CRC schedules Sept. 12 awards ceremony; members seek accessible venue and possible fee waiver

The Contract Review Committee set a provisional date of Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon for its grant award ceremony and discussed venue alternatives after staff raised concerns the previously considered property is not handicap accessible and may face a Conservation Commission notice. Jerica Malin-Cousin summarized options: Sherburne Commons’ community room, the fairgrounds community room, and the Dreamland were among suggestions. “Sherburne Commons does receive grant funding through this. We could potentially — which is great — I actually quite like that space for that event,” a member said, citing parking and accessibility. The committee noted Sherburne Commons may charge a rental fee but asked staff to seek a fee waiver or funding help for catering. The group agreed to investigate Dreamland availability and to ask Sherburne Commons whether a fee could be waived; the community room at the fairgrounds was identified as a backup if food service or hours are problematic at other sites. Committee members stressed the ceremony should be in an accessible, welcoming space rather than a small meeting room. The committee also confirmed a 10 a.m. start time and that the item will be finalized after venue availability and cost questions are resolved.