Board meeting minutes February 3, 2020

Greentown Main Street Association Minutes

Monday, February 3, 2020

The Greentown Main Street Association (GMSA) met on Monday, February 3, 2020 in the Century Villa Community Room.

Directors present: Regina Poe, Lisa Stout, Ronda Eldridge, Rachel Jenkins, Ed Hannah, Mark Lantz, Garry Hill, Liesbet Patrick, Renda Hurst.

Directors absent with regrets: Jolene Rule, Ron Simpson, Katie Regan, Alisha Wilhelm,

Members present: Greg Sumpter, Jenny Cole, Henry Rodriquez, Robin Hainlen.

Visitors present: Josiah Schaefer, Traci Rife.

President Regina Poe called the meeting to order at 6:32. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, those attending were asked to introduce themselves and explain their association to GMSA.

Treasurer Lisa Stout presented the minutes at which point, Regina Poe offered corrections. Renda Hurst moved to accept the minutes as amended and Mark Lantz seconded. Motion approved.

The Treasurer’s report was read. Mark moved to accept the report and Ed Hannah seconded. Motion was approved.

Organization

Membership – Regina encouraged seeking members whether they are business owners or just interested in support.

Fundraising – GMSA Board is looking for a chairperson and fund raising ideas.

Website – Mark asked that the website be included each time in subsequent agendas. He also reported that Greg Sumpter is assisting in improving the GMSA website asking that he be compensated for his time. Greg reported that he has made corrections and improvements. Mark suggested that we have a generic email reply address thereby relieving Lisa Stout from receiving all of those replies to her personal account. Greg also suggested that a Pay Pal account would make it possible for members to readily pay their dues more efficiently. The cost would around $75-$80 a year to GMSA. Regina asked if Mark would accept the chairmanship of the Website efforts and he agreed. Lisa Stout moved that the above issues be accepted. Liesbet Patrick seconded. Motion approved.

Facebook Page – The Board reviewed the Facebook link that is included on the website.

Design

Katie Regan who wasn’t in attendance sent a report to Jenny Cole who read the contents.

Revitalization Plan – Katie, with others, will be meeting with Steve Ray concerning the 22/35 upgrade.

Town Beautification – Regina introduced her idea for having workout stations along the Comet Trail. With assistance from avid fitness walker, Traci Rife, it was determined that there isn’t much available space along the trail, but there is an open and unused area across from the north high school parking lot that could be used. The area belongs to Eastern Howard Schools, but Regina gained the blessing of Superintendent, Dr. Keith Ritchey, to use that space. It would require obtaining grants to fund the project. Liesbet Patrick suggested a star gazing area would be nice. Regina commented that the construction of the solar panels at the end of the trail have interfered with its aesthetics and use. She understood that there was originally a larger plan and would like to see it. Both Mark Lantz and Robin Hainlen believe that they still have copies of the plan and will look for it. Mark commented that the Town Council has abolished the formal Park Board, but that efforts will continue under the directorship of the Council .

Murals & Signage – Jenny Cole reported that she has explored some companies who make Hometown Hero Banners. She has visited both Wabash and Peru that already have the banners stating that it is both striking and moving. Greg Sumpter has also done some research into what it would entail concerning hardware and cost from a couple of sources including Clifford Signs as a local source. Clifford Signs was cost prohibitive. The banners could cost around $75 each to be purchased by individuals and family members, but could be reused for a while. The hardware is significantly higher at around $140 per bracket with each banner requiring two brackets. Greentown has approximately 200 poles that could be used. Lisa Stout moved that Mark, with a committee of others, work with the American Legion to further explore the options. Gary Hill seconded. Motion passed.

Christmas Lights – No report.

Economic Vitality

Chairman Mark Lantz reported that some businesses are beginning to make improvements and there are new businesses showing interest in Greentown including a batting cage business. It is hoped that the owner might consider a second-hand baseball shop to accompany it.

Business Directory – Regina is working on the directory. Half page ads are $75 and full page ads are $150.

Promotion

Music at the Fountain – Ed Hannah is excited about new talent this year. The committee is planning for its succession in the future.

Community Rummage Sale – Robin Hainlen reported that the dates are ?.

Lt. Mike Andry Ride – Gary Hill reported that the next and final ride will be July 25.

Community Garden – Lisa Stout reported that there are plots available.

Art Show – Lisa Stout said that the dates for the next art show are 8/8, 15, & 22.

Holiday Bazaar – Regina reported that Jodi Cecil is heading this committee which is primarily just her. Regina hopes that she will get additional help this coming year. The Bazaar is planned for November 14, 2020.

Farmer’s Market – Regina reported that the Market Master has resigned and GMSA is in search of a new one.

Old Business – Ed Hannah extended the group’s condolences to Renda Hurst on the death of her mother over the Christmas Holidays.

New Business – Regina said that she was contacted by Kokomo Magazine who told her that their March issue will be about Greentown. Regina urged members to submit related items to them before Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Rachel Jenkins had expressed interest in a Howard County Transit Line connecting the far-reaching towns in Howard County to Kokomo. Regina related a story about Russiaville receiving a gift of a bus. After exploring the possibilities, it was determined that it was much too complicated with bureaucratic and logistical problems than one would imagine.

The issue of healthy trees being cut near the Wildcat along the trail revealed that they were being cut because of the problems they cause with the sanitation plant nearby.

Mark Lantz moved that the meeting be adjourned. Lisa Stout seconded the motion.