CHESTER TOURISM COMMISSION MINUTES June 17, 2015,

Present: Brenda Owen, Betty Wagner, Linda Rader, Pam Fraley, Bobbi Junkin, Sandra Starr, Norma Baughman, Toni Hosick, Pete Spitler, Linda Sympson

AGENDA ITEM / DISCUSSION / OUTCOME
Minutes / May minutes were reviewed & approved. There were no additions or corrections. / Minutes stand as read.
Financial report / Linda R. gave the financial report. The Commission has a balance of $6,880.40 and petty cash of $143.44, the same balances as last month. / The report was filed for audit.
Evergreen Cemetery Comes Alive
Sun, Oct 18, 2-6 PM / Subcommittee meets June 22 at 5:30 at Flexline. / Benson’s will be notified to see if they want to provide “spirits” after the tour.
Wine Down @ Benson’s / No update. / Will schedule another planning meeting.
Water: Resource for Life-Smithsonian Exhibit / Tammy Grah sent email saying Chester was not chosen for the exhibit. The two chosen cities were Valmeyer and Carbondale. Tammy hopes information gathered can be used for another purpose.
River Boats / Linda R. reported that the aldermen received lists of riverboat dockings and the list was not the same as the list sent to Tourism by Patti in April. Betty noted discrepancies on the website for the American Queen between what they list and what we were given. Discussion occurred on the status of the height of the river which will determine if riverboats will be able to dock. / Brenda will update narrative and send to all members.
Sandra will contact Patti in a few days regarding riverboat status.
Stone Cottage / A workgroup met on May 28 to work on refurbishing the hardwood floors. Sandra met with Randy to discuss the sidewalk. / Sandra will follow up with Randy. Brenda will schedule the next meeting.
New project ideas / Ideas included working on events for celebrating the total eclipse in 2017, the Illinois Bicentennial in 2018, and the Menard Home. Discussion included consideration for the possibility that the State may close the Menard Home. Brenda suggested creating a budget fund for historic preservation to be used for specific projects as time progresses. Linda suggested there be funds for riverfront development collected as plans progress to some work there.
Welcome Center / Linda reported that the bicycle racks received from a grant were not receiving extensive use.
Randolph Co.Tourism / Norma reported that plans were underway for the July 4 celebration on Kaskaskia Island.
City Council Update / No report.
Other / Per Pete, Rep. Jerry Costello is circulating petitions to keep the Sparta shooting complex open. Pete also reported that in conversation with Rep. Costello, state grant funds are on hold, but the Representative is willing to help with the pool-to-amphitheater project and partner with the city in that effort.
Adjournment / Toni moved to adjourn. Pam seconded. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned. / Next meeting: July 15, 2015 @ 10:30 AM at City Hall.

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