Burlington City Arts Board of Directors — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-03-17
Time: 15:00

Burlington City Arts
 405 Pine St
 Community Room
 Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 3:00 PM

https://zoom.us/j/93537536705?pwd=RlpEeU1hL3l5TjJiYWdvOTZMRWdsQT09

1. Approve Agenda & Minutes
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda
 1.2. Motion to adopt previous meeting's minutes

2. Public Forum

3. Financial Update
 3.1. Financial Update as of January 31, 2026

4. Fundraising Update

5. Community Room at 405 - presentation led by Zach & Elena

6. Sustainability Discussion

7. Adjournment
 7.1. Motion to Adjourn




 Page 1 of 6
 BCA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

 BCA Studios, 405 Pine Street

 Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Board Members Present: Michelle Buswell, Robin Pierce, David Zacharis, Billi Gosh, Dana vanderHeyden,
Rachel Kahn-Fogel, Deb Wilkinson, Lisa Lillibridge, Parker Silver, Barbara Perry, Laura McDonough.
ONLINE: Kristina Pentek, Ryan Moritz, Hannah Lebel, Lori Rowe, Livia DeMarchis, Kelly Butts-Spirito

Staff present: Doreen Kraft, Sara Katz, Heather Ferrell, Joyce Cameron, Melissa Steady, Rachel Zellem,
Meara McGinniss

Sarah Rogers called the meeting to order at 3:10.

 1. Parker Silver moved to accept the minutes from the November meeting, Michelle Buswell
 seconded. All were in favor.

 2. Michelle Buswell moved to accept the agenda, Lisa Lillibridge seconded. All were in favor.

 3. Directors Report: Doreen Kraft asked Barbara Perry to highlight her director’s report. Barbara
 discussed successes in fundraising and encouraged the board to spread the word about
 available rentals in the Community Room. Sara Katz updated on the HVAC repairs at the BCA
 Center, which will result in staff largely relocating to 405 Pine Street for the duration of the
 work, which will be about 8 weeks. The spring exhibition opening has been pushed to March 20
 because of the work. Because the city owns the building, all repairs are managed and paid for
 by the city capital improvements program. Sara reiterated the details of the BCA Center’s 50-
 year lease agreement that ensures the building’s use as a community art center, signed in 2001,
 wherein the BCAF leases the building for $1 a year. Lori Rowe asked about the marketing
 strategy for rentals in the Community Room. Elena described the advertising strategy on a local
 and more targeted level. Kelly Butts-Spirito suggested partnerships with younger presenting
 groups might increase visibility on social media. Barbara Perry suggested offering the
 community room to the NPAs for a reduced rate, in order to welcome more of the community
 in. Laura McDonough suggested reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce.



 4. Michelle Buswell, Treasurer, gave the financial report. She reminded the board that the city only
 funds 40% of our budget, with the remaining 60% in needing to be raised through fundraising
 and revenue streams. Class registration and studio revenue is on target for the goals for the
 year. To reach the budget goal $220,000 needs to be raised, compared with this time last year
 when the gulf was $100,000.
 Michele named three areas for board members to focus on: come to BCA programs, bring
 people with you, and brainstorm new corporate partners. There is nothing not to love about
 BCA! Joyce Cameron addressed corporate fundraising and passed out a list of current corporate
 funders for board members to review. If board members have ideas for new corporate
 partnerships, they should reach out to the fundraising team.




 Page 2 of 6
5. Joyce gave the fundraising update. The year-end appeal did really well, picked up 40 new donors
 because of a mailing list gleaned from the grand list. The retention rate of donors was good. BCA
 received several unexpected major gifts in December, increasing the average end of year gift
 amount to double what it was last year. She announced that a committee has formed to work
 on organizing the annual fundraiser this spring, the budgeted goal is $65,000 but Joyce is hoping
 to raise $100,000.

