2007 - February

The regular monthly meeting of the Association was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by the President, Maria Newill, at the First Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. Those in attendance in addition to the President and this Secretary were: Quentin Schlieder, Shirley Sheridan, Bill Wagner, Rich Dowell and Ann Marie, Ruth Bower, Carol Child, Melanie Ryder, Chris Mood, Robin Williams-Bruner, Janet McClure, Mary Koehler, Paula Johnson and Jen Merrill. We had Chief Baldwin of the Smyrna Police Department as a guest and our discussions with him preceded the regular business meeting.

Chief Baldwin stated that he is aware of the scarcity of parking places downtown and he will have his men do what they can to carry out the laws of the Town. There is much discussion going on between all parties in regard to this including the Town departments, business owners and residents. The solution may not make everyone happy but this is an ongoing problem to be solved hopefully in the near future. This parking problem is currently one of our biggest concerns in trying to market downtown Smyrna and he acknowledges this. One female business owner mentioned leaving her business after dark alone and what should be the procedure for her safety. Chief Baldwin said if that happens she should just call the police station for an escort to her car, as it would probably be parked some distance from her business. There were other discussions as to fireworks being set off at night in town, obvious hand off drug deals observed downtown and the removal of the re-cycle bins from downtown. These were addressed as on-going items of which he was aware and working on. We thanked him for coming to meet with us and we decided to write a letter to the Town Council with our concerns.

Returning to our regular meeting the President asked if there were any questions in regards to the minutes mailed to each of us for the January 8th meeting. There being no problems, Carol Child made a motion to accept them and Jen Merrill 2nd the motion. Voice vote was unanimous.

Bill Wagner and Ruth Bower passed out a copy of the financial report for everyone for the month of January, 2007 and explained all of the details of that report. There being no problems with the report this Secretary made a motion to accept the report and Robin Bruner 2nd the motion.. All present voted to approve.
The Agenda listed a list of bills which needed to be approved to be paid and they were each explained to the group. Shirley Sheridan made a motion to pay these and Ann Marie Dowell 2nd the motion. Motion carried.

Noted here that Councilman Chervanek had been invited to attend our meeting for some insight into the Town Council workings, but he called the President today and said he could not attend. At this point discussion began about the possibility of the Library being moved out of Town onto Carter's Road. Since we are told that the Slaughter Plumbing property across from the firehouse is for sale, we highly recommend that that property in the center of Town would be more desirable for the new Library. We understand there is some connection between the Town Library and a Kent County Library coming to the area and we decided to invite Brooks Banta from Levy Court to come to our next meeting for a discussion on this matter. President Newill will address a letter to Mr. Banta in this regards. Bill Wagner made a motion to that effect and Jen Merrill 2nd the motion. All were in agreement.

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE:
!. Membership report coming soon.
2.         Ann Marie will work on calling businesses to give discounts to members,
perhaps to be stuffed in customer's bags when purchase made.
3.         Small signs were passed out for display in shop windows in regards to
to discounts for S.D.R.A. members.
4.    Christiana Care will be contacted again in regards to a sizeable donation.

PROMOTION COMMITTEE:
1.         I Love Smyrna Schools Event on March 3rd volunteer list was passed out
for volunteers to help when they best could be there.
2.         Sheridan's will be having a big day for St. Patty's Day with the expectation
of up to 1500 people attending. Quentin asked if other businesses around town could display some GREEN in conjunction with this event. Perhaps the barrels could have some green decorations!
3.         Work is being done on the Preservation Award for the Cummins Stockley
house on N. Main Street along with 1 more possibility.
4.         Firefly 5k Run & Walk Chairman is Melanie Ryder and it will begin and end
at Sheridan's.
5.         Ruth Bower will Chair the National Night Out but we think it needs some
sponsor work yet, perhaps with Wai-mart.
6.         Autumn in Duck Creek - Jen Merrill will work on this and Quentin states that
Wintheur is on schedule for October 20th.
7.         Caroling on the Plaza needs some more in put.
8.         Candlelight Walking Tour of Historic Smyrna will be Chaired by Jen Merrill
and Melanie Ryder this year. Robin Bruner has agreed to host the homeowners planning session and we are lining up sponsors.
9.         The Rotary Club Auto Show will be on the Market Street Plaza on May 12th
and Dick Yerger has asked for downtown businesses to have a sidewalk sale that day.
10. Garden Tour & Tea is scheduled for June 9th.
11. Sheridan's is planning an Oyster Fest for September 15th with radio show, etc.

Quentin Schlieder stated that he will have the completed budget to be passed next month.  Next meeting will be at this Church on Monday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted

Margaret E. Snow
Recording Secretary