Downtown Advisory Board

CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE DOWNTOWN ADVISORY BOARD Downtown Program Office | 125 Fifth Avenue West, Suite 200 | Hendersonville NC 28792 Tuesday, September 14, 2021 – 4:00 PM MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER In attendance: Caroline Gunther, Carole Sitzer, Jaret Bellmund, Mark Pavao, Matthew Hickman, Rebecca Ayers, Chris Cormier, John Ryan, Walt Slagel, Julie Buckman, Jerry Fitzgerald, Lyndsey Simpson Absent: Matt Johnes, Patsy DuPre, Anthony McMinn Staff present: Jamie Carpenter, Meredith Friedheim, Tasha Roby, Lew Holloway Public present: Fred Nace (virtually) Vice Chair Matthew Hickman ran the meeting. Caroline Gunther was unavailable at the beginning of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Vice Chair Matthew Hickman asked if there were any public comments. Fred Nace commented that he has been watching the parking garage demolition and future construction. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Jared Bellmund made a motion to approve the agenda. John Ryan seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Caroline Gunther, Carole Sitzer, Jaret Bellmund, Mark Pavao, Matthew Hickman, Rebecca Ayers, Chris Cormier, John Ryan, Walt Slagel, Julie Buckman, Jerry Fitzgerald all voted in favor. No one opposed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of August Downtown Advisory Board Minutes John Ryan made a motion to approve the minutes from August 2021. Becky Ayers seconded. Caroline Gunther, Carole Sitzer, Jaret Bellmund, Mark Pavao, Matthew Hickman, Rebecca Ayers, Chris Cormier, John Ryan, Walt Slagel, Julie Buckman, Jerry Fitzgerald, voted in favor. There were no votes opposed. 5. NEW BUSINESS 1. Facade Grant Application for 430 N Main Street DOWNTOWN ADVISORY BOARD – September 14, 2021 Page | 1  A façade grant application was submitted by Dennis Dunlap for work on the Dugout. Some of the work had already been completed, but still work remained. J. Carpenter noted that the grant policy says it has to go to work that has not begun yet, but the board can make the final determination. After discussion, the board decided they would like to proceed granting the full amount of $3000 rather than a partial grant, and retroactively cover the work already completed. Becky Ayers made a motion to make a full grant for $3000. Mark Pavao seconded. Caroline Gunther, Carole Sitzer, Jaret Bellmund, Mark Pavao, Matthew Hickman, Rebecca Ayers, Chris Cormier, John Ryan, Walt Slagel, Julie Buckman, Jerry Fitzgerald, voted in favor. There were no votes opposed. 2. Economic Vitality Team Proposal J. Carpenter updated the board on the recent Downtown Economic Vitality team discussions regarding downtown employee training. A proposal is being submitted on behalf of the Friends of Downtown (nonprofit) to the City of Hendersonville for consideration of the American Rescue Plan funds. 6. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Downtown Staff Update: Construction & major projects: Parking Garage demolition to begin in next week, starting with demolition of 432 N Church Street. 7th Avenue Streetscape is open for bids currently. Upcoming events: Rhythm & Brews: Sept 16, October 21 Bear Auction: Online now and in person conclusion October 16 Mural project Staff updated on downtown projects, including announcing the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville have received $25,000 from Duke Energy Foundation for expanding the Pivot Grants. Craig DeBrew with Duke Energy will be meeting to take a check presentation photo on Main Street and the board is invited. In 2021, the Friends of Downtown have received $35,000 in project grant funding, in addition to grant support for the Farmers Market double SNAP program. 7. ADJOURNMENT DOWNTOWN ADVISORY BOARD – September 14, 2021 Page | 2