6. FY27 Budget Update-Doreen Kraft explained the current challenges faced by the city in terms of
 budgeting. BCA is trying to be part of the solution while retaining the core values of the
 organization. Doreen and Sara welcome any feedback, especially feedback from the community.
 Deb Wilkinson brought up the supply wish list created with the Ed team, as way to alleviate
 budget anxiety. Sarah Rogers encouraged the board to bring those donations to the next board
 meeting.

7. 405 Update-Doreen updated the board on the progress of the capital campaign and some
 upcoming deadlines. The BCAF board is drawing up a draft condo agreement and looking for
 possible buyers for the north side of the building. State approval for final environmental site-
 work has come through.

8. Committee Reports
 a. Executive Committee Reports-The executive committee is reviewing the board manual
 and creating a shorter bulleted list of important info for board members.
 b. Communications and development ad-hoc committee. The committee is working with
 the communications department to make buttons that “Ask me about BCA!”. Board bios
 need to be updated and put on the website. Elena Rosen discussed the difficulty of
 measuring the success of an awareness campaign.
 c. Lori Rowe reported from the Education group. The group met with the staff who
 discussed budget anxieties. Deb Wilkinson spoke on behalf of Art from the Heart and
 the usefulness of the “Ask me about BCA” buttons at the hospital and making sure that
 BCA is part of people’s awareness of AFTH. Barbara Perry spoke about the hospital
 board and the lack of awareness of Art from the Heart. Dana vanderHeyden spoke
 about a recent experience at the hospital with staff loving the new artwork.
 d. Hannah Lebel reported from the events committee-they are working on the same
 projects as before the pause for the holidays.
 e. Sarah discussed the exhibition committee, which is the same as the regular exhibition
 committee, and not an ad-hoc committee.

 Sarah Rogers thanked the committees and announced that the ad-hoc committee structure will
 continue for now.

6. Update from the Curator. Heather Ferrell encouraged board members to come to the BCA
 Center to enjoy the last few days of the current exhibition. She outlined the coming exhibitions
 (see attached), including Human Impact (focusing on the climate), a sculpture show curated by
 Jacquie O’Brien, Veronica Pham (summer), Dark Botanica (fall), and Laurent Gresso (spring 2027)




 Page 3 of 6
Sarah Rogers challenged board members to coordinate a small private gallery tour with Heather.
Lisa Lillibridge volunteered.

