City Council

AD HOC EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES OF JANUARY 25, 2024 A meeting of the Ad Hoc Events Committee was held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in the First Floor Conference Room, City Hall, Manistee. The meeting commenced at 3:38 p.m. PRESENT: Cindy Lundberg, Mark Fedder, Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Chief Josh Glass, Jeff Mikula, Bill Gambill, James Beaudrie EXCUSED ABSENCE: Dyllan Walker Bill Gambill reviewed the purpose of the committee – to make recommendations to City Council to ensure that larger City events, such as, Sleighbell continue in the future, and other major events, as they present themselves, are properly considered with the City serving as fiduciary. Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend discussed. Discussion included: • RRC no longer fiduciary • Former Committee • David Mix owns the trademark of Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. • Future events being more inclusive of the downtown merchants. • Reach out to Mick Szymanski • Importance of financial transparency • Promoting during Forest Festival, other advertising • Getting back to past traditions/events – include Museum and Olde Kirke, historic tours, attract bus tours, remote parking, trolly rides. • James Beaudrie is willing to help with sponsorship requests. • Need to establish a timeline – Mick could assist with this. Recommendations: City act as Sleighbell fiduciary; initial budget request - $20,000 to get started. Ad Hoc Events Committee act as Sleighbell Committee this year – Bill Gambill will act as lead until a volunteer coordinator is identified. Next Steps: Bill Gambill to reach out to Mick Szymanski and meet with Ed about budget amendment. Future events discussed. Hiring an Event Coordinator. Revenue from events would help pay for the position. Other organizations could financially contribute to this position. Geofencing technology used by the Tourism Authority can help validate the need for this position. Next meeting date – Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Kelly McColl Acting Recording Secretary AD HOC EVENTS COMMITTEE – FEBRUARY 25, 2024 PAGE 1