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BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meeting Minutes: June 19, 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, Ted Lynch, Monty Parks,
Kelly Partridge, Peggy Stone
Directors Absent: John Yarbrough
CALL TO ORDER
Monty called the meeting to order at 6:06pm. Monty announced that Chantel has passed her Georgia
Downtown Development Professional Program exam. Chantel thanked Monty for the recognition
and confirmed that she prepared, presented and tested for Level 1 (out of 3) in June. She and other
downtown development professionals in the state that have achieved Level 1, 2 and 3 will be
formally recognized at the Awards for Downtown Excellence Ceremony on August 15 during
the Georgia Downtown Conference.
BETTER HOMETOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES: MAY 15, 2013
Ted made a motion to approve the Better Hometown Board of Directors May 15, 2013 minutes. Vicki
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPEN SEATS
Chantel has posted the advertisement for open Directors’ seats. One position is to fulfill Amy's term
representing the arts and cultural interests on the island until 2014. The other seat is for a
representative from the Tybee Island Tourism Council to serve in an ex-officio capacity. Monty
requested that Chantel send an email to the Tourism Council chair, Keith Gay, as a follow up and
reminder. Chantel confirmed.
FY2014 PROGRAM BUDGET UPDATE
Chantel reported that at the last Council review of the FY2014 budget, the Better Hometown budget
was unchanged. The advertising line item will help support events that bring people into the corridor.
Additional monies requested will mainly fund the purchase of a stage for Third Thursdays on Tybee
and Lights on for Tybee. Chantel confirmed that the City Manager confirmed the stage can be stored
in the cafeteria. Peggy inquired about charging nonprofits for use of the stage as a way to recoup the
purchase cost. Bill confirmed that if the board makes this recommendation once the budget is
approved, then the fee could be considered a maintenance fee. This item will be discussed at a later
meeting.
Councilman Garbett noted that he continues to track any changes to the program’s budget.
2013 – 2014 PROGRAM WORK PLANS
Directors reviewed the committee work plans for 2013 - 14. Chantel commented that the Economic
Restructuring Committee needs to regroup. Items listed for all committees are ones that are in
progress and / or have been discussed.
Katie provided an update from the Promotions Committee meeting that was held prior to the board
meeting. A new member, Larry Hodges, is committed to helping with Third Thursdays on Tybee, Tybee
for the Holidays and Community Day in order to obtain more business involvement and sponsorships.
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Jim made a motion to approve the Better Hometown 2013 - 14 Work Plans as presented. Ted
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
MAIN STREET / BETTER HOMETOWN UPDATES
Directors discussed the impact of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Office of Downtown
Development’s (ODD) merger of Better Hometown Programs and Main Street Programs. Chantel
confirmed the name change to Tybee Island Main Street will go into effect July 1. Since we are
adhering to the national standards and reporting as necessary, we are in compliance. The Office of
Downtown Development will be sending a press release out and we will also send one to the local
media.
Chantel invited all directors to join the ODD webinars the first Monday of each month at 9am. This
month’s webinar focused on new tiers their office is establishing and the merger. July’s webinar will
focus on Downtown Revolving Loan Funds. Chantel will send the information for registering to
directors when she receives it.
2013 GEORGIA DOWNTOWN CONFERENCE
Directors discussed with Chantel the Georgia Downtown Conference (August 14 – August 16 in
Savannah at the Andaz). Chantel requested that Directors notify her if they are able to attend the
conference so that she may register them. Chantel provided an update regarding the Tybee Mobile
Workshop planned for August 14 from 2pm until 4:30pm. The company that operates the Savannah –
Tybee Beach Shuttle has agreed to provide two shuttles for transportation. A maximum of 28
workshop participants will ride through the corridor then stop at the Beachview Bed and Breakfast for
a tour and information about how the B & B was restored. Bob Ciucivech and Cullen Chambers have
been invited to be there to answer questions about the history of the building and how the owners
took advantage of tax credits for the restoration. Chantel has asked the Mayor to be available as well.
She will be collecting “welcome” items from merchants to give to participants as they board the
shuttles. Chantel requested assistance in planning and / or collecting items from directors.
OLD BUSINESS
Directors reviewed plans for Community Day (September 29 from 1pm until 5pm at Memorial Park
with the rain location @ the gym). Chantel will send a “Save the Date” invitation to participate email
to the non-profit organizations and companies that provide services to the island. Directors confirmed
that there will be no selling permitted, but membership dues may be taken, as was the case last year.
Vicki will use the poster from last year to design the poster for this year. Monty confirmed the bands
and stage will be handled by him. The music will be next to the gym building this year. Katie and
Chantel confirmed John will be out of town on this day. Directors discussed having local churches (i.e.
Men’s Clubs) serve the food that John has agreed to provide. Jim offered to assist as well. Directors
discussed groups to participate with games and possible participation from the police and fire
departments. Katie commented that a dunking booth may be an addition to the activities of the day.
Vicki offered to contact the Coast Guard. Directors asked Chantel to ensure information is updated on
FB and the City’s website as the event draws near. Chantel confirmed.
NEWS FROM DIRECTORS
N/A
OTHER BUSINESS
N/A
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.