7. Parker Silver moved to adjourn, Laura McDonough seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:44.




 Page 4 of 6
 BCA Budget Report
 07/01/25 -1/31/25

 YTD YTD FY26


 Account Account Description Transactions Budget Prior Year YTD Budget

 Fund 101 - General Fund

 REVENUE

 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts

 4385 Ticket Sales 75,691 75,000 71,418 75,000

 4275 Rent & Lease 137,655 124,060 133,839 207,560

 4395 Art and Merchandise Sales 32,904 51,556 17,493 81,525

 4397 Class Registration 269,812 198,000 220,959 302,000

 4600_120 Fees For Services Culture & Recreation 34,155 36,487 33,780 84,000

 Third Party Gateway CC surcharge 8,539 4,958 3,977 8,500
 4380_109

 4600 - Fees For Services Totals 558,755 485,103 481,466 758,585

 4875 Grant

 4330 Foundations 116,000 100,000 85,000 250,000

 4875_100 Grant Federal Operating 0 0 45,000 0

 4875_140 Grant State Operating 13,000 9,000 10,000 9,000

 4875 - Grant Totals 129,000 109,000 140,000 259,000

 4950 Donations

 4950_115 Donations Corporate 96,992 156,000 162,802 250,000

 4950_120 Donations Board 32,111 91,500 103,282 125,000

 4950_123 Donations General 28,653 30,000 25,811 50,000

 4950_125 Donations Major Gifts 179,822 125,000 129,064 255,000

 4950_130 Donations Special Events 0 0 1,000 65,000

 4950 - Donations Totals 337,578 402,500 421,959 745,000

 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585

 REVENUE TOTALS 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585

 EXPENSE

 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts

 5000 Salaries and Wages

 5000_100 Salaries and Wages Regular, Full Time 704,189 750,204 716,775 1,242,488

 5000_110 Salaries and Wages Regular Part Time 91,273 80,789 0 140,034

 5000_115 Salaries and Wages Seasonal/Temporary 191,072 180,982 184,691 298,385

 5000 - Salaries and Wages Totals 986,534 1,011,975 901,466 1,680,907

 5100 Overtime 7,722 9,600 7,446 13,905

 5200 Other Personal Service

 5200_106 Other Personnel Services Staffing 0 1,803 4,246 3,090

 5200_110 Other Personnel Services On-Call 0 541 360 927

 5200_115 Other Personnel Services Other Compensation 2,388 4,927 3,249 8,446

 5200_116 Other Personnel Services Longevity Pay 0 358 0 614

 5200_120 Other Personnel Services Shift Differential 271.39 0 0 0

 5200_130 Other Personnel Services Allowance Taxable 4,341 7,489 5,431 12,839

 5200 - Other Personal Service Totals 7,000 15,118 13,285 25,916

 5400 Employee Benefits

 5400_100 Employee Benefits FICA 73,783 76,787 67,941 131,635

 5400_115 Employee Benefits Retirement B 75,439 75,436 81,158 129,318

 5400_120 Employee Benefits Workers Compensation 0 29,300 27,685 50,229

 5400_125 Employee Benefits Health Insurance 0 176,912 159,992 303,277

 5400_130 Employee Benefits Dental Insurance 0 7,796 9,779 13,364

 5400_135 Employee Benefits Life Insurance 0 1,606 1,876 2,753

 5400_145 Employee Benefits Employee Parking 3,520 1,797 2,080 3,080

 5400_150 Employee Benefits Recognition 1,415.41 1,485 25 2,546

 5400 - Employee Benefits Totals 154,158 371,118 350,536 636,202

 2,356,930




Run by Sara Katz on 03/11/2026 12:55:20 PM Page 1 of 2
 Page 5 of 6
 YTD YTD FY25

 Account Account Description Transactions Budget Prior Year YTD Budget

 6000 Office Supplies 2,696 3,000 1,302 5,000

 6005 Postage 3,597 2,400 3,122 4,000

 6007 Shipping and Moving 1,286 8,300 3,221 12,000

 6010 Computer Equipment 126.88 0 114.99 800

 6015 Computer Software 0 0 0 0

 6025 Furnishings 415 0 0 0

 6200 Medical Fees And Supplies 238.17 720 630 500

 6202 Printing/Copying/Paper Mgt 12,889 11,450 15,531 23,000

 6203 Dues/Subscriptions 4,517 1,898 3,759.55 6,100

 6208 Special Supplies 38,526 50,282 43,720 87,965

 6211 Specialized Equipment 4,626 6,000 5,501 11,200

 6212 Fuel 450 0 173 850

 6300 Repair & Maintenance 608 0 0 5,000

 6327 Customer Credits & Refunds 0 200 355 500

 6350 Legal Notice & Advertising 47,028 52,735 75,149.15 92,000

 6400 Utilities

 6400_100 Utilities Electricity 8,000 7,000 5,000 12,000

 6400_125 Utilities Telecommunications 3,295 3,967 3,834 6,000

 6400_127 Utilities Cellular Communications 2,633 1,925 1,071.27 3,300

 6400 - Utilities Totals 13,928 12,892 9,906 21,300

 6500 Professional and Consultant Services

 6500_103 Professional and Consultant Svs Security Contracts 15,601 13,000 27,817 24,000

 6500_118 Professional and Consultant Services Contractual Services 100,681 96,950 195,008 147,625

 6500 - Professional and Consultant Services Totals 116,282 109,950 222,825 171,625

 6510 Artist Services

 6510_100 Artist Services non-salaried compensation 161,175 188,900 230,023 190,400

