DLP Board Minutes – February 23, 2011
Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
MIDFLORIDA 7th Floor Conference Room
Attending: Daniel Stetson, Lori Powell, Frank McCaulley, Tim Calhoon, Kay Morgan, Margaret Stephens, Lynn Dennis, Eric Belvin, Randy Andersen, Julie Townsend, Ellen Simms and Chuck Welch
Guests: Tamara Sakagawa and Patricia Hendler – Downtown CRA
Absent: Jean Bunch
The meeting was called to order by President Stetson at 8:05 am.
Minutes: Kay Morgan presented the minutes of the DLP Board of Director’s meeting of Wednesday, January 26, 2011 for acceptance. Motion to accept was made by Frank McCaulley, seconded by Tim Calhoon – unanimously approved.
Bay Street Development Plan: Tamara Sakagawa and Patricia Hendler, City CRA, reviewed the updated CRA Development Plan including the proposal by White Challis to develop a mixed use, residential project on Bay Street between Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues. The continuing negotiations between the Midtown CRA and the Salvation Army regarding possible relocation plans were briefly reviewed.
Board of Directors vacancies: Daniel Stetson asked that Frank McCaulley, Jean Bunch and Lynn Dennis volunteers for a nominating committee to fill three of the six vacancies. He reminded us that this is a working board, as opposed to a policy board.
Treasurer’s Report: Ellen Simms presented the January 31, 2011 financial statements. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Reports was made by Frank McCaulley, seconded by Tim Calhoon – unanimously approved.
Daniel Stetson noted that the Executive Committee will be reviewing the budget for the remainder of the year during the next two weeks to determine the impact of the Brewz Crewz results. This may result in the reinstatement of the silent auction at the annual luncheon.
Committee Reports:
Brewz Crewz – Eric Belvin noted that although ticket sales were not what were expected, the event was a success. A committee meeting will be held to review the results. Belvin thanked the Board members for their participation in working the event.
Tigers on the Town: Julie Townsend reviewed plans for the February 25th event, which is now being sponsored by The Ledger. Most activity will take place in the Munn Park area, but 35 Flying Tigers players will be located around Downtown for an autograph scavenger hunt.
First Friday Committee –March is the Skyward Festival in cooperation with Sun ‘n Fun. April is sponsored by Lighthouse Ministries. May is in cooperation with the City’s Public Works Department.
Marketing Committee – Daniel Stetson pointed out that we need a Marketing Committee chair. Julie Townsend noted that the Downtown mobile media application being developed by Invictus is being tweaked before release.
Goodie Bag Committee – Lori Powell noted that there are several very large conferences at the Lakeland Center in the near future. Gregg Hooth is working with Kaiser University to develop a team to maintain Downtown information racks at the Lakeland Center.
Downtown Dish – The next edition of the Dish is scheduled for publication in late April.
Membership Committee – We currently have 173 members. Black Swan on North Kentucky has joined. In accordance with the policy, the Membership Committee is evaluating an application from Parkview Baptist Church, outside of Downtown and will report at the next meeting.
Downtown @ Dusk – The next event is planned for March 22nd or 29th at The General Store with Fresco’s providing catering.
Lakeland Local Music & Food Festival – Chuck Welch reviewed the tentative plans to host a music and food festival in Downtown in April 2012. This festival, to be held on a Sunday afternoon, would feature local musicians and restaurants and would be a joint venture between Lakeland Local and the DLP. Daniel Stetson noted that it could be scheduled to be part of the Mayfaire Florida events. The potential for “heads in beds” funding from the county was discussed.
Programs – The March General Meeting program is Steve Turbeville with Lighthouse Ministries. He will discuss their programs and their involvement with Downtown, including sponsoring April’s First Friday. April’s program is Daniel Stetson reviewing the new Mayfaire Florida project. May’s program has not been scheduled, but it was suggested that Frank McCaulley contact White Challis to review the proposed Bay Street project.
President’s Report: Daniel Stetson reminded everyone that the immediate priorities for the Boa rd are reviewing the budget, nominations for the Board, formalizing the Board nomination and orientation process, developing our committee structure and working on the new food/music festival.
Executive Director’s Report: The letters to Tamara Sakagawa (CRA) and Joe Mawhinney (LDDA chair) requesting their participation in DLP Board and/or General Meetings to enhance communication have been mailed. The letter originally addressed to CRA Advisory Committee Chair, Ford Heacock, will instead be addressed to Mayo r Gow Fields after considering the discussion held at the last LDDA meeting.
Other Business:
Frank McCaulley reported that Trinity Presbyterian Church parking is by permit only during certain hours.
Lori Powell reported that the Fancy Flea (scheduled for April 30th in Downtown) is drawing 60 vendors and is being featured in “Romantic Country” and “Flea Market Style” magazines.
Tim Calhoon reported that he is hosting the Downtown Bridal Expo on Saturday, September 24th on South Kentucky Avenue. Lori Powell noted that there is a bridal expo at the Lakeland Center on the following Sunday.
Ellen Simms reported that Terisa Glover’s 2nd Annual Author’s & Illustrators Festival will be hosted on South Kentucky on the first Saturday in October.
With no other business before us, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 am.
Respectfully submitted by Kay Morgan, Secretary, Wednesday, February 23, 2011. KM/ehs
