The Rock Port Tourism Board met Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 6:02 p.m. at Rock Port City Hall. Members present were Holly Huntley, Madison Dick, and Tami Lansdown, Charlie Clodfelter, Jody VanSickle, and City Clerk Emily Schulte. Angela Mace arrived at 6:03 p.m. Kate Curry was absent.
The meeting agenda was approved.
The July and August meeting minutes were reviewed and approved. August financials were also reviewed and approved.
Holly noted the refund from Carnival Times has been received from the Summer Palooza event.
2024 Budget
A draft budget for 2024 was created.
Tourism Tax Income: Hotel Taxes Received, $35,000.00; Interest Earned, $475.00; Tourism Event Income, $2,000.00; Total Tourism Tax Income, $37,475.00
Tourism Tax Expense: Beautification Improvements, $2,000.00; Public Events, $33,475.00; Turbine Park, $2,000.00; Welcome To Rock Port Signs, $0.00; Total Tourism Tax Expense, $37,475.00
Country Club Bands
The next band night is scheduled for after Old Fashioned Saturday night. High Heel will play from 8:30 to midnight. Brad and Julie Burke donated $250 to cover the first 50 people. This will conclude the bands for this summer season.
Plans for Old Fashioned Saturday Night were discussed.
Tami gave board members flyers for the quilt show to hand out and post. She is looking into ordering a few new quilt racks and hangers which will come out of her previously approved budget. She also noted that there will not be a speaker this year, so she is doing a “Grandma’s Attic” instead and is searching for old quilts to display. These display quilts will not be judged.
Farmers Market
Madison reports the band will be doing face painting for the final Farmer’s Market of the year. Pumpkins will be available for painting for an additional child activity. She will submit final receipts after Saturday.
Halloween Bowl
There was discussion regarding a date to get out-of-town kids involved. This year’s Halloween Bowl will be Monday, October 30. There was discussion on food, games, reusable cups, and goodie bags.
Other Business
It was mentioned the need to request Christmas banners be put up prior to Thanksgiving to ensure they are up for Christmas open house night. The street pole decorations of garland and lights were also discussed. The board will begin looking into options for use this winter.
Holly asked the board if there was a better evening to have meetings since school is back in session. No suggestions were made.
The next meeting will be October 12 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
