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.

January 6, 2020 board meeting

Greentown Main Street Association Minutes

Monday, January 6, 2020

The Greentown Main Street Association met on Monday January 6, 2020 in the Century Villa Community Room.

Those in attendance were:
Directors present: Regina Poe, Jolene Rule, Lisa Stout, Alisha Wilhelm, Ronda Eldridge, Rachel Jenkins Mark Lantz, Liesbet Patrick, Katie Regan, Garry Hill and Ed Hannah.

Directors absent with regrets: Jolene Rule , Ron Simpson, Renda Hurst

Members present: Jenny Cole, Mike Imbler, Jeff Lanning, Jennifer Lanning, , Greg Sumpter, Robin Hainlen, Amanda Condon, Wayne Sozansky,

Visitors present: Debbie Crabtree, Eric Roemer

At 5:30 PM President Regina Poe asked everyone to introduce themselves.

The minutes of the November 2019 meeting were presented. The minutes were approved as sent.

The Treasurer's reports for November and December were read. The reports were filed for audit.

The signature card at First Farmer's Bank & Trust was discussed. It was moved that Regina Poe be added to the card and Jolene Rule be taken off of the card. This would leave Lisa Stout and Ronald D Simpson still on the card. This motion was made by Mark Lantz and seconded by Liesbet Patrick. The motion was approved.

Organization

Membership – It was reported as 31 paid memberships for 2020 and 1 exchange membership. Membership forms are available if you have not paid your 2020 dues.

Fundraising – Is in need of a chairman. Most programs raise their own money for their events, but there are some operating expenses that fundraising for the general fund is needed.

Website – Updates to the business directory will be made usually in February after most of the membership dues are in.

Facebook Page – Jolene reported that the facebook page has 540 followers. This is a good way to advertise any upcoming sales or events.

Design - Katie Regan -Chairman

Katie announced those on the Design Committee for 2020. They are Jolene Rule – Trees and Street scapes, Rachel Jenkins – Historic Character, Jenny Cole – Public places and spaces, Jim & Mary Miller – Christmas Lights, Joyce Yager – Revitalization plan projects.

Revitalization Plan - Permit for the Wildcat Creek bridge is approved. . Phase II Environmental Site assessment to look for petroleum products has been completed with no evidence found. Traffic signal plans were revised and resubmitted for approval. Final right of way plans have been submitted but this will take some time to complete.

Town Beautification –
Murals and Signage –
Christmas Lights – Would like to add more lights or decorations for next year.

Economic Vitality - Mark Lantz - Chairman.

The next business leaders meeting will be March 8. Anyone who is interested in the town and would like to partner with other business owners are invited to attend. What can we do to make someone stop in Greentown? What can we do to make Greentown a destination town? The new baseball park at Darrough Chapel is only 7 miles away. There are some opportunities there. Greentown is a Veteran friendly town. One idea for a meeting is What do our county officials do?

Business Directory – Regina Poe – chairman

Regina is working on the 2020 business directory. $75.00 for ½ page and $150.00 for a full page ad.

Promotion

Music At The Fountain – July 25 – Sept 12. They plan to stay downtown this year. .

MATF Scholorship – Jolene reported that the committee has budgeted $500 for a scholorship to an Eastern High School Senior for 2020.
Community Rummage sale – May 16^th will be the Spring sale for 2020

Lt. Mike Andry Ride – July 25, 2020. The 2020 ride will be the last one. 

Community Garden – no report

Art Show – The date has not been set probably three weekends in August.

Holiday Bazaar – Jodi Cecil -November

Farmers Market – It would be nice to see more vendors in 2020

Old Business – None

New Business – 50^th Anniversary of the Glass Museum will be June 13. There will be a festival downtown and vendor applications have been sent out.

Mark Lantz reported that the first Thursday in May is a turn around breakfast that honors Middle school and High school students that have made great efforts to turn their lives around and achive better grades in school and a more positive attitude. There are sponsorship opportunities that could be made to help two students from Eastern school.

