The Rock Port Tourism Board met Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Rock Port City Hall. Members present were Holly Huntley, Mike Farmer, and Angela Mace. Tami Lansdown and Jody VanSickle were present by phone. Also present were Liaison Alderman Kelley Herron and City Clerk Emily Schulte.
Holly called the meeting to order. The meeting agenda was approved, as well as the August 12, 2021, meeting minutes. The August, September, and October 2021 financials were also approved.
The appointing of a treasurer/secretary was tabled until all members can be present.
Empty Tourism Board Position
Raechel Schoonover and Kayti Hayes were appointed by Mayor Thomas to the Tourism Board. The board still has two vacancies and prospective members were discussed. Applications are available at City Hall. Schulte sent out letters to business owners a few weeks ago that will hopefully assist in the candidate search.
Turbine Site Cleanup & Maintenance Agreement
The updated agreement will be resent to the board to see if any edits should be made prior to reposting the ad.
Christmas Décor
The new pole Christmas lights were ordered once the sample was put up a few weeks ago. A delivery date has yet to be given for the remainder of the lights. Holly will email Street Décor, Inc. and inquire.
Christmas Mall
The fire department has requested assistance in purchasing their traditional candy and fruit bags given out at the Santa visit. Board members approved donating up to $1,000 to the fire department for Christmas Mall fruit and candy.
Purchasing toys for Santa to give out was also discussed. Holly and Tami could organize the purchases. Board members approved spending up to $1,000 for around 200 toys to be purchased.
The Rock Port Chamber of Commerce requested aid for their Christmas Mall expenses as well. The Chamber will be reimbursed up to $1,500 for Christmas Mall advertising.
All requests will be fulfilled as voted above once invoices are received.
Logo Competition
A few prizes remain from the youth logo competition. They will be given out once the official competition is concluded.
Crowd Spring has not yet been completed. Clerk Schulte will take the task over.
City Website
The website build has begun. Schulte will keep the board updated on progress. More decisions will need made as the project moves forward.
Quilt Show & Vendor Market
The quilt show will likely be postponed until next fall, instead of the spring as previously discussed. The fall is when most participants expect the event to take place. Another member will need to take the Vendor Market over.
Old Fashioned
Saturday Night
A total of $1,000 was withdrawn for the ping-pong drop at Old Fashioned Saturday Night, as the prize per ball was raised from 25¢ to $1 each; $75.00 was returned to the bank. Additional balls will be pur-chased before next year. The price increase was well received and will likely be carried on moving forward.
2022 Events
Schulte relayed that a 4th of July Committee might be created by the Board of Aldermen that could involve Tourism member participation. There will likely be additional information at the next meeting.
If the Chamber of Commerce is interested in collaborating more on future events, they are encouraged to attend the January meeting for everyone to discuss further.
The meeting was ad-journed. The next meeting will be held December 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
