Burlington City Arts Board of Directors — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-05-19
Time: 15:00

Burlington City Arts Board of Directors Meeting


 Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 3:00 PM

In Person: 405 Pine Street
Zoom: 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. FY26 Budget Update
 3.1. Financial Report

4. FY27 Budget Overview

5. Director's Report

6. 405 Update

7. Committee Updates & Discussion

8. Fundraising Appeal Update

9. Executive Session: Annual Evaluation of Executive Director

10. Adjournment
 10.1. Motion to Adjourn




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 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 Agneda & 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 fundraising 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.




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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.




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 BCA Budget Report
 07/01/25 -3/31/26

 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 76,375 75,000 71,418 75,000
 4275 Rent & Lease 167,395 154,060 127,996 207,560
 4395 Art and Merchandise Sales 42,208 64,144 139,554 81,525
 4397 Class Registration 335,466 258,000 246,224 302,000
 4600_120 Fees For Services Culture & Recreation 34,155 36,487 44,487 84,000
 Third Party Gateway CC surcharge
 4380_109 13,498 4,958 7,845 8,500

 4600 - Fees For Services Totals 669,097 587,691 637,524 758,585
 4875 Grant

 4330 Foundations 155,041 100,000 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 168,041 109,000 140,000 259,000
 4950 Donations

 4950_115 Donations Corporate 121,980 195,000 188,802 250,000
 4950_120 Donations Board 83,778 121,500 133,287 125,000
 4950_123 Donations General 31,481 35,500 28,545 50,000
 4950_125 Donations Major Gifts 206,935 175,000 141,821 255,000
 4950_130 Donations Special Events 0 0 2,654 65,000
 4950 - Donations Totals 444,173 527,000 495,109 745,000
 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,281,312 1,223,691 1,272,633 1,762,585
 REVENUE TOTALS 1,281,312 1,223,691 1,272,633 1,762,585
 EXPENSE

 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts

 5000 Salaries and Wages

 5000_100 Salaries and Wages Regular, Full Time 865,604 941,635 902,343 1,242,488

 5000_110 Salaries and Wages Regular Part Time 112,268 102,333 0 140,034
 5000_115 Salaries and Wages Seasonal/Temporary 213,444 221,970 211,155 308,385
 5000 - Salaries and Wages Totals 1,191,316 1,265,938 1,113,498 1,690,907
 5100 Overtime 8,273 10,820 8,297 13,905
 5200 Other Personal Service

 5200_106 Other Personnel Services Staffing 0 2,318 5,262 3,090

 5200_110 Other Personnel Services On-Call 96 695 360 927

 5200_115 Other Personnel Services Other Compensation 2,451 6,335 3,469 8,446

 5200_116 Other Personnel Services Longevity Pay 0 461 0 614

 5200_120 Other Personnel Services Shift Differential 298.28 0 0 0

 5200_130 Other Personnel Services Allowance Taxable 4,737 9,629 5,706 12,839
 5200 - Other Personal Service Totals 7,582 19,437 14,797 25,916
 5400 Employee Benefits

 5400_100 Employee Benefits FICA 91,675 98,726 83,799 131,635
 5400_115 Employee Benefits Retirement B 96,993 96,989 104,346 129,318
 5400_120 Employee Benefits Workers Compensation 0 37,672 35,595 50,229
 5400_125 Employee Benefits Health Insurance 0 227,458 205,704 303,277
 5400_130 Employee Benefits Dental Insurance 0 10,023 12,573 13,364
 5400_135 Employee Benefits Life Insurance 0 2,065 2,412 2,753
 5400_145 Employee Benefits Employee Parking 0 2,310 2,880 3,080
 5400_150 Employee Benefits Recognition 1,550.54 1,910 25 2,546
 5400 - Employee Benefits Totals 190,219 477,152 447,334 636,202

 2,366,930




Run by Sara Katz on 04/24/2026 08:26:19 AM Page 1 of 2
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 YTD YTD FY25
 Account Account Description
 Transactions Budget Prior Year YTD Budget
 6000 Office Supplies 2,757 3,800 2,219 5,000
 6005 Postage 4,041 2,900 3,203 4,000
 6007 Shipping and Moving 3,536 8,400 8,475 12,000
 6010 Computer Equipment 127 0 115 800
 6015 Computer Software 834 0 0 0

