BEAUTIFICATION/TOURISM COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 17, 2016
Members Present: Linda Rader, Brenda Owen, Andrea Costilow, Toni Hosick, Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Pam Fraley, Cynthia Lawder, Marla Yankey, Norma Baughman and Linda Sympson. Nancy Crossland also attended.
Pledge of Allegiance: Members stood and recited
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Linda Rader made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Toni seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: The balance as of September 30, 2016 is $17,693.00. Report will be set aside for audit.
Public Petitions & Correspondence:
Brenda presented members with nametags. A donation of $200.00 was received from Evelyn Schuwerk for commission expenses. Andrea will send her a thank you note.
Standing Committee Reports:
Anti-Litter –No report
Banners/Christmas Lights – Tom reported the wrong swag was receivedand returned and the correct one received. The city will be installing hangers for Fall decorations soon. A suggestion was made to provide the city workers with a calendar for displaying seasonal decorations.
City Welcome Signs –No report
Farmer’s Market – Tom said the market is shut down for the winter and the relocation of the market was deemed successful. There were a few traffic issues when riverboats were docked but will be addressed before next spring.
Planters – Cathy reported due to the warm weather the flowers will remain in the pots until after the riverboat season.
Riverboats–Norma stated the American Queen is scheduled to dock on October 19 and a steam engine will be making a stop on the same day between 10:30 and 11:00. A large crowd is anticipated to attend. The Queen of the Mississippi made an unscheduled stop on Oct 9 and a Popeye Character tour was given.
Take Pride Award – Marla asked for suggestions for the award. Both the Methodist Church and the Catholic Church were mentioned.
Historic Preservation–Brenda reported the old firehouse has been recommended to be added to the National Historic Registry. The City Council approved $1500 for consultant fees. Brenda will speak with the newspaper to explain the project for publicity purposes. Sandra reported the basement at the Stone Cottage has been cleaned.
Special Committee Reports:
Evergreen Cemetery – Lauren produced a draft copy of a trifold brochure for review. It is impossible for her to attend the meetings due to work hours. Norma attended the cemetery tour in Steeleville.
Solar Eclipse – Cynthia reported a logo, developed by SIU,is available to promote the sale of souvenir items (e.g. glasses, t-shirts, etc.). – Brenda commented the mayor has named a special committee to plan the citys participation. Several events are in the planning stages. IEMA predicts Chester will be a prime location to view the eclipse. More information can be found on or astonomy.com.
Riverfront Improvement – Tom reported Patti is in charge of the effort on the riverfront. The bandstand area has been cleaned. Dan Colvis and Tom are working with the Corp of Engineers on the erosion of the riverbank. Pam reported 14 banners will be required for this area. Banners are made of canvas and are weather resistant. The cost is estimated to be $88.00 each. The banners will be displayed from April to October. She also stated Patti is getting quotes to add benches and trash cans in the area. She said Patti will recommend asking for donations from the public. Sandra is getting bids on painting the retaining wall and the bandstand. Discussions are in the early stages on displaying pictures of businesses once in operation on the riverfront. Plaques will be displayed on stands.
Commission Function Reports:
Public Relations – no report
City Council Updates – no report
Welcome Center Update – Linda S. reported there is nothing new regarding city
brochures. She recommends renewing an ad in Scout magazine. Copies of the existing ad were passed around. She will verify the cost of the renewal.
Randolph County Tourism – Norma stated a special stamp will be available representing the first capitol in the State in 1918.
Old Business:No report
New Business:
Pam made a motion to buy banners for the riverfront at a NTE $1700.00 cost. Cathy seconded the motion. Motion carried. Nancy will take to City Council.
Linda S. made a motion to acquire 5 additional nametags for non commission members involved as tour guides. Toni seconded. Motion carried.
Sandra recommended selling engraved stones for placement in front of the Stone Cottage. The amount is dependent upon the number of lines requested. The advertising could be done thru the local newspapers and on social media in the “You Know You Are From Chester” page on Facebook. Tom made the motion to get costs in order to sell the engraved stones. Pam seconded. Motion carried.
Linda Sympson received an email from Joni Chandler, Director of Day Services, for the Human Service Center. She was looking for city participation with helping clients plant, grow and maintain a butterfly/flower garden at the Chester CILA home. Linda also stated there is a meeting in Steeleville on October 24 for the purpose to discuss ideas for city coordination. The discussion is titled United Neighbors Improving Future Years.
Cynthiarecommended appointing Shane Wagner to the Commission.
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 17, at 9:00 AM.
Adjourn – Pam made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tom seconded. Motion carried.