December 7, 2009
November 2, 2009 DDA Board Meeting Minutes
St. Marys Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Board Of Directors
Meeting Minutes for November 2, 2009
The regular meeting of the St. Marys DDA was called to order by Jim Lomis at 8:30 AM.
Members Present: Charlie Smith, Tom Monahan, Bill Deloughy, Barbara Ryan, Jim Lomis and Walt Natzic
Members not Present: Craig Root
Guest in attendance: David Keating; Joint Development Authority (JDA) Director, Paula Amari; Promotions Committee Chair
Staff: Alyce Thornhill; Executive Director, and Renée Coakley; Executive Assistant
Minutes: Lomis presented the October 5, 2009 meeting minutes. The minutes were approved with a motion by Smith and a second by Natzic. All were in favor.
Treasurers Report: Smith presented the October city and DDA financial reports. Smith noted that the department continually stays within budget. Alyce mentioned the new tide clock line item on the profit and loss sheets which is a donation from the St. Marys Yacht Club for a future purchase. The financials were approved with a motion by Smith and second by DeLoughy. All were in favor.
Additions to the Agenda: Ryan added benches on fishing pier and Mill Site. Natzic added conference room system after the Economic Development Committee Report.
Business discussion:
Promotions Committee-Hay Days: Paula mentioned that there were 65 scarecrows built at build a Scarecrow and over 700 attendees at the stroll. The outreach for the event information reached as far as Valdosta this year with a mom and her daughter coming to build a scarecrow and deciding to stay the night at a local Bed and Breakfast. Paula mentioned that there were over ten different events during the three week period. Paula presented the board with one of the holiday mailers that was sent out the last week of October to inform residents in three large communities with children of the upcoming events. Paula mentioned that TDS has agreed to sponsor The Live Nativity again this year.
Ryan mentioned that the downtown merchants raised over $4000 with their Haunted House tour. The proceeds from the tour will go to the Bryan Lang Memorial Library Fund.
Design Committee-Benches and Trash Receptacles: Alyce mentioned that the bench selected also has recycle bins that replicate them. The committee will look into purchasing these as well when benches are purchased. Ryan mentioned that the EarthKeepers may be able to assist with funding for the recycle containers.
Economic Development Committee-Alcohol Ordinance Draft: Alyce presented the draft that will be discussed at the November 18th Economic Development Meeting at 10 AM. The committee will be receiving assistance from the Ministerial Alliance for concerns that may come up with this ordinance in regards to worship locations. Alyce asked the board to please provide input for this meeting. Boating Incentive Grant (BIG): The BIG grant is a federal grant that two volunteers will be working on with Alyce. This grant will be used for mooring station additions, dock space, etc. at the waterfront. SCORE report: Alyce mentioned that the group has been meeting with several clients in the past few weeks. The volunteers are also working on two seminars to be held after the first of the year.
Conference Room System: Natzic mentioned that he is researching a system called Fuzi for the large conference room to be used for meetings. This system has the capability of individuals calling into a meeting via telephone from a remote location by use of logging in on a computer. This system comes with multi features and costs approximately $30 per month for 15 users which equals $360 per year. This item will be placed on the December agenda for more discussion.
Bench on Fishing Pier Update: Ryan mentioned that the bench will be finished and installed by November 20th.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
Agreement with Joint Development Authority (JDA): Keating presented the amendment to the agreement that was approved by the board at the previous meeting. The amendment of the bonding agent choice has been added and the recommendation by Attorney Charlie Smith that litigation be brought to local Superior court has been added. The trustee asked for an amendment due to the delay on titling. Next the trustee and the JDA will now sign the documents and forward to Alyce. Alyce will have the chairman sign the documents after they are executed.
Mill Site: Ryan mentioned a federal and state funding program that she recently learned about to the board. She presented the articles to Keating for research. These energy grants could provide funding for the site and create jobs.
Main Street Institute and visit: Alyce mentioned that representatives from the Department of Community Affairs will be visiting November 19th to prepare for the March 2010 Main Street Training. This training will bring 150-200 visitors to the city. Alyce met with Fred Boyles, the Cumberland Island Superintendent to discuss opportunities for the visitors for this training.
Office of Downtown Development Changes: Alyce mentioned that the Office of Downtown Development has gone through many changes. The region St. Marys falls under will no longer have a direct contact representative. Kim Carter will be the new representative for St. Marys but will also cover a larger area due to cut backs.
Merchant open house: Alyce mentioned that the open house is scheduled for November 10th and the businesses will be open all day to capture more business.
Community Market: Alyce mentioned that the market and vendors celebrated on October 31st its second year in existence with give-away items and a live remote by K-Bay radio.
Employee Incentive Program (EIP) Grant update: Alyce mentioned that the closing on the grant will take place in Brunswick in the upcoming week.
Gateway Grant Design review: Alyce mentioned the Gateway Grant application has been submitted. The area being considered for the application will be where St. Marys Road exits onto Highway 40.
Tree city USA application: Alyce mentioned that the application deadline for the Tree City is December 31st and Renée will be completing that application in the near future.
Businesses and Updates: Alyce mentioned that the Secret Closet has moved to Kingsland for a larger retail space. Alyce also mentioned that Aerospace Missions will be soon moving into the former Cumberland Harbor office in downtown. This business plans to be open by December 1st.
Adjourn - Meeting adjourned at 9:12 AM with a motion by Ryan and second by DeLoughy.
_____________________________
Charlie Smith, Secretary
Prepared by Renée Coakley, Executive Assistant
Filed under Board of Directors Mtgs by admin
