — approved. Specific vote tallies were not recorded in the transcript.