May 3, 2010
DDA Meeting Minutes for May 3, 2010
St. Marys Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Board Of Directors
Meeting Minutes for April 5, 2010
The regular meeting of the St. Marys DDA was called to order by Lomis at 9:00 AM.
Members Present: Jim Lomis, John Morrissey, Charlie Smith, Barbara Ryan, and Walt Natzic
Members not Present: Tom Monahan, and Craig Root
Guest in attendance: David Keating; Joint Development Authority (JDA) Director
Staff: Alyce Thornhill; Executive Director, and Renée Coakley; Executive Assistant
Minutes: Smith presented the March 1, 2010 meeting minutes. The minutes were approved with a motion by Smith and a second by Ryan. All were in favor.
Treasurers Report: Smith presented the financial reports for February and mentioned that the department is operating positively at 6% under budget. The financials were approved with a motion by Smith and second by Morrissey. All were in favor.
Additions to the Agenda: Alyce added CD renewal and Ryan added Bench on Fishing Pier to the agenda.
Presentation:
JDA Strategic Plans: Keating presented the strategic plan for the JDA. The plan highlights the vision and goals and objectives for the JDA and the strategies to implement these goals. Keating mentioned the vision for Camden County to be a prosperous, growing and healthy community with jobs, a balanced tax base and unity and teamwork. The strategic focus (goals) of the JDA are: 1. Promotion and awareness, 2. Business retention and expansion, 3. New business recruitment and relocation and 4. Entrepreneur incubation. Each of these goals will be attacked with the strategies outlined in the handout.
Natzic left the meeting.
Business discussion:
Promotions Committee: Alyce mentioned that the new chair for this committee has been working on several ideas in the past few weeks. Cheri is establishing a monthly coffee hour with the downtown business owners and also working on a "Wet Paint" weekend/auction idea. She presented this idea to the Art League at their recent meeting. Cheri has also talked to the St. Marys Garden Club regarding the possibility of a flower show. Cheri has also spoken to the Airport Authority regarding the upcoming Fly In. Main Street Conference: Alyce mentioned that the Main Street Conference was a huge success and brought over $49,000 into the community and DCA may be looking at St. Marys for two future items. Alyce presented the board with the recyclable bags and a bottle of St. Marys water that was given to the visitors for the conference. Flags in Medians: Alyce mentioned that the Lions Club has adopted the flag project for the medians and have identified nine holidays that they will fly the flags on. Alyce reminded the board that the DDA purchased the flags several years ago for this idea and it is now coming to fruition.
Economic Development Committee-Alcohol Ordinance: Alyce mentioned that the sub-committee will be meeting on April 7th at 1 pm. After this meeting the draft should be ready to submit to Public Safety for review. Quick Facts Sheet: The sheet has been updated and Alyce will email the document to the board for review.
Design Committee-Tree Board: Alyce mentioned that the Tree Board will give their report to council on April 12th. At this meeting the board will present the new Tree Ordinance that has included Heritage Trees. The board is also working on the final plantings of the medians in front of the elementary school. Façade Program: Alyce will discuss this next month. Design Assistance: Alyce mentioned that she met with the Design Assistance team while they were in St. Marys for the Main Street Conference. The team will be working on plans for the following areas that Alyce requested assistance with: an arbor creation at the Pavilion where the Cumberland Sound ferry docks, a kiosk for the Convention and Visitors Bureau down at the waterfront and the sign at the boat ramp on St. Marys Street. The team also looked at the back of the DDA building for a beautification project there as well.
Budget 2010-11: The board reviewed the proposed budget handout that was included in the documents for today's meeting. Ryan made a motion that the proposed budget be approved and the second was made by Smith. All were in favor.
Film Society: Ryan mentioned that producers from Los Angeles, CA visited St. Marys this past weekend to scope the area for possible film production. The producers were very impressed with the area and will be considering St. Marys for production of the film Eye of the Hurricane. Ryan will be working on final steps to ensure that St. Marys is chosen. To view information about the upcoming film visit www.havensfoot.com.
Bench on the Pier: Ryan mentioned that the bench is complete and installed and at no cost to the city. There is a small plaque placed on the bench that commemorates the gentleman the bench was built in memory of.
CD Renewal: The board reviewed the CD rate sheet that was included in their handouts. After review, Ryan made a motion to renew the CD at the current location, (Southeastern Bank), for six months which was also the current highest rate. Second was made by Smith and all were in favor.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
Main Street Book-30 year anniversary: Alyce presented the anniversary book created by the Department of Community Affairs.
Work Plan adoption: The board reviewed the work plan draft in their handouts. A change was suggestion to line item number 5 on the promotions page. The line will now read: Partner with St. Marys CVB and other organizations for downtown events and projects. Motion to approve and adopt the work plans with the one correction was made by Smith with a second by Ryan. All were in favor.
Businesses and Updates: Alyce mentioned that the Aerospace Missions Corporation had their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 31st. Jack Kingston was the guest speaker. Alyce mentioned that the Big Deal Summit was a success and she has received a few contacts regarding the mill site. She will update the board if there are any future changes.
Nominating Committee: Lomis appointed Ryan, Smith and Morrissey as the nominating committee. The three will nominate officers for Chairman, Vice-Chair and Secretary/Treasurer for the upcoming year.
Adjourn - Meeting adjourned at 10:46 AM with a motion by Smith and second by Ryan. All were in favor.
____________________________
Charlie Smith, Secretary
Prepared by Renée Coakley, Executive Assistant
Filed under Board of Directors Mtgs by admin