 6510_110 Artist Services commissions 11,300 0 12,750 18,000

 6510_120 Artist Services consignments 19,333 18,000 77,508 36,000

 6510_130 Artist Services reimbursements 487 4,200 3,579 5,500

 6510 - Artist Services Totals 192,295 211,100 323,859 249,900

 6700 Travel & Training

 6530_125 Rentals Vehicle 238 1,500 1,208.50 2,500

 6700_100 Travel & Training Education 100 0 0 1,000

 6700_110 Travel & Training Travel Expense 1,480 6,100 1,801 7,500

 6700 - Travel & Training Totals 1,818 7,600 3,010 11,000

 6800 Fees for Services

 6800_140 Fees for Services Hospitality Expense 8,583 12,225 22,670 15,200

 6800 - Fees for Services Totals 8,583 12,225 22,670 15,200

 7000 Bad Debt Expense 2,475.50 0 290.7 0

 7200 Capital Leases

 7200_115 Capital Leases Equipment 571 652 571 978

 7200 - Capital Leases Totals 571 652 571 978

 7303 Regulatory and Bank Fees 3,728 5,000 5,675 8,500

 7303_100 Regulatory and Bank Fees Gateway/Third Party Processing 0 58 500

 7730 Scholarships 47,411 26,200 51,970 85,500

 8400 Special Events/Projects 72,900

 9999 Expenditure control general 0 0 0 -59,040



 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208

 EXPENSE TOTALS 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208



 Fund 101 - General Fund Totals

 REVENUE TOTALS 1,025,333 996,603 1,043,425 1,762,585

 EXPENSE TOTALS 1,659,507 1,930,414 2,065,856 3,184,208

 Fund 101 - General Fund Totals (634,174) (933,810) (1,022,431) (1,421,623)




Run by Sara Katz on 03/11/2026 12:55:20 PM Page 2 of 2
 Page 6 of 6

BCA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

 BCA Studios, 405 Pine Street

 Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Board Members Present: Michelle Buswell, David Zacharis, Billi Gosh, Dana vanderHeyden, Rachel Kahn-
Fogel, Hannah Lebel, Kristina Pentek, Parker Silver, Sarah Rogers, ONLINE: Greg Danford(BCAF Board),
Lori Rowe, Kelly Butts-Spirito, Livia Demarchis

Absent: Robin Pierce, Deb Wilkinson, Lisa Lillibridge, Barbara Perry, Laura McDonough, Bryan Parmelee

Staff present: Sara Katz, Rachel Zellem, Meara McGinniss, Elena Rosen, Zach Williamson

Sarah Rogers called the meeting to order at 3:10.

1. Approve Agenda & Minutes
 • Parker Silver moved to accept the agenda meeting, Michelle Buswell seconded. All were in
 favor.
 • Parker Silver moved to accept the agenda with changes (add Elena Rosen to staff in attendance),
 David Zacharis seconded. All were in favor.
2. Public Forum
 No one from the public was in attendance. It was noted that Greg Danford, Foundation Board
 member was present
3. Financial Update
 Michelle Buswell, Treasurer, gave an update on finances: The City is looking at 10-12% budget
 cuts across all departments. BCA is doing well in many of our revenue categories, but down in
 corporate sponsorships. Due to several factors, many of BCA’s larger corporate sponsors ($25K-
 $35K) have not returned. The development team is trying to fill that hole with smaller ($1k-$5K)
 sponsors. Michelle asked the board to review the list of corporate sponsors that Rachel Zellem
 sent around and be in touch with Rachel if they are able to make an introduction.

 Community room rentals is another area where board members can help by spreading the
 word. Lori Rowe asked if having fewer winter markets created fewer expenses. Sara Katz
 explained that no, downsizing the BTV markets did not reduce the bottom line significantly. Lori
 then asked what the budget category “Professional and Consultant Services” means. Sara Katz
 explained that is where contracted non-artist expenses live, such as port-o-potties for festivals.
 Kristina Pentek asked to what extent has the team been focused on real estate agents and
 brokers. Kristina offered to reach out to her broker. Kristina suggested a “call to action” email to
 board members, listing specific ways that board members can help. Lori agreed and emphasized
 that a specific ask of board help exist within a specific time-frame. Sarah Rogers asked how
 often would that be helpful. Hannah Lebel suggested a monthly email with specific campaign
 areas. Rachel Zellem pointed out the time sensitive nature of event sponsorships. Sara Katz
 commented that these could be two parallel initiatives.

