Board of Aldermen 2-06-2020 Page 10
We have a lot of support. Everyone we are talking to is really positive about the Performing Arts Center
and is excited for the doors to open.
Alderman Clemons
Thank you | wish Corporation Counsel was here for my question but perhaps the Mayor or somebody else
can indulge us. | know it is being referred to as a quiet phase, but what | struggle with is the fact that we
have the Right to Know Law and people want to know what is being done here. Has this been vetted
against the Right to Know Law as far as us being or the City being involved with something where we are
not disclosing what is going on. Has that been vetted?
Chairman Dowd
I’m seeing Mr. Cummings shaking his head yes.
Mr. Cummings
Yes thank you Mr. Chairman, just very quickly, it has been vetted, and the reason why it was structured the
way it was is that the money does not actually come to the City of Nashua. It is coming to a separate legal
entity, originally as a fiscal agent and now as a separate 501(C)3 non-profit and therefore it is not subject to
any of the Right to Know disclosures.
Chairman Dowd
Follow up Alderman Clemons.
Alderman Clemons
Yes only to say | appreciate that explanation. | think that will help some folks in the community understand
why there is a separation there with how we, you know, because obviously people want to know. They
want to know how successful this is and | think there is a lot of curiosity there. But | think they also have
the legal question of how can the City be involved with something like this without disclosing certain things.
So that fac that it has been vetted by our Corporation Counsel with, quite frankly, reasonable explanation, |
think is important for the public to know and understand. So that was my question and I'll ask further
questions at the Budget Meeting so that folks can have their say here tonight.
Ms. Novotny
The non-profit organization that was started is really a benefit to our fundraising. If we were going out to
have these conversations with people and then said, “Oh by the way, it’s subject by the Right to Know and
we need to be able to give your name and the dollar amount that you gave and make it public” it would
impact our ability to raise funds.
Alderwoman Lu
Thank you. Ms. Novotny if | was to be on your list of 75 donors and | wanted to make a major gift. What is
the minimum that | should be prepared to donate?
Ms. Novotny
When we are brining out the naming opportunities and talking to people about major in lead gifts, we are
looking at $25,000.00 and more. Some people that we are going out to obviously are coming in at, some
people, $5,000.00 or $15,000.00 but really we are leading them at the $25,000.00.
