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Trustees approve Pullen Fund grants for library, school, records and boost scholarships to $20,000
Summary
At their April 15 meeting, William Pullen trustees approved a set of distributions from the Pullen Fund: $1,988 to Vose Library, $6,685 to Union Elementary School, $3,255.77 for historical record conservation and a $443.90 transfer to raise scholarships to $20,000; votes were recorded for each motion.
Trustee Irene Hawes called the William Pullen trustees meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. on April 15, 2025 and led consideration of Pullen Fund distribution requests for the 7/1/23–6/30/24 distribution year.
The trustees approved multiple funding requests drawn from the Pullen Fund. They voted 5-1 with one abstention to grant $1,988 to Vose Library to pay for arts-and-crafts supplies, books and materials for a story walk and nature trail, 45 $10 gift certificates to Sherman’s Book Store, and promotional items such as brag tags and keychains. Trustee Martha Johnston-Nash moved the Vose Library motion with Trustee Linda Mountainland seconding. Trustee Argy Nestor opposed the grant and raised a suggestion to increase per-participant book funding; Trustee Paul Gaudreau recorded an abstention. Trustee Irene Hawes said of the Fund’s benefactor, “Mr. Pullen was wonderful and basically wanted this money for the kids.”
Trustees unanimously approved a $6,685 award to Union Elementary School to fund listed programs for the 2025–26 year, including Scholastic books, the Northern Stars Planetarium, the Coastal Children’s Museum, an author visit and several field trips. Karen Isaacs and Kim Brunell identified themselves as Union residents during the discussion; Steve Ogen was described as an acting principal. Trustees discussed practical costs such as bus and driver fees and noted the school’s principal is ill and transitioning. The motion, moved by Trustee Martha Johnston-Nash and seconded by Trustee Steve Migliorini, passed 6-0.
The trustees also approved $3,255.77 to finish conservation work on historical town books. Trustee Irene Hawes described bringing a conserved volume to the meeting and noted the town’s records are largely in compliance with state archival standards. Trustee Steve Migliorini moved approval; the motion passed 5-0 with one abstention (Irene Hawes).
On scholarships, trustees agreed to transfer $443.90 from the 30% one-time distribution to raise the annual scholarship pool to a round $20,000. The remainder of the one-time distribution—$7,183.43—will move to Pullen reserves. Trustee Steve Migliorini moved the transfer; the motion passed 6-0.
Under other business trustees asked about the disposition of proceeds from the town’s sale of Clark Field property to Steel-Pro. Trustee Martha Johnston-Nash recalled the agreed terms: $70,000 total, split as $35,000 cash and $35,000 in in-kind work (planned as $5,000 per year over seven years). Town Manager Todd Souza said he would trace where the $35,000 cash was recorded and will follow up with Steel-Pro about timing and plans for field work and benches. Trustees also discussed improving website navigation so Pullen Fund application materials are easier to find.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. after a 6-0 vote on a motion by Trustee Argy Nestor, seconded by Trustee Martha Johnston-Nash.
Votes at a glance: approve minutes (motion by Martha Johnston-Nash, second Argy Nestor) — passed 5-0-1 abstention (Steve Migliorini); elect Anita Brown chair (motion by Irene Hawes, second Martha Johnston-Nash) — passed 6-0; Vose Library grant $1,988 (moved Martha Johnston-Nash, second Linda Mountainland) — passed 5-1, 1 abstention (no/abstention named above); Union Elementary School grant $6,685 (moved Martha Johnston-Nash, second Steve Migliorini) — passed 6-0; Town records conservation $3,255.77 (moved Steve Migliorini, second Argy Nestor) — passed 5-0-1 abstention (Irene Hawes); Scholarship adjustment $443.90 transfer to reach $20,000 (moved Steve Migliorini, second Martha Johnston-Nash) — passed 6-0; adjourn (moved Argy Nestor, second Martha Johnston-Nash) — passed 6-0.
