February 1, 2010
Meeting Minutes for January 4, 2010
St. Marys Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Board Of Directors
Meeting Minutes for January 4, 2010
The regular meeting of the St. Marys DDA was called to order by Walt Natzic at 9:00 AM.
Members Present: Tom Monahan, Bill DeLoughy, Craig Root, Charlie Smith, Barbara Ryan, and Walt Natzic
Members not Present: Jim Lomis
Guest in attendance: David Keating; Joint Development Authority (JDA) Director, Frank Holcomb; TDS Telecom
Staff: Alyce Thornhill; Executive Director, and Renée Coakley; Executive Assistant
Minutes: Natzic presented the December 7, 2009 meeting minutes. The minutes were approved with a motion by Smith and a second by Root.
Treasurers Report: Smith presented the DDA financial reports. The city financials were not available for review. Smith noted that there were no unusual line items. Alyce mentioned that the city has requested review of the DDA financial reports to determine if the DDA accounts need to be part of the city audit. The financials were approved with a motion by Smith and second by Ryan. All were in favor.
Additions to the Agenda: There were no additions to the agenda.
Presentation to TDS Telecom: Alyce thanked Frank Holcomb and TDS Telecom for sponsoring the Live Nativity for the past three years. Frank was presented framed pictures from the event as a thank you.
Business discussion:
Promotions Committee-Live Nativity: Alyce covered this item under the presentation. Census 2010: Alyce mentioned that the kick off will be January 7th at the Camden County 9th grade center at 5:30 pm.
Economic Development Committee-Alcohol Ordinance: Alyce mentioned that a sub-committee met to review the current draft and incorporate the ideas provided at the previous meetings. The group will meet again on January 7th to continue the revisions.
Design Committee-Tree Board: The Tree board will meet on Thursday, January 7th to discuss Heritage Trees and will look at making a recommendation to council for implementing this program. Façade Program: Alyce mentioned that the committee has pulled examples of this type program from 5 other communities and will make suggestions soon on ideas for St. Marys. The committee will also discuss funding of this program at their upcoming meeting.
Film Society: Ryan mentioned that the Fernandina Coast Guard Auxiliary will host their open house on February 6th. On February 19th there will be a preview of the screen play of the Amelia Island Film Festival. The reception will convene at 6:30 pm with a viewing of the film in the DDA building at 7 pm. On February 26th VIPs and Film Executives will be visiting for a tour and scouting possible filming locations.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
Conference Update: Alyce mentioned that she will continue to mention the Main Street Conference monthly to keep the board apprised of the makings of this event.
Main Street Book: Alyce mentioned that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is putting together a 30th anniversary book to present at the upcoming Mayor's luncheon. She has provided photos and feedback for this book and mentioned that there will be city representatives attending to receiving this commemorative piece. She asked the board for input on items that could highlight accomplishments. The DDA recommended including information about Hay Days, the medians under construction, the Riverview Hotel Redevelopment Loan, the St. Marys Community Market, the water taxi between St. Marys and Fernandina, the tourism tram and the concierge program.
2010 DDA Meetings: Alyce mentioned that the board meetings scheduled for July and September conflict with city holiday closings. The board agreed to move the meetings in those two months to the following Monday of those months.
Strategic Planning Session: Alyce mentioned that the DDA Strategic Planning Session is scheduled for February 1, 2010 from 9-1 pm. Peggy Jolley will facilitate the meeting.
Work Force Development Website: Alyce mentioned that the Chamber, Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the Economic Development Departments from the three cities are working on this initiative. This website will be created to keep the information consistent. Bob Barrie will create the website and the Chamber will host it.
Atlanta Fly-in: Alyce mentioned that she was chosen to represent the city at the Fly-in and will attend February 11-12, 2010.
Cumberland Island: Alyce mentioned that the superintendant recently gave an update on transportation at the island. On November 3rd he met with Jack Kingston about the possibility of obtaining 15 passenger vans to use on the island. The cost of the tours in this type vehicle would cost approximately $15 per passenger.
Median Expansion: Root requested that a press release be created regarding the expansions. Alyce mentioned that the Tribune & Georgian requested information for an article on the relocation of Family Matters Counseling. Upon providing this information, she included information on the expansion project as well to be included in the article.
Businesses and Updates: Alyce mentioned that DCA called requesting information for the attorney who will be assisting with the closing of the Riverview Hotel loan fund. The board asked Alyce to determine who will be paying for the closing costs and if proposals are needed for the selection of the attorney. Alyce mentioned that over the Christmas Holiday the building was dedicated in the memory of Ward Hernandez with a small ceremony held in the building.
Adjourn - Meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM with a motion by Ryan and second by Root.
_____________________________
Charlie Smith, Secretary
Prepared by Renée Coakley, Executive Assistant
Filed under Board of Directors Mtgs by admin
