HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110921minutes.pdfApproved: October 19, 2011 Page 1 of 2
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: September 21, 2011
Directors Present: Jim Glass, Judy Malins, Beth Martin, Stephen Palmer, Monty Parks, Dick Smith,
Peggy Stone, Patricia Miller Wann, John Yarbrough
Directors Absent: Shirley Sessions
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:04pm by Monty.
Welcome
Monty welcomed everyone and asked Chantel to introduce the guests in attendance. She
introduced Brooke Purdy from The Savannah Bank and SCAD graduate students interested in
participating with the Better Hometown program.
Guests
Forms
Chantel presented a draft of a form that Patricia emailed her as a guideline in developing an
official form for guests to use when they wish to request participation of the Better Hometown
program. Discussion ensued regarding making the form more generic instead of focusing on
events. John suggested it be put online so that it could be emailed once it is finalized. Monty
requested the form be available for review at the next meeting. Beth said she would work on it
with Chantel.
Approval of Minutes
John made a motion to approve the August 17, 2011 Better Hometown Board of Directors
meeting minutes. Dick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reviews
Organization: Signage during Historic Butler Median construction
Chantel reported that she discussed the “Businesses are Open” signage during the Historic
Butler Median project with the City Manager. The City Manager confirmed she would find
money for the signs/ banners. Chantel contacted other Main Street communities through the
National Trust list serve to find out about creative signage they have done during construction
projects. The project will begin in December and end the last of February. Locations of signage
discussed were on electric poles or above the streets.
Design: Keep Tybee Tidy
Chantel reported the “Keep Tybee Tidy: Combating Litter by Land for the Sea” grant begins
October 1. Jim kindly agreed to assist with the public service announcements.
Promotions: Tybee for the Holidays
The Tybee for the Holidays website will be live by Friday. Chantel thanked Jim for supplying
additional photos.
During Lights on for Tybee the Park of Seven Flags will be the Park of Giving. This will be a
donation site for Toys for Tots, Milton Project, Mayors Motorcade, and Tybee’s food pantry.
Approved: October 19, 2011 Page 2 of 2
Terry is helping secure these agencies. There will be a stage (i.e. trailer from DPW in disguise)
for the Gretchen Greene School of Dance students during Lights on for Tybee. Billy Manucy will
lead the choir which will include children and adults. Peggy suggested contacting the Savannah
Children's Choir if needed. Chantel confirmed Sam Adams will provide the sound. She said
additional lighting would be helpful if available.
Beth suggested a scavenger hunt for the Holiday Shop-n-Stroll. Raffle tickets could be obtained
by participants in order to be eligible for prizes Saturday evening. This will hopefully alleviate
issues with people coming out only for freebies. The promotions committee discussed the
possibility of a “Community Involvement Resolution Time” concept downtown during the Shop-
n-Stroll. Terry is also assisting in seeking participation from non- profit organizations for this
concept.
Johnson High School band would like to participate in the Christmas Parade, but there is a cost.
Chantel is waiting to hear back about their needs.
Promotions: Third Thursdays on Tybee
Discussion ensued regarding Third Thursdays on Tybee (TTT). The September performance with
Jason Bible had a low turnout. $15 was collected in donations to be used specifically for BHT
events. Items discussed to consider making Third Thursdays on Tybee better follow:
importance of consistency, changing the time and length of the concerts, promoting it more,
adding other activities, financial constraints, and having restaurants provide meals for the
performers. Patricia reiterated that TTT was designed for the off-season / shoulder season time.
Chantel confirmed they learned the first year that summertime is too hot for outdoor
performances.
Chantel reminded everyone that the Old Folkers (Hank Wiseman & John Powers) are performing
October 20 at the Lot at Tybee Oaks. Monty requested all board members attend the concert
and to participate in the Promotions Committee meeting Monday at 2pm.
Organization: Recap of Post Business meeting
Jim reported the Post Season Business meeting was good overall. There was extensive
discussion regarding having the fireworks on July 3 versus July 4. Public safety is the top
concern. John confirmed July 3 is one of his busiest days at the restaurant. The Tourism Council
is going to prepare a statement regarding overnight stays. Dick commented the meeting was
helpful in terms of hearing from all department heads. Discussion ensued about having more
meetings such as this one and being led by Better Hometown.
Other Business:
Stephen expressed his apologies for not being as involved on the board as he would like to have
been the past few months. He is back and looking forward to continuing the mural project
concept and ways to incorporate the nursing home into community.
Monty requested that Chantel resend the sub-committee meeting schedules and report who is
attending the meetings.
Adjourn
Dick made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:03pm. Patricia seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.