On Tuesday, Jones came before the board to set the record straight.
Concert organizers have already written a 0,000 check to benefit local charities, as part of their public/private partnership agreement with East Hampton Town, Jones said
Board members had questions regarding exactly how much the district would receive. Jones told them the commitment would be for ,000, with an additional ,000 if the parking lot reached full capacity.
Anderson and Board President Laura Anker-Grossman asked why, after Jones initially promised ,000 to the board, the number was reduced and a donation was being given to Project MOST instead.
Jones explained that after his presentation to the board, he believed Project MOST benefited the entire school community.
Anderson said while she believed in Project MOST, the after-school program and the district have “two separate identities.” And, she added, the decision to donate to Project MOST should have been made by the board, since those monies were initially promised to the EHUFSD.
loans without checking account“You’re giving them our money,” Anderson said. She added Jones was not donating the amount initially presented. “I’m almost insulted.”
New board member Jackie Lowey’s concerns centered on liability issues and legal fees.
Added new board member Patricia Hope, the definition of “full” needed to be clarified regarding capacity.
Anker-Grossman asked if MTK could cover the town’s attorney fees to look over the contract.
“There isn’t anything left in the pot. The tank is empty,” Jones said, adding he couldn’t afford to do that, but the contract is straightforward.
The school has a policy that does not allow for commercial use of public facilities, Anker-Grossman said; when the donation amount changed, “an issue of trust” was raised. “It’s a slippery slope.”
Jones said he took “slight offense at the intimation we changed everything.” He added the total donation amounts to ,000, between the district and Project MOST.
Also, using the parking lot could be a model for similar fundraising efforts in the future, Jones said.
Board member George Aman suggested Jones promise a flat ,000.
“You’re a hard bunch,” Jones joked, agreeing to the price.
The board voted immediately and approved the use.
Jones said he hoped the board would attend.
“Do we get to park for free?” Aman quipped.
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