Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
MIDFLORIDA 7th Floor Conference Room

Attending: Daniel Stetson, Lori Powell, Frank McCaulley, Tim Calhoon, Kay Morgan, Lynn Dennis, Jean Bunch, Randy Andersen, Gregg Hooth, Julie Townsend, Ellen Simms,
Absent: Eric Belvin
Guests: Margaret Stephens, Tamara Sakagawa (CRA) and Anne Furr (LDDA)

The meeting was called to order by President Stetson at 8:04 am.

Daniel Stetson thanked the Board for their work and noted that he will resign his position after the April General Meeting. Stetson is taking a position with the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN.

Nominating Committee: Frank McCaulley presented the motion from the Nominating Committee that Gregg Hooth be nominated for a position on the DLP Board of the Directors filling Jim Nixon’s seat. Jim Nixon resigned in February 2011 as he left his position with the City of Lakeland. Gregg Hooth was elected to the DLP Board on a unanimous vote.

Minutes: Kay Morgan presented the minutes of the DLP Board of Director’s meeting of Wednesday, February 23, 2011 for acceptance with a minor change. Motion to accept was made by Lori Powell, seconded by Frank McCaulley – unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Jean Bunch presented the February 28, 2011 financial statements. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Reports was made by Lynn Dennis, seconded by Frank McCaulley – unanimously approved. Ellen Simms presented the projected results of operations showing a projected deficit of $5,919 at year end. It was noted that cash reserves are adequate to cover any deficit, but that reinstituting the silent auction at the annual luncheon in October (next fiscal year) would rebuild the cash reserves.

Gregg Hooth left the meeting at 8:15 AM.

Proposed by-law changes: Julie Townsend reviewed proposed changes to the by-laws moving the election of the Board of Directors from September to May to allow new Board members to become acclimated to their role before the busy season starts in October. On a motion by Frank McCaulley, with a second by Lynn Dennis, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the changes in the by-laws as discussed. The revisions will be noted at the April General Meeting and will be submitted to the Board for vote at the April Board meeting and to the general membership at the May General Meeting.

Committee Reports:

Brewz Crewz – The proposed date for the next event is Saturday, February 18, 2012. The committee had discussed hosting the event as a fund raiser for the DLP without any other non-profit benefitting. It was suggested that ticket sales could be enhanced by offering them for sale before the holidays so they could be given as gifts. The DLP Board must participate to a greater extent in the planning and execution of the event for it to be successful.

First Friday Committee – April is sponsored by Lighthouse Ministries. May is in cooperation with the City’s Public Works Department. June’s theme is “Bicycle Night” in cooperation with Bike Lakeland with CSX being approached to sponsor it… July’s theme is “Red, White & Kaboom” in conjunction with the City of Lakeland, although there is some discussion about that partnership at the City level. The potential for holding another “Motorcycle Mania” First Friday was raised. It will be a separate Saturday event, and it was noted that each additional event requires manpower and volunteers.

Marketing Committee – Daniel Stetson asked if anyone on the Board would consider becoming the Marketing Committee chair. An ominous silence was noted. There were no takers. Julie Townsend noted that the Downtown mobile media application being developed by Invictus will be launched at the end of April. The development of “QR codes” as a way to promote Downtown was briefly discussed.

Goodie Bag Committee – No report.

Downtown Dish – The next edition of the Dish is scheduled for publication April 28th. Julie Townsend asked for guidance as to whether to continue the insertion of the Dish into the Ledger on a quarterly basis or not. There is a cost differential that must be analyzed.

Membership Committee – We currently have 173 members of which 135 are current in their dues. Invoices for those outstanding were distributed to Board members for personal contact.

Downtown @ Dusk – The March 29th event at The General Store was poorly attended. The next event is planned for June and will require much more promotion to be successful.

Programs – April’s program is Sandy Horan reviewing the new Mayfaire Florida brand. May and June’s programs have not been scheduled, but it was suggested that Frank McCaulley contact White Challis to review the proposed Bay Street project and the new LPD Chief, Lisa Womack as possible speakers.

LDDA Report: Anne Furr reported that the LDDA’s annual report has been published. Several new businesses have come to Downtown. Don Nix, City’s Traffic Operations Manager, will speak at the April 21, 2011 LDDA meeting to discuss the timing of traffic lights in Downtown.

CRA Report – Tamara Sakagawa reported that they are developing a quarterly newsletter discussing real estate issues in Downtown. The Downtown CRA Advisory Board has approved adding a seat on their Board for a DLP representative and asks that the DLP please submit a name. The topic of Residential/Retail/Entertainment balance will be charge of the developing “Responsible Hospitality Committee.” There will be a joint meeting of the Downtown and Midtown CRA Board to discuss the entrances to Downtown. The issue of trash in Downtown as a result of events and normal activity is being reviewed.

Executive Director’s Report: Garden Bistro has been sold to Barbara Reardon who plans to refocus the prospects of a wine bar/nightlife spot. The repaving of all of Downtown will commence on April 18th. Most of the work will be performed at night, but will cause come disruption. Additional parking along Main Street south of Munn Park will be added during this process.

President’s Report: Daniel Stetson thanked everyone for supporting him during his tenure on the Board and noted that he assumed that Frank McCaulley will serve out the remainder of Daniel’s term after he moves. He reminded the Board that a new Vice-President must be elected. He thanked both Anne Furr and Tamara Sakagawa for attending the meeting noting the importance of cooperation among the organizations is the key to continued success in Downtown.

New Business:
“Pics on the Promenade” is April 8th. Historic Lakeland and the Lake Morton Neighborhood Association are cooperating on a grant program to encourage people to open up their front porches in the historic district.

With no other business before us, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 am.

Respectfully submitted by Kay Morgan, Secretary, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. KM/ehs