HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120418minutes.pdfApproved: June 2012 Page 1 of 2
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: April 18, 2012
Directors Present: Bill Garbett, Jim Glass, Amy Kagan, Stephen Palmer, Monty Parks,
Peggy Stone (via conference call), John Yarbrough
Directors Absent: Vicki Hammons, Judy Malins
Guest(s): Diane Schleicher
CALL TO ORDER
Monty called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.
WELCOME
Monty welcomed everyone.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Stephen made a motion to approve the March 21, 2012 Better Hometown Board of Directors meeting
minutes. Amy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE VISIONING WORKSHOP
Chantel distributed the 4/4/12 Community Visioning Workshop attendee feedback notes. Monty
noted that attendance and participation was good. Attending representatives from the Tourism
Council also provided much feedback. Monty commented that an attendee at the workshop
expressed concern regarding businesses not be prepared for early spring breakers and suggested BHT
track and report. Stephen questioned the programs involvement with such. John explained he and
others he knows track and prepare based on previous years trends. One challenge is having enough
trained employees. Chantel commented that Peggy did state at the workshop that she checks with
Chantel regarding occupancy directly as needed. Directors discussed the notes by committee.
Monthly meetings under the Economic Restructuring Committee notes were discussed. Concern
about participation at meetings was brought up at the workshop. Chantel stated she has discussed
with the Main Street manager in Woodstock because they do monthly meetings. She will send out a
survey for input from merchants and the community at large. Questions to include in the survey
would be as follows: the best day / time to meet, topics of interest, networking opportunity. Based on
the responses, locations will need to be determined. The notes under Design Committee were
discussed. Directors discussed the litter issue and possible solutions such as: ongoing enforcement,
teaching people to not litter, publicity, community service, having the Tourism Council help spread the
Keep Tybee Tidy message. The possibility of an additional shuttle stop on Wilmington / Whitemarsh
will be considered as a work plan item. Building improvements and historic preservation practices for
the better of the community needs to continue as well. Jim mentioned the need for “life” to be put
back into the old Strickland building. Chantel confirmed preservationist, Bob Ciucivech is keeping that
on his radar.
Chantel confirmed that each committee will be meeting to recommend their work plans for 2012 – 13.
The recommendations will be brought to the next board meeting for approval.
Approved: June 2012 Page 2 of 2
COMMITTEE REVIEWS
Economic Restructuring
1) Monthly meetings were discussed above.
Design
1) Keep Tybee Tidy:
a. Chantel reported that the Keep Tybee Tidy grant continues to be progressing well.
Organization
1) Director position open
a. Chantel reported that Beth Martin has resigned from the board due to other
commitments. The announcement for the Director opening will be advertised with a
deadline to be appointed by the Mayor and City Council at their last May meeting. She
requested directors reach out to those that would be a good fit for the program in
accordance with the Program’s by-laws, vision and mission statements.
2) Budget
a. Chantel reported the proposed 2012 – 2013 Better Hometown budget she reviewed with
the City Manager will be presented at the City Council budget workshop May 3 at 3pm.
Monty expressed that when the budget is presented there be less modesty and more ego.
Diane suggested the mission statement and the four points with highlighted
accomplishments (outcomes) be distributed on one page for the workshop.
Monty commented that Jim is an excellent spokesperson for the program.
Promotions
1) Tybee Community Day
a. The date for Tybee Community Day was discussed. All agreed that Saturday two weeks
following Pirate Fest would be ideal. The board agreed to move forward with Saturday,
October 20. Chantel will start the special event application paperwork and reserve
Memorial Park.
b. John expressed the need and desire to keep it simple. Directors agreed that this is a day
for locals and there be children and adult activities, no parade, food and local musicians
performing throughout the day. There will be no fees. Amy agreed to contact the non
profit / civic organizations. Chantel and she will review.
c. Monty requested a special one hour board meeting be scheduled to discuss the event
more thoroughly. All agreed to meet again Tuesday, April 24 at 4pm.
2) “Art March” idea
a. Amy explained the concept of an art march in Savannah she attended. The Forsyth to
Victory March was held and she was not impressed. She went to one location that was
listed on the map. They told her they were not doing anything special, but were on the
map. The concept could be positively developed and woven into Third Thursdays on
Tybee with merchants staying open late and or having specials.
OTHER BUSINESS
N/A
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.