Elkton Alliance, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, September 2, 2014
Minutes
Present:Chairman, Roger Owens
Mayor Rob AltCindy E. Fetterolf
Marjorie BlystoneKathleen Kunda
Linda BurrisRob Massimiano
Larry W. Crouse JrKathy McKinney
Candy DavisDr. W. Stephen Pannill
Excused:Marybeth Sniadowski-ColeDonna A. Kitts
Donald S. HicksLiz M. Leoni-Monti
Also: Mary Jo Jablonski, Executive Director and Commissioner Daniel VanReenen
The monthly meeting of the Elkton Alliance, Inc. Board of Directors was held Monday, September 2, 2014 at the Elkton Alliance/Chamber Office, 101 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland. Chairman Owens called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM.
Treasurer’s Report & Minutes: Chairman Owens stated that without a quorum the minutes and treasurer’s report cannot be voted on this month.
Organization:
Membership: Mr. Crouse stated $7,595 in dues has been collected and 74 members have joined.Two new members are ACM Insurance and Crouse Auto Body. Mr. Crouse stated if anyone has someone who may be interested in joining the Alliance to contact him and he would meet with them. Mayor Alt stated McCool Insurance would be a possibility for the board.
Volunteer Hours: Over 216 volunteer hours have been logged in from various events and meetings and Chairman Owens wanted to thank everybody for their service. He also stated the Alliance received a letter from Brown, Brown& Young explaining how they want to be a part of the Alliance because of the great work they are doing.
Economic Restructuring:
Ms. Kunda stated Ms. Jablonski is well connected with the state and county government. She has been asked to host a meeting on November 20th from 9AM with the County Government.
Design/Arts & Entertainment:
First Friday:Ms. Blystone stated First Friday for their month will feature the Arts Council and Cecil College, who have partnered for a show featuring Cecil Students. She also stated the Arts Council is inviting people to get their picture taken with their new art installation outside of their building. Art Space on Main is now featuring artisits monthly as well. The Palette & The Page is featuring the work of the late Elaing Anglim. Trinity Episcopal Church will again be featuring their First Friday Fare and Gracie’s Café will be open for their open mic doors opening at 7 PM.
Gracie’s Cafe: Ms. Blystone stated a local band that plays at Gracies Café was featured on Hometown Hereos on the radio station WSTW. She also stated Gracie’s Annual ASCAP night will be Friday, September 12th to help raise funds for their ASCAP fee.
Little Black Dress Event: Ms. Blystone stated she attend the annual event at Schaeffers Canal House.
Art Loop: Ms. Blystone stated their was a meeting to discuss cross promotion for First Fridays and arts in general as well as highlighting Elkton. Ms. Blystone stated she has been working with Ms. Price to work on a new Art Loop Map that will be more permanent.
Marketing: Ms. Blystone stated she recently took marking materials for The palette and the Page and Marking materials featuring the Town of Elkton.
The Palette & The Page: Ms. Blystone stated the shop has been able to procure interns from the University of DE and Cecil College to give the students experience working with an artist gallery.
Ms. Blystone stated she is stepping down as one of the owners but will be staying on a while to assist in the transition. She is hoping to spend more time assisting with downtown events, etc.
Office Report:
Arts & Entertainment: Ms. Jablonski thanked Ms. Blystone, she is one of only 2 Arts & Entertainment District Managers in the state that is not paid for her work. She stated the Alliance is very fortunate to have her.
Merchant Meeting: Ms. Jablonski stated there will be quarterly meetings with the merchants to discuss events and downtown happenings. She stated a Downtown Elkton facebook page has been started to expand Elkton’s facebook presence. If there is anything that someone needs added please let the office know.
Luncheon: Ms. Jablonski stated the September Luncheon will feature the Chief of Staff for the Maryalnd Comptroller’s office. The date is Monday September 8th at 12 PM at Patriots Glen.
Downtown Buildings: Ms. Jablonski stated the Ritz Hotel has been sold and is undergoing renovations.
Ms. Jablonski stated the former Main Street Cafe building has recently been showed twice and there is another showing today at 1 PM. The Old County Administrative Building has been sold but is awaiting final paperwork. It will be a banquet hall, wine shop, and deli. Ms. Blystone inquired if the new owners have talked to the chapel about packages. Ms. Jablonski stated that they have spoken and as soon as they are ready to open they will work something out.
JoJo’s has purchased the former Denny’s restaurant and will be relocating. The former Brother’s Pizza building will be reopening as New York’s Finest Pizza & Chicken. The new owner has been in the restaurant business for at least 30 years.
Promotion:
September Luncheon: Ms. Jablonski stated the monthly business luncheons will begin in September. The location is yet to be determined but the speaker will be Mr. Len Foxwell, Chief of Staff for Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Fall Fest: This year’s sponsorship is up to $13, 225. She stated that expenses so far are near $10,000. She stated Beatlemania Now! Will be performing. She stated this is the 50th anniversary of the Beattles. She stated Fall Fest always uses volunteers and that we do give Community Service letters. She stated St. Marks will bring the honor society kids.
Façade Grant: Ms. Jablonski stated 5 volunteers are needed to head the Façade Grant Committee to determine eligibility for the $50,000 that the Alliance applied for.
Other Business:
Accomplishments: Ms. Minner stated when she had to fill out the information for Sustainable Community application that she ran out of space under accomplishments. She stated it might be a good idea to list the accomplishments on their web page.
Grant Applications: Ms. Minner just submitted a Community Legacy grant to upgrade the parking lot behind Minihane’s Irish Pub. The parking lot needs milling & repair, landscaping, lighting, bike ramps, and an electric charging station. She stated the one-way exit onto Main Street would be switched to a two-way entrance and exit.
Ms. Minner stated the second grant was for Strategic Demolition & Smart Growth Impact Fund to help Minihane’s with their deck expansion.
A third application was made for an additional $50,000 in façade money. Ms. Minner complimented Ms. Jablonski on getting an extension so the Town could apply for it.
New Business: Ms. Minner stated Mr. McCoy will be coming before the Town to discuss a new thrift shop that will be built next to the VFW. She stated developers are starting to call to inquire about available residential land. Ramsey and Hertrich Dealerships are currently under development. WaWa will be coming before the Town next month. A new dentist office is being built at the corner of Bridge Street & Elkton Boulevard.
Chairman’s Report:
Master Plan: Chairman Owens stated each month at the board meeting we will revisit the Master Plan and discuss the accomplishments that have been made as well future improvements.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 a.m.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2014.
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