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Zuercher, Kami
From:Aaron Sherer, Paine Art Center and Gardens <Aaron@thepaine.org>
Sent:Thursday, February 29, 2024 10:40 AM
To:Zuercher, Kami
Cc:trina@oshkoshchamber.com; Jerry Stadtmueller; Pierce Smith
Subject:ARPA Application
Attachments:Paine ARPA Application FINAL022924.pdf
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Dear Mark,
The Paine’s application for an ARPA grant is attached requesting funding toward the air ventilation portion of a
new HVAC system in the historic mansion.
When the Paine first requested ARPA funding in 2021, the HVAC project was just being put out for bid, and at
that time, the total cost of the project was estimated to be $1 million. Now that the project is nearing
completion, the actual cost has risen to $1.75 million.
The Paine initially hoped to raise $650,000 from the community to support the project, and the Paine requested
an additional $100,000 in ARPA funds from the City (10% of the estimated project cost). The Paine has raised
$1.4 million to date and is now requesting $175,000 of ARPA funding (10% of the actual project cost).
The expansion of the Paine’s HVAC project to include the total overhaul of the air ventilation system is a direct
result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paine had been preparing to replace the building's heating system.
Then, during the pandemic, the Paine learned the mansion’s existing air circulation was a closed system and
created an unhealthy environment for staff and visitors. The new air ventilation system will introduce fresh air
according to current codes and create a safer and healthier environment for staff and visitors for decades to
come.
The ARPA funding guidelines by the City of Oshkosh state that “the intent of the grant funds is to assist
agencies with overcoming challenges brought upon by the Covid pandemic, particularly as it relates to
addressing long-term needs of a particular agency or organization. Towards that end, priority will be given to
requests that are focused on capital or other non-operating needs.”
The Paine believes the air ventilation portion of our HVAC project directly fulfills this funding purpose, and
consequently, we have updated our funding request and are resubmitting our application for your consideration
again. We are grateful for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Aaron
Cc:
Trina Woldt, President
Jerry Stadtmueller, Past President
Pierce Smith, Vice President
2
Aaron Sherer
Executive Director
Paine Art Center and Gardens
1410 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 235-6903 ext. 26
aaron@thepaine.org
www.thepaine.org