 Sara Katz reviewed the financial statement and asked for further questions.
4. Fundraising Update
 Billi Gosh gave the fundraising update. This Friday, March 20th BCA is hosting the opening reception
 for the spring gallery exhibitions, Human Impact: Contemporary Art and Our Environment and
 What's the Difference? Sculptural Ideas, including a special preview of exhibitions at 4pm for major
 donors. Sarah Rogers is hosting a fundraiser at her house later in the spring, which will include an
 auction and live music. Stephen Kiernan is having a book launch, which will include an interactive
 community made art piece and a fundraiser for BCA. Sara Katz discussed the vacant Director of
 Philanthropy position and the fundraising team structure. Meara McGinniss mentioned that the
 Spring Appeal would get underway in April, focusing on a digital approach to donors who have given
 $500 and under. David Zacharis asked if board members could receive an email script for peer-to-
 peer fundraising. Dana vanderHeyden asked about a beautiful note card that board members could
 send to prospective donors. Meara explained that volunteers in the print studio are currently
 working on a lovely card that will be distributed to board members. The fundraising team will be in
 touch about all of these opportunities.

5. Community Room at 405 – Presentation
 Zach Williamson and Elena Rosen presented on event rentals in the community room. The
 presentation can be found here. Lori asked about the rate sheet and whether the wedding rates
 should be separated into another sheet. David Zacharis asked about the sound system and Zach
 explained that there was a more complex sound system for music and bands. Kristina Pentek asked
 about licensing and IP for music and Zach explained that the city holds an ASCAP license. Krisitina
 asked what distinguished this space from other community spaces in Burlington. Zach explained that
 the parking, accessibility, and high quality technology really set it apart. Kristina suggested
 connecting with the Vermont Womenpreneurs. Dana vanderHeyden suggested a brochure that
 could be easily distributed. David Zacharis suggested hosting a wedding fair. Livia DeMarchis
 suggested reaching out professional groups such as the VT Bar Association.

6. Sustainability Discussion
 Sarah Rogers discussed setting the stage for a conversation that would span the next two years
 about what sustainability looks like for BCA. Sara Katz prepared a packet to outline the three
 different entities that make up BCA and how they interact, to help the board better understand the
 financial structure. Sarah Rogers asked the board to review this ahead of the next meeting and
 encouraged the board to begin to think creatively about the future of BCA. At the next board
 meeting someone from the BCAF board will be here to talk about collaboration between the two
 boards. Dana vanderHeyden asked about plans for the north side of 405. The current plan is to
 condo-ize the building and find a buyer for the $2.2 million, 16,000 sq foot northern half. These
 proceeds will pay back the $2 million new market tax credit loan that was used to buy the building in
 2019. Sara Katz explained that BCAF board members have begun taking prospective buyers on tours,
 starting with area non-profits partners. Michelle Buswell suggested contacting CVOEO and the
 United Way.

