HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100721approvedminutes.pdf
Approved: 8/19/10 Page 1 of 3
Better Hometown Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2010
Directors Present: Cullen Chambers, Stephen Palmer, Monty Parks, Mayor Pro Tem Shirley Sessions,
Dick Smith, Peggy Stone, Patricia Miller Wann
Directors Absent: Judy Malins, John Yarbrough
Guests Present: Martha Reimann
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:06 pm by Cullen Chambers.
Welcome
Chantel welcomed everyone.
Guests
Martha Reimann presented the official Better Hometown Certification Plaque to the Board of Directors.
She said the Department of Community Affairs was delighted to have us in the program. She said she
was very proud of what we have been doing and we have been operating like a Better Hometown for
nearly a year. She commented that late September is the date for the GA Downtown Conference.
Cullen acknowledged Chantel for her efforts, which without this would not have happened and also Dick
Smith as a former City Council member who saved the budget and saved the program. Chantel said it
takes a team and now the hard work begins.
Approval of Minutes
Monty approved the May 19, 2010 and the June 16, 2010 Better Hometown Board of Director meeting
minutes. Peggy seconded the motion. Judy and Stephen emailed their approval of the minutes in lieu
of their anticipated absence. All Directors present approved the motion to approve the May 19, 2010
and the June 16, 2010 minutes.
Committee Work Plans/Updates
Design
Cullen reported for the design committee. We have a missing-in-action garbage can and Cullen is
trading phone calls with the vendor, who says he can do a much better price than the City’s current
vendor. The partition by Docs will be installed tomorrow. Cullen said Peggy requested the partition
have an access area for cats. He has made this adjustment.
The Info Hut, which is the one of the unused parking kiosks by the Police Station, was permitted by the
City to be moved near the Pier and Pavilion by the Roundabout. This location was recommended by the
City Manager at a Parking Committee meeting. The intent is to have an air conditioned area for
Information Providers to take a break during their shift. Chantel met with Jane Coslik about the design
of the Info Hut. Jane is happy to be helping and is looking at art deco concepts. She will get something
to Chantel next week and will look for donations to cover expenses. Craig Harrison is working on the
design of the message center for the Park of Seven Flags. He will do it either before or after he goes to
California. BHT will maintain it and manage the information that is displayed in the windows.
Carbo House is now on the Historic Register for Historic Places which gives Eldo more options. BHT will
present him with a bronze plaque and do a ribbon cutting to recognize his efforts. Cullen and Bob are
going to work on a Preservation Plan for him. A preservation plan will keep the revitalization of the
Carbo House on track. This will address the shrimp boat and other acquisitions he has acquired.
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Economic Restructuring
The Committee met last month and is moving forward with the Buy Local program. Chantel gave Monty
information about a similar program in California.
Chantel is working with the Tourism Council on the next Market Study. This second phase will help
better identify overnight visitors with more participation from the lodging establishments.
Chantel has called the interim branch manager of Savannah Bank. The company is currently evaluating
the branches and the manager will call her once decisions are made.
Chantel sent Tybee Times a questionnaire to publish for locals to fill out. The questionnaire is intended
to obtain more information about where they shop, what are they looking and more, which will be useful
for economic development. She will also post the survey using survey monkey once the new edition of
Tybee Times comes out.
Organization
Chantel reviewed the Tybee Island Information Providers program. Five (5) people have expressed
interest thus far. She met with two interested volunteers and they gave her additional information to
include in the documents the T. I. I. P. carry with them while they are answering questions about dining,
shopping, parking, etc. They will be wearing straw hats with badges. Notice about the program
seeking volunteers will be posted on channel 7. More volunteers are needed, but it will take time.
Cullen said he would volunteer. Martha said St. Mary’s has a program where volunteers use golf carts
and provide tours. Chantel said an orientation will be held for volunteers prior to beginning. Shirley
said City Council approved a Volunteer policy. Chantel asked if the volunteers would have to do a
background check. Shirley confirmed that if their policy applies, volunteers should adhere. They will
be representing BHT and also representing the City. Shirley said this will be good for tracking volunteer
hours and Martha concurred especially when applying for grants.
Promotions
The Lights on for Tybee and the Holiday parade will be the first weekend of December. The volunteer
who wanted to design www.tybeefortheholidays.com has not sent anything yet. Chantel and John will
discuss. Dicky Trotter has offered to be in charge of the parade applicants. Peggy asked who would be
singing at Lights on for Tybee now that St. Michael’s School is closed. She said she would be willing to
work on securing a choir. Dick suggested talking with the Methodist Church for involvement. Shirley
asked about the YMCA involvement. Chantel said Hillary and the Y will have their post parade activities
downtown after pictures with Santa by the tree.
