HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110216minutes.pdf
Approved: 5/18/11 Page 1 of 4
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting minutes: February 16, 2011
Directors Present: Cullen Chambers, Stephen Palmer, Monty Parks, Dick Smith,
Peggy Stone, Shirley Sessions, Patricia Miller Wann, John Yarbrough
Directors Absent: Judy Malins
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Cullen Chambers.
Welcome
Chantel welcomed everyone.
Approval of Minutes
Monty made the motion to approve the January 19 Better Hometown Board of
Directors minutes. The motion was seconded by Stephen. The motion passed
unanimously.
Committee Work Plans/Updates
Design
Trash/Recycling Containers: Chantel has applied for a DNR – Coastal Incentives Grant
for trash/recycling containers. The Design committee approved the same containers
with a different opening for recycling to be picked up by City. The Historical Society
has committed to purchasing two. They are $1,100 to $1,300 per 36 gallon container.
Patricia made the motion to purchase of the containers if the Grant is approved and to
inform the City Manager. Peggy seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Façade Improvement Assistance Concept: Chantel and Cullen have discussed this with
the Mayor and Cullen has discussed it with the Board of the Historical Society. The
Historical Society Board said that they would match any funds put forth by the City up to
a certain amount. The Historical Society would actually be giving a grant to entice
property owners to improve their façade(s). The Board of Directors need to set up a
criteria to make sure the funds are used properly to enhance the façade and keep with
the quality of the Island. There are a lot of art deco details that could be enhanced
rather than embellished. Cullen asked Chantel to talk about this. Chantel said we do
not have an Downtown Development Authority and we would have to have a
fundraising project, as we could not use City funds for 100% of the funding. Darien has
a grant for $500 and Forsyth has a grant for $1,000. People have to fill out a form and
then it goes to the Design Committee for approval. Chantel said this has to be local
money. Cullen said with BHT Board approval he would go back to his Board to try to
re-start this program and we could formalize the process and get it started. He thinks
we could get others to donate to the program after we show how the program works.
He needs to see if the Historical Society is still interested. Dick asked if someone from
the City would go and make sure that the work was done properly. Cullen said that we
would need a maintenance agreement and that this is where it can get complicated.
Chantel said several Cities have criteria and it is not just putting a coat of paint on the
Approved: 5/18/11 Page 2 of 4
building. There are provisions where a tenant might be able to apply with the property
owner’s permission. Defining characteristics of the building, taking off other facades
to reveal the original, and color provisions are key requirements for most criteria.
Cullen said that the key is to try to secure subsequent levels of funding to make this
worthwhile. Chantel said we might limit it to one or two applications per year. There
may be no applications, but Cullen said we must base it on historic principles and
compatibility with the image of what Tybee is and has historically been. Chantel said
that the City of Forsyth is updating their streetscapes and have taken advantage of
façade improvements while the streetscape work is underway. Monty asked if this
covered interior work. Cullen and Chantel confirmed it does not. Cullen said we
need to stress that this is a practical approach. Dick said this funding cannot move
forward without a grant. Cullen said this is not a grant. The Historical Society has to
be asked again to see if they are still interested. The next step would be to set up the
criteria and then introduce it to property owners in the Southend business district.
Dick made the motion that the board proceed with the process. Chantel said we
would work with the permitting department. Stephen seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Monty asked if it is it typical for the Historical Society to be a funding arm of Better
Hometown. Cullen said that in terms of the façade improvement, it is part of the
mission of the Historical Society and that it would be an outstanding partnership.
Chantel said that every city funds the program and additional funding is done
differently. Public/private partnerships are extremely important. Cullen has been
extremely supportive with the Historical Society.
The Board discussed hotel / motel tax percentages. Cullen confirmed Hotel / Motel tax
is divided three ways. The Tourism Council receives approximately $500,000 from
Hotel / Motel tax. The Hutchison Island Convention Center gets a percentage of the
tax and the money could do a lot for Tybee. Cullen emphasized that the Tourism
Council must only spend money on marketing and promotion. Dick confirmed this is
only posters, traditional print media, radio, social media, and internet. Dick said the
contract with the Trade Center is a ten year contract and the city is in their fifth year.
Economic Restructuring
Locals Appreciation Card Update: Chantel reported that 68 people have signed up so
far.
Business Meeting: Chantel reported that there will be a meeting for businesses
February 22 with presentations by The Savannah Bank, Accountants on Tybee and the
Small Business Assistance Center in the Auditorium at City Hall. She hopes that Board
members will attend.