 6025 Furnishings 415 0 0 0
 6200 Medical Fees And Supplies 271.41 720 712 500
 6202 Printing/Copying/Paper Mgt 16,481 16,900 19,148 25,248
 6203 Dues/Subscriptions 4,751 2,218 5,388 6,550
 6208 Special Supplies 50,363 68,365 53,218 86,249
 6211 Specialized Equipment 5,527 6,000 5,501 11,200
 6212 Fuel 640 0 264 850
 6300 Repair & Maintenance 608 4,000 0 3,000
 6327 Customer Credits & Refunds 0 300 439 500
 6350 Legal Notice & Advertising 56,637 73,150 80,965 103,949
 6400 Utilities

 6400_100 Utilities Electricity 9,000 9,000 5,000 12,000
 6400_125 Utilities Telecommunications 3,975 5,100 4,910 6,000
 6400_127 Utilities Cellular Communications 3,426 2,475 1,502 3,300
 6400 - Utilities Totals 16,400 16,575 11,412 21,300
 6500 Professional and Consultant Services

 6500_103 Professional and Consultant Svs Security Contracts 22,686 13,000 33,985 26,000
 6500_118 Professional and Consultant Services Contractual Services
 115,873 106,940 206,234 157,297
 6500 - Professional and Consultant Services Totals 138,559 119,940 240,219 183,297
 6510 Artist Services

 6510_100 Artist Services non-salaried compensation 163,925 197,000 230,223 192,700
 6510_110 Artist Services commissions 13,300 10,000 13,000 18,000
 6510_120 Artist Services consignments 31,749 25,000 81,586 36,000
 6510_130 Artist Services reimbursements 1,234 4,700 4,024 2,500
 6510 - Artist Services Totals 210,208 226,700 328,833 249,200
 6700 Travel & Training

 6530_125 Rentals Vehicle 238 1,500 1,208.50 2,500
 6700_100 Travel & Training Education 113 1000 0 1,000
 6700_110 Travel & Training Travel Expense 1,670 6,600 1,829 7,500
 6700 - Travel & Training Totals 2,020 9,100 3,038 11,000
 6800 Fees for Services

 6800_140 Fees for Services Hospitality Expense 8,667 13,075 24,081 15,200
 6800 - Fees for Services Totals 8,667 13,075 24,081 15,200

 7000 Bad Debt Expense 2,475.50 0 361 0
 7200 Capital Leases

 7200_115 Capital Leases Equipment 734 734 784 978
 7200 - Capital Leases Totals 734 734 784 978
 7303 Regulatory and Bank Fees 5,516 6,500 6,936 8,500

 7303_100 Regulatory and Bank Fees Gateway/Third Party Processing 0 58 500
 7730 Scholarships 70,873 36,200 51,970 85,500
 8400 Special Events/Projects 40,997
 9999 Expenditure control general 0 0 0 (59,040)


 Department 27 - Burlington City Arts Totals 1,999,831 2,388,923 2,431,265 3,184,208
 EXPENSE TOTALS 1,999,831 2,388,923 2,431,265 3,184,208


 Fund 101 - General Fund Totals

 REVENUE TOTALS 1,281,312 1,223,691 1,272,633 1,762,585
 EXPENSE TOTALS 1,999,831 2,388,923 2,431,265 3,184,208
 Fund 101 - General Fund Totals (718,520) (1,165,232) (1,158,632) (1,421,623)




Run by Sara Katz on 04/24/2026 08:26:19 AM Page 2 of 2
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Financial Notes for period ending March 31, 2026

Revenues
Earned Revenues have performed very well, particularly in class registrations and studio use. This is
offsetting the revenues projected below budget in space rentals.

Fundraising lines will come in under target; this is largely due to the changes in corporate fundraising
we've experienced this year at the higher levels. We have continued to have success with support for
summer events from small businesses.

We are also currently projecting a gap in Board giving due to the loss of one gift this year, but overall
our board giving has been very strong. Thank you!

Major gifts and foundations are also performing very well, with major gifts projected over target this
year.

Expenses
Salary savings are over $100,000 this year with changes in our staffing.




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