Council reorganizes Methodist Church restoration management; traditional fundraiser paused for 2025

Councilmembers discussed management changes and fundraising plans for the historic Methodist Church restoration project.

Councilmember Karen Caldwell said the project’s management will be split into two areas beginning immediately: the mayor will take responsibility as construction project manager, overseeing construction priorities and bids, while Caldwell will manage the business side — donations, fundraisers, volunteer coordination, public relations and the advisory committee. The monthly report frequency will change to quarterly, with ad hoc council updates for urgent issues.

Caldwell said the volunteer committee will not hold the annual ballgame fundraiser this year because of limited volunteer capacity: “We just can't. … We tried that last year … and with only two of us on the committee that's ever done it before, a lot of people tell us they're gonna help and they just don't.” The committee explored alternatives that require less volunteer labor and upfront donations, including a 5K run/walk, a “pet of the day” photo fundraiser with yard signs, a fishing tournament on the Bear River and a rubber-duck race down a channel. Caldwell said the pet contest and rubber-duck ideas appear promising because they require less volunteer staffing.

Councilmembers raised concerns about litter and downstream debris from a rubber-duck race and suggested mitigation such as post-event cleanups or retrieval by kayaks. Caldwell said federal grant availability is constrained and local fundraising competition for state and local funds may be stronger this year, reducing the likelihood of large grant awards.

No formal council action was taken; councilmembers asked staff and the advisory group to pursue lower-labor fundraising options and report back.