Board Of Directors

Meeting Minutes for February 1, 2010

The regular meeting of the St. Marys DDA was called to order by Lomis at 8:58 AM. 

Members Present: Jim Lomis, Tom Monahan, John Morrissey, Craig Root, Charlie Smith, Barbara Ryan, and Walt Natzic

Members not Present:  N/A

Guest in attendance:  Paula Amari; Promotions Committee Chair, June Fischer; Economic Development Committee Chair, Joel Hanna; GA Power Kingsland Office, David Brown; GA Power St. Marys Office, Swann Seiler; GA Power Representative, Chris Daniel; Camden County Chamber of Commerce

Staff:  Alyce Thornhill; Executive Director, and Renée Coakley; Executive Assistant  

Lomis introduced Swann Seiler the facilitator for this year's annual Planning Session.  He also welcomed the other guests attending the meeting today.

Minutes:  Smith presented the January 4, 2010 meeting minutes.  The minutes were approved with a motion by Root and a second by Monahan.  All were in favor.     

Treasurers Report:  Smith presented the city and the DDA financial reports.  Smith noted one item on the city financials which was payment for the Hay Days volunteer luncheon.  Alyce mentioned that the December financials were not available due to the city implementing its new financial system and continuously working out the kinks.  The financials were approved with a motion by Smith and second by Root.  All were in favor.

Additions to the Agenda:   There were two additions to the agenda.  Ryan added Tree Fund and Film Society.

Business discussion:

Main Street Conference Marketing:  Alyce presented items that she would like to purchase for gift/registration bags for the March conference attendees.  The items that she would like to purchase are reusable grocery bags, pocket hand sanitizers, and bottled water from the local GEM Manufacturing plant.  Alyce also requested funds to purchase flowers to allow the Osprey Cove Garden Club make arrangements for the two receptions that will be held during the three day conference.  The total amount requested was $2500 to be used from the DDA marketing budget account.  Root asked if this event will be advertised in Florida in print and on television since the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will be opening registration to local Florida cities as well.  Alyce will follow up on advertising in local Florida communities.  Ryan made a motion that Alyce be allowed to spend the $2500 requested toward the Main Street Conference and the motion was second by Root.  All were in favor.

Budget Committee:  Alyce asked the board to appoint the three person committee that will prepare the DDA budget so that it will be ready when the city requests for preparation of the city budget.  Lomis appointed Root, Smith and himself for the committee. 

Business Survey:  Alyce mentioned that David Keating of the Camden Joint Development Authority (JDA) discussed this at the last meeting.  The original bid for this item came from Armstrong University for $20,000.  The College of Coastal GA is willing to complete the survey at a cost of $6800.  The JDA is donating $3000 toward its completion and the Camden Chamber of Commerce is donating $1000.  The group asked the three local Economic Development groups to donate $1000 each.  Alyce asked the board their opinion.  The Economic Development Committee Chair feels that this would not be a good use of funds and that funds raised should be used towards recruiting business to the area.  After discussion motion was made by Natzic to move forward with support on this survey with $500 in kind support and $500 cash max support from the DDA with a second by Ryan.  Three were in favor of the motion and three were not in favor.  Morrissey abstained.  Ryan made a new motion that the DDA support this business survey with $1000 in kind services with a second by Root.  All were in favor. 

Tree Fund:  Ryan asked the status of the funds from the CVS project in midtown St. Marys.  Alyce mentioned that the Tree Board will be meeting this Thursday, February 4^th and would be discussing the median plantings on Osborne Street and some of that funding will be used for that project.

Film Society:  Ryan mentioned that the group voted to change the name to the Coastal Georgia Film Society.  This group will focus on all of Camden County.  She reminded the board that on February 19^th there will be a preview of the screen play Man from Plains at 7 pm in the DDA building.    

Morrissey asked if the JDA has presented their 2010 objectives and asked to determine how they support St. Marys and the DDA.

Adjourn - Meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM with the Strategic Planning Session to follow. 

_____________________________

Charlie Smith, Secretary

Prepared by Renée Coakley, Executive Assistant

The Cumberland Sound Ferry will have a special schedule for this festival.  St. Marys departures will be 9 am, 11 am, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.  For info call 877-264-9972.

 

Nationally acclaimed artist to demonstrate technique during live art show February 12 in Downtown St. Marys.  Cris Woloszak's one-of-a-kind creations have been displayed in some of the nation's most respected art galleries including the renowned Wyland Galleries.

Local performing artist Jerry Lockamy will be entertaining guests during the evening with his acoustic guitar in the adjacent Cedar Oak Café. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the entire art gallery open to the public during that time.  912-673-0102.

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 7^th at the Camden County 9^th 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 7^th to continue the revisions.    

 Design Committee-Tree Board:  The Tree board will meet on Thursday, January 7^th 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 6^th.  On February 19^th 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 26^th 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 30^th 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 3^rd 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