 

Regina adjorned the meeting 6;15 PM.

The next meeting will be Monday Feb. 3, 6:30 PM in the Century Villa Community Room

*******************************************************************

6:30 PM - The meeting continued after a short break to discuss “ Great ideas, How do we fund them?”

Subjects discussed

A banner over the street telling about events in town that could be used year round.

Christmas Lights – would like to see more and build on what we have. Maybe partner with the Lions Club to get their knowledge on light and decoration purchases.

We need to look at other Main Street Communities that have a main thoroughfare as a state highway and see what they are doing as far as decorations.

Improvements could be made to N. Meridian Street Alley/ Chinese Restarant wall. More social spaces, Trail improvements and Veteran friendly signage.

Alisha presented the “Know You Why” video, and discussed working together as a community

Haven Home Care announced that they will be moving into the Napa building on Main Street. They are glad to be in the community.

Mark Lantz discussed the New Community Calendar and how it can be a hub of information all in one location.

Lisa reported that the domain name for the website is up for renewal and that there are some problems with the site itself.

Greg Sumpter from the American Legion presented some samples of Veteran friendly signs that could be made if we allowed the Legion to take on this project.

There was no board meeting in December 2019

There was no Board meeting in December 2019

November 4, 2019 board minutes

Greentown Main Street Association Minutes

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Greentown Main Street Association met on Monday November 4, 2019 at Main Occasions catering for the Annual Meeting.

Those in attendance were:

Directors present: Jolene Rule, Lisa Stout, Regina Poe, Ron Simpson, Ronda Eldridge, Rachel Jenkins Mark Lantz, Liesbet Patrick, Katie Regan and Ed Hannah.

Directors absent with regrets: Garry Hill

Members present: Jenny Cole, Joyce Yager, Mike Imbler, Mary Miller, Jeff Lanning, Jennifer Lanning and Renda Hurst.

Visitors present: Connie Hannah and Jean Simpson

At 7:00 PM President Jolene Rule asked everyone to introduce themselves. Then she invited everyone to partake in the buffet provided by Main Occasions Catering. At 8:00 PM Jolene Called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the October 2019 meeting were presented. The minutes were approved as sent.

The Treasurer's report for September was read. The report was filed for audit. The budget for 2020 was discussed Ron Simpson made a motion to accept the 2020 budget as presented, Katie Regan seconded and the motion passed.

Organization

Membership – It was reported as 50 paid, 3 exchange and 2 free to end 2019. The 2020 dues notices have been sent out. The question was asked” What are some of the incentives to join Main Street,” Rachel suggested that there be more discussion on what Main Street is all about and the purpose of our Main Street Association. Jolene reminded us that grant money can be obtained thru Main Street. Regina stated that the January meeting will focus to bring more incite into the purpose of Main Street.

Fundraising – Is in need of a chairman. Most programs raise their own money for their events, but there are some operating expenses that fundraising for the general fund is needed.

Website – Updates to the business directory will be made usually in February after most of the membership dues are in.

Facebook Page – Jolene reported that the facebook page has 498 followers. This is a good way to advertise any upcoming sales or events.

Design - Katie Regan -Chairman

Committee Members: Jolene Rule, Rachel Jenkins , Jenny Cole

Revitalization Plan - Since INDOT will be replacing our Main Street we have been resigned to doing smaller projects to keep the revilaization project alive.

Thank you to Rachel Jenkins for finalizing the Historic Designation for our commercial downtown district. This is on the Indiana National Registry of Historic Places.

Town Beautification – Thank you to the town for watering the flowers this year. Thank you to Jolene for chairing the Park Advisory Board and the Town Beautifications committee.
Murals and Signage – the Wayfinding signs and the new mural have been improvements made this year.
Christmas Lights – Mary Miller reported that the lights are ready to hang. Thank you to the Greentown Volunteer Fire Dept. for putting up and taking down the lights and also thank you to Brad Howell for the use of a storage unit at the Mini Storage on Payton St. This is a $420.00 donation and is greatly appreciated.

