HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110317minutes.pdf
Approved: September 21, 2011 Page 1 of 2
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: August 17, 2011
Directors Present: Jim Glass, Judy Malins, Beth Martin, Monty Parks, Dick Smith, Peggy
Stone, Patricia Miller Wann, John Yarbrough
Directors Absent: Stephen Palmer, Shirley Sessions
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Monty.
Welcome
Monty welcomed everyone. Chantel introduced Jim Glass as a new board member.
Jim has been active in the Tybee Island Information Provider program and Better
Hometown activities such as Third Thursdays on Tybee. He is a member of Tybee
Beautification Association and Tybee Island Historical Society.
Guests
Jim Riley and Samantha Claar presented a concept to increase Tybee’s visibility as an art
destination. Jim commented that demonstrations or the like could be done during
Third Thursdays on Tybee and artists could sell their items if they purchase a vendor
space. A portion of the vendor space fee could go towards Better Hometown to use at
the Board’s discretion. Discussion ensued regarding guidelines, how it would work so
as not to compete with existing art galleries / brick and motor businesses and how it
would tie with the Promotions Committee. John expressed interest in the possibilities.
Beth mentioned the Atlanta art festivals which are juried. Patricia suggested a written
proposal be provided with details addressing the discussion topics. She reiterated that
BHT is part of the city and needs to adhere to our mission and standards. Patricia
asked Jim and Samantha if this would be under the Arts Association. They confirmed it
would not because it would be open to all local artists. Patricia made a motion that a
written proposal for their concept of artist inclusion during Third Thursdays on Tybee be
provided to the board for consideration in order to proceed. John seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Michael Polak was unable to attend the meeting to present the information he sent
Chantel regarding potential signage for residential neighborhoods so that people would
know they are entering a residential area. Chantel reviewed his concept and
commented that the Tybee Island Historic Preservation Commission is discussing
signage for National Historic Districts. Peggy suggested the signage could be done with
collaboration from the Savannah Historic Foundation. Patricia commented that this
would also need to be in a written proposal form for the board to review. She will
send Chantel a form for future use by guests wishing involvement from the Better
Hometown Program.
Approval of Minutes
Dick made a motion to approve the June 15, 2011 Better Hometown Board of Directors
meeting minutes. Patricia seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Approved: September 21, 2011 Page 2 of 2
Committee Reviews
Organization: Board makeup
Chantel reviewed the BHT By-laws in terms of absenteeism and representation of the
board. She expressed gratitude to all of the Directors and asked for confirmation of
everyone’s commitment. Brooke Purdy with The Savannah Bank applied to serve and
Maria Lancaster with Friends of Tybee Theater has expressed an interest. The
Directors present expressed their commitment and appreciate the interest of Brooke
and Maria.
Organization: Signage during Historic Butler Median construction
Chantel reported that some businesses have conveyed concern about a drop in business
during the Historic Butler Median construction project, that is said to begin mid
October. Monty stated he will request to be on the City Council agenda as the
Chairman of Better Hometown to ask Council to have proper signage regarding detours
and notifying people that the businesses are open during construction.
Promotions: Memorial Park – Community Day (October 23)
Discussion ensued among the Directors regarding hosting a Community Day on October
23 with bands, food and events for children at Memorial Park. All agreed that BHT
does not have the budget or the time necessary to spend on the event right now. All
agreed that BHT will start planning such an event for next year on October 21.
Promotions: Tybee for the Holidays
Chantel received a letter expressing disapproval of the name change from Tybee Island
Holiday Celebration Parade to Tybee Island Christmas Parade which she read to the
Directors.
Chantel updated the Directors about the lack of funding for a stage for the dancers to
use during Lights on for Tybee. She is currently working with the City for alternatives.
Design: Keep Tybee Tidy
Chantel reiterated that the DNR – Coastal Incentives Grant she wrote was awarded.
The campaign, “Keep Tybee Tidy: Combating Litter by Land for the Sea” is a
partnership between BHT and Tybee Beautification. The grant period starts October 1
for one year and BHT was awarded approximately $31,000.
Chantel notified the Directors that the city is hosting a recycling workshop August 29 at
7pm and encouraged everyone to attend.
Other Business:
None.
Adjourn
Dick made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:07pm. John seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.