Development Authority/Main Street Board of Directors

Tybee Island Development Authority/Main Street Meeting Minutes, April 28, 2021 Location: Zoom Video Call (recording available) Attendance: Present: Sarah Bernzott, Michael Flores, Maria Lancaster, Susan Kelleher, Charissa Murray, Michelle Owens, Kelly Swope Absent: Jay Burke, Cate Campbell, Bill Garbett, Beth Martin Guest: Carol Nathan, Forever Tybee Next meeting: May 19, 2021, 4:00 p.m., Zoom Call Call to Order Meeting called to order at 4:03 PM Approval of Minutes Deferred to May meeting due to lack of quorum of voting members Old Business Tybrisa Improvements – Meeting to discuss commercial waste collection issues was poorly attended previous night. City Manager and Public Works Director discussed solutions to improve misuse of city trash compactors by employees of local businesses. The city is looking at solutions ranging from elimination of the trash service to a cost increase to cover staff time required to clean up and repair compactors. Chatham County has agreed to purchase new landscaping material for the area around the county pier. The city has agreed to provide the labor to install the landscaping. Public Works and Department of Natural Resources met with the Main Street Director to discuss plant materials, hardscaping and outdoor furniture options to make the space more functional. The board would like to use recycled plastic benches and trashcans since they are more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Michael Flores noted that the city staff did a great job pressure washing the sidewalks on Tybrisa Street. The board would like to see more sanitary options for temporary restrooms on the south end beach. The existing Portolets are not appealing. The board would like to see the city bring back the Royal Restroom trailers they have used in the past. Board Vacancies – The board voted to appoint Virgina Ward as a non-voting member last month. Ms. Ward has since had to decline the appointment. The board still has a voting and non-voting vacancy. Michelle has sent an application to a business owner interested in the voting position. Murals – Michelle will submit an application for a text amendment of the zoning ordinance to include the C-2/SE district as an allowable location for murals. Murals already exist in this area but the code does not reflect that. Michael Flores would like to have a mural painted on a wall near his business, which is in the C-2/SE district. He has an artist in mind. The board agreed it is a good idea to create a marketing brochure with all the murals and “Instagramable” photo spots on Tybee Island. New Business 2021 Events - Michelle informed the board that the city has not ruled out having the July 4th fireworks show. They will be deciding in the next few weeks. It is highly likely that the city will also allow the Christmas Parade and other events. Susan Kelleher would like to bring back music performances and dances on the Pier. She would like the board to consider working with the Jeremy Davis Jazz Band, which is working to record a song on the Pier. Financial Report The executive director has moved $4,000 from the travel line item and split it evenly between supplies/materials and advertising. The money will go toward supplies for the Buy Local program relaunch and advertising to publicize our new website. Committee Updates Promotions. The board would like to look into advertising in local magazines for the summer months, with the ads directing readers to our new website. Charissa Murray presented price quotes to have window clings and stickers printed with our new Main Street Buy Local logo. 250 window clings would cost $68. The cost for 500 stickers is $300. The window clings would be distributed for all local businesses. The stickers will be distributed to the public as a promotional item advertising our website with a QR code. Design. The Carbo House owner met with the Department of Community Affairs Downtown Development staff and a group of preservationists for a brainstorming session. The group indicated that restoring and preserving Carbo House is a worthy project. They agreed to create a proposal for the owner with various redevelopment scenarios and funding sources based on his vision for the historic property. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM