HomeMy Public PortalAboutAnniversary Committee 01-11-202475th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 11, 2024
MINUTES
Roll Call:
Committee Members Present Committee Members Absent
Diane Barrette Nancy Arent
Anne Bruton Shirley Goodman
Jenny Clark Jennifer Hartzke
Joyce Fiaccone Susan Himes
Bill Garretson Deborah Rodgers
Natalie Howe
Nelda Stroder
Staff Present
Candice Edmondson, City Manager
Chantele Hancock, Library Director
Jason Brown, Director of Parks & Recreation
1. CALL TO ORDER
City Manager, Candice Edmondson, brought the meeting to order at 6:05pm.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Public Comments.
REGULAR AGENDA
3. Welcome
City Manager, Candice Edmondson, welcomed all members of the committee to this
second meeting. The committee and staff shared a quick reintroduction to each other.
Ms. Edmondson thanked everyone again for their willingness to serve and bring their
excitement to this process.
4. Approve the November 2, 2023 75th Anniversary Committee meeting
minutes
Ms. Edmondson asked for the committee members to review the minutes handed out at
the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Bill Garretson had a handful of grammatical and
formatting changes. With those changes, Ms. Diane Barrette made a motion to approve,
and Mr. Garretson offered a second. Ms. Edmondson called for a vote and the approval
of the minutes passed 7 to 0.
5. Discuss communication platforms
Ms. Edmondson called on Chantele Hancock to speak about options that she was familiar
with and had researched. Ms. Hancock discussed Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) and how
it might be the best option. Ms. Edmonson asked the committee members who does not
currently have access to MS Teams. Jenny Clark and Nelda Clark both said that they did
not have access, but understood that the Library would be able to offer access, and that
Ms. Hancock would be able to assist in getting it set up for them.
Ms. Hancock spoke about the functionality of MS Teams including the Chat, Message,
Forum, and collaboration features. Ms. Edmondson mentioned that staff Sheena
McEachran would be able to assist with set up if needed.
6. Discuss oral history project
Ms. Edmondson told the committee that there might be options to include students from
area high schools or colleges. Ms. Edmondson emphasized that this part of the
programming needs to start soon, as it could take a while to compile and edit. It was
mentioned that the Parks Admin Building has a room that could be used for interviews.
Staff will also check with BISD’s BECTAL program about opportunities to film at their
location.
Jenny Clark asked whether or not a commemorative book would be planned for this
occasion. She also brought up having photographers at the event. Ms. Edmondson
responded saying that a book was not planned, but could be discussed. She followed by
agreeing that a photographer would be a great choice for the event(s).
Natalie Howe suggested that the Sixth Floor Library at UTA might be a good resource for
local history. Diane Barrette brought up the Birdville Museum for photos. Others offered
Facebook groups, Tarrant County Archives, local churches and the Masonic Lodge might
also be able to offer some history, stories or photographs. Joyce Fiaconne mentioned
hosting an event at City Marketplace to bring people in to offer some historical data or
photographs.
Ms. Edmondson asked the committee who we should invite to speak with the committee.
Answers from the committee included, Baker family, former mayors and council people,
long-time employees, and yearbooks. Ms. Edmondson asked that any names or new
ideas be sent to Jennifer Hilburn, Assistant to the City Manager.
7. Discuss 75th Anniversary branding, programs and events
Ms. Edmondson asked for event ideas. Answers brought up were projects with BISD
schools, Yard of the Month, a Sock-Hop, ladies tea, community garden, auto show,
business history on or near businesses, Elvis impersonator, decade based themes, art
around town, a pecan theme food event, plant or seed swap, nature theme, home or
chicken coop tours.
Ms. Edmondson opened discussion for sub-committees. After explaining that she
envisions smaller sub-committees in Marketing (branding), History, Events, and
Donations. She asked that all committee members consider which sub-committees they
would like to be a part of. Members spoke up to add their names as follows:
- Marketing (supported by Candice Edmondson) – Jenny Clark, Jennifer Hartzke
was nominated, Joyce Fiaccone
- History (supported by Chantele Hancock) – Nelda Stroder, Natalie Howe, Diane
Barrette, Jenny Clark, Anne Bruton
- Events (supported by Jason Brown) – Jenny Clark, Natalie Howe, Anne Bruton
- Donations (supported by Jennifer Hilburn) – no one added their name during the
meeting
Additionally, Natalie Howe suggested to ask the community input for theme and branding
ideas. TikTok and Social Media challenges were brought up to drive interest.
Events that were brought up last minute include: RH Trivia Night, Bike Tour (possibly led
by Councilman GW Estep, cemetery tour, and doggie parade.
8. Discuss February meeting date/location
Ms. Edmondson brought up the February meeting and asked about sticking with the
current schedule, second Thursday of the month at 6:00pm. Ms. Hancock brought up a
reminder that there is a conflict with the Adult Spelling Bee. Because of that overlap, it
was suggested that the committee meet at El Chico (the site of the Adult Spelling Bee)
and start at 5:00pm.
9. Adjournment
Ms. Edmondson asked for a motion to adjournment. Bill Garretson made the motion and
Jenny Clark seconded. The 75th Committee was adjourned at 7:28pm.