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Approved: 5/15/13 Page 1 of 3
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: March 20, 2013
Vision: To improve the quality of life for those that live, work and visit Tybee Island through a healthy business corridor
and enhance the cultural experience while preserving the community's barrier island heritage.
Directors Present: Katie Addis, Bill Garbett, Jim Glass, Vicki Hammons, Amy Kagan, Monty Parks, Kelly
Partridge, Peggy Stone, John Yarbrough
Directors Absent: Ted Lynch
Guest(s): Sean and Wen McNally
CALL TO ORDER
Monty called the meeting to order at 6:05pm.
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES: FEBRUARY 20, 2013
Amy made a motion to approve the Better Hometown Board of Directors February 20, 2013 minutes.
Katie seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
COMMITTEE REVIEWS
Design
Chantel reported that a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate student has been in
communication with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Advisor, Cullen Chambers,
regarding doing a template for Design Guidelines for the Design Committee and HPC to use.
The guidelines would assist the committee / program with having one concise document
detailing such items as: historic background, economic benefits of historic preservation,
historic fabric of downtown, and good design practices. Currently, Chantel works with
businesses/property owners in the corridor that express interest in façade improvements by
providing color samples and / or design elements applicable to downtown and / or conceptual
drawings from Georgia Trust design partners. The guidelines would assist the HPC with a
concise document detailing the above noted, as well as, good design practices for the island.
Vicki commented that the guidelines should not be so restrictive to the point of Tybee losing
its character. Chantel confirmed the guidelines would take into account the character of the
island and be "Tybee-fied" accordingly.
Bill reported that the HPC has proposed a text amendment to review building permits
submitted for building 50 years of age or older in order to ensure the existing historic fabric /
character of Tybee remains intact. Years ago, there was an attempt to establish local historic
districts, but it was denied. This may be a necessary option in light of recent activity on
Tybrisa.
Economic Restructuring
Chantel reminded Directors of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Tybrisa at the Beach April 22 at
5:30pm. Tybrisa at the Beach is a timeshare condo property. Their association has invested
heavily in making improvements to their property which has a positive impact on the
downtown area.
Organization
Chantel reviewed the Organization action plan item of having a presentation video for the
Better Hometown Program. John and Peggy confirmed that the video project has been on the
work plan for a couple of years. Chantel introduced Sean and Wen McNally with Island Photo
and Video. She met with them a few weeks ago to discuss the video project outline. Sean
expressed his willingness to do five videos because he understands the benefits of explaining
the program visually and verbally while highlighting accomplishments of the program. The
videos will consist of the following: a two to three minute overview of the program, a three -
four minutes about the focus and accomplishments of the Design Committee, a three - four
minutes about the focus and accomplishments of Economic Restructuring Committee, a three
- four minutes about the focus and accomplishments of Organizational elements, and a three -
four minutes about the focus and accomplishments of the Promotions Committee.
These videos will be used to highlight why Tybee is a BHT and provide overall information
about and highlight successes of the program. The committee vignettes will be used for
people to better understand how and why the four points are used locally for economic
development within the context of historic preservation. The videos will be posted on the BHT
webpage, Channel 7, and distributed through BHT Social Media outlets. Monty expressed the
need for City Council to be shown the videos. Bill agreed that now is the time. Sean expressed
his enthusiasm to help "sell" the program to those that still do not understand or know about
it. Directors reviewed the list of items for the videos. Chantel will email the list of items to
Directors for comments. Sean explained to Directors that a project like this one would
normally be costly, but upon talking with Chantel and because of their passion for Tybee, they
are discounting the overall cost to $400. Any revisions / changes will need to be additional
charges. Bill suggested capping the total at $500. John made a motion to do the Better
Hometown Video Project as discussed and spend no more than $500. Katie seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously,
Chantel reported that the pre-season business meeting on February 27 was well attended.
Main discussion topics were regarding trash containers, pressure washing and police presence.
The Tybee Island Information Providers program begins Memorial Day weekend. Amy will
forward the contact information of an individual from Savannah Law School that contacted her
regarding volunteering at the Tybee Wine Festival. Chantel confirmed that the need for
college aged and older adults was included in the Better Hometown article submitted for this
month’s Tybee Breeze.
Directors reviewed September dates for Community Day in Memorial Park. Vicki made a
motion to for BHT to host Tybee Community Day Sunday, September 29. John seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously. All agreed that 1pm until 5pm will be the time of
the event.
Chantel reminded Directors of the Better Hometown Board of Directors Organizational
Workshop / 2013 – 14 Planning Session on April 17 from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. Peggy
confirmed Doc’s will provide refreshments. Directors were emailed the facilitator’s (Peggy
Jolley) bio information. Chantel asked that Directors confirm RSVPs they receive from
stakeholders prior to April 15.
Approved: 5/15/13 Page 3 of 3
Promotions
Third Thursdays on Tybee is tomorrow with the Ogeechee River Rounders beginning at
5:30pm. She has received highlights from a few businesses which she has posted on facebook
and will announce tomorrow. Monty will post the signs in the morning. Chantel confirmed
Ted has been in contact with Wet Willies, but she has not received any more information.
NEWS FROM DIRECTORS
Directors discussed weekend sales the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day. Sunday was better than other
days.
OTHER BUSINESS
N/A
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:16pm.