7. Adjournment
 Parker Silver moved to adjourn, Michelle Buswell seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:49.
COMMUNITY
 ROOM
PAST EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
Art Hop Dance Party 												9/05/2025 Israel Odekuule Wedding						3/21/2026
Art Hop - Concerts 													9/06/2025 BED All Night Dance Party						3/27/2026
SMASH VT September Tournament 			 9/27/2025 Early Bird Ladie’s Dance							4/3/2026
Lili Ruane Celebration											10/09/2025 BED All night Dance Party						4/17/2026
Joy Riders VT - BIPOC Skate							 10/18/2025 Two Wheels Move the Soul					 4/24/2026
Early Bird Dance 														10/25/2025 Release Party (Robber Robber)
Schuster Rave																11/1/2025 STEPS VT Benefit 											5/8/2026
M&T Corporate Non-profit panel 					 11/13/2025 BFC Trivia Night												5/9/2026
BTV Winter Market													11/29/2025 BED 4 Year Anniversary							5/16/2026
Board & Friends Celebration 							12/9/2025 Stephen Kiernan Pollock’s Last			 5/18/2026
 Lover Book Release Party
Court Taylor Family get together					 12/14/2025
 BHS High School Reunion						5/23/2026
BED NYE Rave																12/31/2025
 Vassia Wedding Reception						6/27/2026
Groundhog Fest															1/30-31/2026
 Odile Carroll Wedding Reception		 8/29/2026
Burlington Dem Election Results Party		 3/3/2026
Congolese Community Party 							3/14/2026

*BCA Produced Events
$94,560 			EVENT RENTALS TOTAL
												FY26 Gross Revenue Budget

$50,000 			 COMMUNITY ROOM RENTALS
												FY26 Gross Revenue Budget

$6,621 		 				 COMMUNITY ROOM RENTAL ACTUAL INCOME
												September to Present

$7,373 						PROJECTED RENTALS
												through June 30

$20,000 			 GOAL ADDITIONAL
												through June 30

$50,000 			 GOAL FY27

$2,151 						 PROJECTED RENTALS FY27 (TO DATE)
FEE STRUCTURE
BASIC RATE INCLUDES
Events, meetings, movies, and conferences - Up to 140 chairs
with low production needs and no kitchen access. - 10 folding tables (8' x 1.5')
 - 16 folding tables (6' x 2.5')
Non-Profits and community groups with - 12 round tables (5' diameter)
 $325 FLAT RATE +
annual budgets less than $500,000 receive a - 6 cocktail rounds (2.5' diameter)
 $50 PER HOUR
$100 discount on the flat rate. - Podium
 - Basic room lights with lighting presets
 - Basic sound system with up to 4 wireless microphones
 - 92 x 164" 16:9 motorized projection screen with an 8,000 lumen laser projector
 - One BCA Event Staff




COMPLEX RATE INCLUDES
Concerts, dinners, kitchen access and/or hired - The Basic Rate package as described above
bar service. - Complete QSC Sound System with Allen & Heath sound console and mic package
 $500 FLAT RATE
 - Light console for lighting control and performance lighting $175 PER HOUR
 - Two BCA Event Staff (Additional staff may be added at BCA’s discretion.)




RENTAL ADD-ONS Seasonal use of the outdoor space $50 FLAT RATE / $50 PER HOUR
 Additional BCA Staff, per staff person $40 PER HOUR
 Wedding and wedding receptions		$425 FLAT RATE
 Deliveries and pick-ups outside of the hours of the rental $50 PER HOUR
 Cooking and kitchenware (for up to 100 people) $400 FLAT RATE
BCA Community Room Marketing Plan
(FY26: Jan–Jun)

GOAL
Increase bookings by $20,000 before the end of the fiscal
year and grow awareness of the BCA Community Room as the
premier gathering and event space in Burlington’s South End
Arts District.

TARGET AUDIENCES

			Individuals: weddings, birthdays, graduations, celebrations, life events.
			 Artists and creatives—concerts, film-screenings, art events

			 Businesses: meetings, networking events, corporate retreats

			 Community Organizations: workshops, gatherings, community events
MARKETING TACTICS

Paid media: Seven Days, Burlington Community Newspaper,
BANG, Paid Social, Front Porch Forum

Organic promotion: social media series (Community Room
Close-Up), sharing photos and social media promotion
from rentals, collecting renter testimonials to share, direct
outreach support from Board and staff

Street visibility: Sandwich board on Pine St, one-sheet out
in BCA Studios, poster campaign across Chittenden County


KEY MESSAGE

Flexible, well-equipped event space in an inspiring arts
setting—rentals support BCA and the arts community


BUDGET (JAN–JUN) Total: $4,820