The Board discussed Third Thursdays on Tybee. The winter months will be hard due to the cold air.
Cullen said he might be able to make the lighthouse grounds available and Tourism may need to get
involved.
Stephen talked about the Tybee Tree and 31328 logo design. He said Tybee’s zip code is exclusive and
his concept is about representing all of Tybee. He expressed his enjoyment of Tybee this year and the
beaches seem to be cleaner. He would like to see more in season events while people are already here
because it would give them more to do. He has seen more business due to the events in the Gulf.
Martha said Bruce Green with the Department of Economic Development will roll out a campaign
featuring audio/visual on Main Streets / BHT at Visitor Centers and Welcome Centers. The footage will
be compiled and short films will help brand the communities. Chantel mentioned the Tybee Treasures
Video, which is currently showing at Tybee’s Visitor Center and on Channel 7. Martha said it would be
great to look at what is available. Chantel will talk to Sandy Majors.
Extreme Makeover – Main Street Style
Chantel reviewed the information she emailed to the Board about the Main Street Style Extreme
Makeover that Kim Carter sent to all managers. Cullen stated it bears pursuing, but is concerned about
the parameters. There are a couple of businesses that are stand alone candidates. We have been
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trying to educate businesses about what remains of the art deco structures and the benefits of removing
the 60s, 70s and 80s improvements. He would like to know more. Chantel reiterated that the deadline
is Friday. Shirley inquired if downtown would qualify. Cullen said they are looking for properties that
need a facelift. Stephen said typical Extreme Makeover shows also look for energy efficient ways to cut
energy bills. Peggy expressed concern that the buildings would look beautiful and there could be a
chance her rent and others would go even higher. Cullen said the Carbo House may be the best
applicant. Chantel explained they are looking for at least a two block area and there is opportunity here.
Cullen suggested waiting for the next opportunity, if there is one, because we need more time. Stephen
and Dick mentioned considering areas on Butler, near McKenzie, and / or Lazaretto Creek.
Martha mentioned the pluses of focusing on public art or something that has not been done before.
Cullen explained the Turtle artwork, which gave Tybee added identity over the years. Martha described
a sculpture art project Columbus did which had at least one piece that sold for $80,000. Chantel
reviewed the webinar she recently participated in. The webinar was hosted by an Arts Council in
California and highlighted mural art projects that have helped beautify areas of towns successfully.
Patricia spoke about the Colquitt mural project. She said she had seen the murals when she was there
to do a site visit for the Georgia Council for the Arts. Patricia said that each mural is based on a story
that is part of the Swamp Gravy Folk Like Play. Colquitt has become an international model for cultural
based tourism. Martha said they won the Mural International Conference.
Friends of BHT
Chantel stated she had been approached by Jonathan about paid membership for BHT. Some BHT /
Main Street communities do memberships or Friends of Better Hometown / Main Street. Businesses
and / or individuals join and the money goes right back into the community to help with projects for the
community. She requested the Board discuss the concept. Chantel shared an article about Woodstock
which has is a 501(c)6 and requires members. Rehoboth Beach has a membership and has been very
successful. Others do not have a membership format because they are offering a service to the
community. Shirley expressed concern with setting up a 501(C)6 so early in the program and what
people would actually get from their contributions. Martha mentioned having people contribute to
small projects. Shirley confirmed projects like the trash cans. Cullen explained the current concept of
Buy Local. Chantel said this is an example of something that helps over the years. Those types of funds
would go to pay for ongoing projects and members / Friends they would get special recognition for
contributing. As BHT, we do not exclude anyone or their business. Cullen explained his concern about
the Chamber and the perceptions of others about their membership. Chantel discussed Beaufort’s
membership guidelines and benefits. Martha said this could have a marketing angle such as people
contribute and that is all they are asked for all year. Chantel agreed that would keep it cost efficient.
Cullen recommended holding off due to the complexity and competition with other fund raising efforts
among organizations.
Other Business
Chantel reminded the Board that Martha will be officially presenting the designation plaque to the City at
the City Council Meeting on July 22 at 7:00pm and requested the Board be present. Chantel will take a
picture of the presentation at City Council and put it in the newsletter.
Adjourn
Monty made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02pm. Dick seconded the motion. All were in favor.