Surveying: Chantel sent out a link to a link to a survey about perceptions of the
Corridor in the last newsletter. Thus far, only one reply has been received. If there is
a low response she will send it out again.
Organization
2011 Board Appointment updates: Chantel said that Cullen has expressed an interest
in stepping down as Chair. John and Judy have been reappointed and Dick Smith has
agreed to serve as a representative of the Friends of Tybee Theatre. Patricia said she
knows someone who is interested in serving on the Board. Peggy said she knew two
people.
Approved: 5/18/11 Page 3 of 4
Chair Appointment: Cullen said we need someone who loves this Island and is willing
to show their passion and step up to the plate. Cullen said it is not the workload, but
he needs to focus on other things that need to be done. This is a fine community and
great place to live. Cullen asked if the By-Laws support the Board vote someone in.
Stephen said he cannot do it. Dick said he has to make up some from his loss last year.
John is unavailable because of family and running the business. Monty commented
that he has a full plate. We need someone with an astute business sense and can
show a real vision. Chantel said that if there is no decision tonight the discussion will
continue at the next meeting.
TIIP program: Chantel reported that the program will begin at the end of March.
Diane Kaufman suggested the volunteers be introduced to the business owners. Some
volunteers felt that might not be a good idea because volunteers should have an overall
view of businesses already and know what is going on.
Promotions
Tybrisa Wall Art: Stephen said Greg at the Desoto Hotel is considering a wall on their
property. John said that it was brought up to him that he should get in touch with
SCAD. Patricia talked about Colquitt and showed examples of their wall art. Cullen
asked about SCAD’s sidewalk chalk art in Forsyth Park and if that was a way of getting
people interested. Dick said properties do not have to be on Butler or Tybrisa. They
could be other places, such as the Tybee Market. Cullen said the long wall on Tybrisa is
a perfect location due to its visibility. We need to know who owns the wall. Chantel
shared an article about a fresco artist in New Mexico.
Tybee for the Holidays / Third Thursdays on Tybee updates:
a. Tybee Island Tourism Council (TITC) ad assistance review: Tourism
Council asked Chantel to not attend today’s meeting because they
were considering the BHT request. Cullen said based on the
criteria set by the TITC, the majority felt that Third Thursdays on
Tybee (TTT) did not meet their criteria. Cullen lobbied for TTT at
their meeting about what it provides for residents and visitors.
They will provide $500 for TTT to print posters and $1,500 of web
design and print design for Tybee for the Holidays. Cullen said that
it was very disappointing, but their bottom line is to put heads in
beds. Stephen said this could be an opportunity to look for other
arts grants. They helped out the first year and we expected that
they would help again, but Cullen said it came down to the
interpretation of the law. Discussion ensued regarding additional
support from the City for TTT if they decide not to waive parking
fees in December. The Tourism Council is very supportive of Tybee
for the Holidays. Cullen told them that this is a growing effort.
Stephen asked if we will still have control over website design and
content. Cullen said they want input, not control. Chantel said
that design decisions are made by the BHT BOD. Tybee for the
Holidays needs some branding work. Stephen said he proposed
that we prioritize funding for TTT. Chantel said we are okay for the
spring, but in the fall there will be no money to promote unless
Council approves the proposed budget. Stephen talked about
Approved: 5/18/11 Page 4 of 4
their internet advertising and explained that BHT has a target
audience that is not necessary computer savvy. The Tourism
Council questions the locations of the concerts. They want
documentation that particular businesses have benefited. Patricia
said that John benefited last February. John said that he definitely
benefited and that he thought the businesses could participate.
Chantel reported that she has received positive comments verbally
from businesses owners. Cullen said that even the worst critic of
TTT had to admit that the image of Tybee had improved due to TTT
and Tybee being more cultural and family friendly.
Clean up at Jaycee Park request: Stephen said the shuffle board needs paint.
Stephen asked for a commitment from the Board to participate two days; one
day to survey and get a list of what is needed and the second day a week later
to do the physical work prior to the next Board meeting. Peggy said that when
the playground was put together, it was a community project.
Stephen commented that Old Town Trolley has agreed to donate a trolley for both
upcoming parades for nursing home residents to ride. Dick said he will get banners if
he receives the specifications. Stephen said we need a 6’ x 3’ banner. Cullen said he
would like for us to donate the banner and get credit. Dick and Stephen will decide on
wording. Cullen asked if he needs donations for hats that residents riding on the
Trolley can wear during for Mardi Gras and Irish Heritage Celebration Parades.
New Business:
No new business
Adjourn
John made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05pm. Stephen seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.