Economic Vitality - Mark Lantz - Chairman.

Mark reported that he sees Greentown as a fluid Community. One buisness goes out and a new business goes in. There are over 30,000 vehicles going thru town every day.

Mark has been in touch with a professor at IUK that speaks Chinese. They have drafted a letter to the owners of the King Chef building. Telling them that we want to partner with them to improve the outside of their building to make it more appealing to the eye.

He also wants to make Greentown known as a Veteran friendly community. He has talked to the Commander of the American Legion here in town and have discussed putting up signs at the ends of town and working with merchants to recognize their veteran customers. Other ideas are stickers for the business owners windows and banners to honor veterans.

Greentown need to make a good first impression to visitors and possible new home buyers. Jeff Lanning stated that Greentown could be a grand place. There is a lot of opportunity here. Mary Miller stated that flowers and plants make a big difference and that our excellent school system brings people here. Mark said that Eastern School system has a good reputation. Transfer kids make a difference and no teachers were lost this year.

Mark is working on a community calendar that will combine School activites, town and business events on one calendar.

Mark said in talking to people he has noticed that Kokomo people think that Greentown is far away, but Greentown people have no problem with going to Kokomo maybe several times a day and think nothing of it. Jenny Cole said that clean restrooms are where people will stop.

The fairgrounds have 200 campsites with water and electricity. This should be used more that just at fair week.

There are plans to but up a large Christmas tree where the fountain use to be.

Business Directory – Regina Poe – chairman

Regina reported that this was the first year for the business directory. She hopes to improve on it for next year. In January she will move ahead on a new one. She wants local businesses only.

There is a OCRA report that has to be filled out every year. This report includes the businesses that have opened or closed and how many employees each business has. This is a good thing to keep track of thruout the year.

Promotion

Music At The Fountain – Ed Hannah reported that they spent more that they took in this year but not by much. The committee met at Century Villa and they have a good start on next year. The season will run from July 25 – Sept 12. The location will depend on road construction on 22/35 ( Main Street) They will try to stay downtown if possible. Regina reminded us that MATF survives on sponsorships.

MATF Scholorship – Jolene reported that the committee has budgeted $500 for a scholorship to an Eastern High School Senior for 2020.

Community Rummage sale – May 16^th will be the Spring sale for 2020

 

Lt. Mike Andry Ride – This years event was successful. The 2020 ride will be the last one.

Community Garden – There were two gardeners this last year, There will be plots available for the 2020 growing season.

Art Show – This year there were 23 participants with 60 entries and we made a profit of $40. Special thanks to Ronda Eldridge, Meridian Street Christian Church and Winners Choice.

Holiday Bazaar – Jodi Cecil -November 9. 9 AM – 3 PM. at the fairgrounds

Farmers Market – Racheal Parker might not be able to chair this committee next year she will know more later. Just a reminder that Main Street members get a free space each Saturday.

Fall Festival – In need of a chairman.

Old Business – None

New Business – The nominating committee presented the names of Garry Hill, Mark Lantz, Lisbet Patrick , Renda Hurst and Alisha Wilhelm to serve on the Board for a three year term. They also presented the names of Regina Poe for President, Alisha Wilhelm Vice President, Renda Hurst Secretary and Lisa Stout Treasurer for a one year term. Jolene Rule asked for nominations from the floor. There being none, Mary Miller moved that the nominations be accepted as presented. Ronald Simpson Seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Jolene thanked all who have helped her the last 4 years that she has been president.

Regina made a presentation to Jolene to recognize her hard work and dedication to Main Street with a lantern and gift cards from local businesses.

The next meeting date and time was discussed. The meeting time will be moved up to 6:30 PM we will not meet in December and the next meeting will be at Century Villa in the Community Room on January 6, 2020.

Jolene adjorned the meeting 9:18 PM.