HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-22-2023 Minutes TDA Regular Meeting
101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov
www.visithillsboroughnc.com | @HillsboroughNC
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES | 1 of 3
Minutes
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular meeting
5:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 2023
Board Meeting Room of Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St.
Present: Chair and Commissioner Matt Hughes, Dani Black
and Victoria Pace
Staff: Planning and Economic Development Manager
Shannan Campbell and Assistant Town Manager and
Community Services Director Matt Effird
1. Call to order
Chair Matt Hughes called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Planning and Economic Development Manager
Shannan Campbell confirmed the presence of a quorum with three members present.
2. Agenda changes and approval
There were no changes.
Motion: Member Dani Black moved to approve the agenda as presented. Member Victoria Pace seconded.
Vote: 3-0.
3. Minutes review and approval
Minutes from regular meeting on Sept. 21, 2022
Motion: Black moved to approve the minutes as presented. Hughes seconded.
Vote: 3-0.
4. Discussion/action items
A. Special Projects/Partnerships Request: Mural at 113 N. Churton St. (King Street parking lot)
Campbell said the artist was present. This would be the third mural in town that received financial support
from the authority. She noted there is no need to do a budget adjustment and funds could be allocated from
within the Special Projects/Partnership line item to this project.
Max Dowdle, the artist, addressed the board. He said the proposed mural would be on the back of the
building that houses The Wooden Nickel Public House, facing the parking lot. Dowdle explained the idea for
the mural with blues and oranges that would be painted on a portion of the back of the building. The mural
would have a farm and produce theme. It was noted that this brick building is already painted white, so the
owner would not be asking the Historic District Commission to approve applying paint to an unpainted brick
building. The request is for $8,000 for artist fees, materials, and maintenance.
Hughes said that he was comfortable supporting the full request. Black agreed.
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Motion: Black moved to approve the full request. Pace seconded.
Vote: 3-0.
B. Performing Arts/Cultural Arts Center update
Campbell said the town has been discussing a possible facility or partnership with the Orange County Arts
Commission. She said Katie Murray, executive director of the Orange County Arts Commission, would like to
hire a consultant to help find a location via feasibility study, including consideration of co-locating with the
future train station.
No further action was taken.
C. FY21 Audit Contract Modifications and FY21 Audit Review
Campbell noted the amended contract notes why the FY21 audit is late, and the board needs to approve it to
keep it moving forward.
Motion: Pace moved to approve the contract. Black seconded.
Vote: 3-0.
D. FY22 Audit Contract (Isley)
Campbell noted the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners had agreed to supplement the cost of this audit
because the cost of audits has risen substantially.
Motion: Black moved to approve the contract. Pace seconded.
Vote: 3-0.
E. FY24 Draft Budget and Marketing Initiatives.
Campbell noted travel and training costs more now than it did a few years ago, so she increased that line item
for members to attend the VisitNC365 conference or other training opportunities in FY24.
No discussion.
F. TDA Rules of Procedure review and adoption
Campbell noted the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners had asked staff to review rules and procedures for
all the appointed boards and find ways to align them, if possible. She noted that when there are three
members of this board, then all three must be present to constitute a quorum. The Board of Commissioners
had considered recommending that the Tourism Development Authority expand to five members, but two
members would need to be affiliated with the town’s hotel/motels, and it has been difficult to get a those
folks interested in serving on the authority.
There was a request not to use the term “chairman.” Campbell said she would update and bring the
document back.
No action was taken.
5. Monthly reports
A. Staff report and occupancy tax revenues reports
Campbell noted:
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• The town has a new finance director, and she did not have an occupancy tax revenue report at present
but would work with finance to obtain that data.
• The Visitors Center opened Jan. 1 and chose a mask-optional policy for visitors and volunteers.
• The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau has a James Taylor exhibit.
• The Orange County Arts Commission has organized the summer outdoor sculpture display event called
Uproar. Collaboration is taking place among the county’s municipalities.
B. Board comments
The board welcomed a visitor who has opened an Airbnb in Hillsborough and sat in on the meeting.
6. Adjournment
Hughes adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannan Campbell
Planning and Economic Development Manager
Staff support to the Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority
Approved: April 12, 2023