2007 - March

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: Jen Merrill, Ann Marie Dowell, Ruth Bower, Quentin Schlieder, Chief Baldwin of the Smyrna Police Department, Shirley Sheridan, Carol Child, Karen Davis, Melanie Ryder, Paula Johnson, Janet McClure, Chris Mood, Larry and Mary Koehler and Bill Wagner.
 
Maria Newill called the meeting to order and asked Chief Baldwin to first share with us any news he might have on the Town conditions which we have been concerned about. He stated that they have removed many abandoned cars around Town. There is discussion going on in regards to the re-cycle bins but probably not happening soon. It was noted that Quentin is working with them on how to approach the parking situation downtown and that the officers are being diligent about checking on the 2 hour spots. Carol Child thanked Chief Baldwin for having an officer contact her in regards to the fireworks situation on Mt. Vernon Street. Chris Mood asked if there couldn't be more foot patrols and Chief said as the weather warmed that there would be more of them. He noted that anytime we see or hear anything out of the ordinary which we were concerned about that we should contact him 653-9217. We thanked him for coming to us.
 
Returning to the regular meeting the President asked if there were any questions in regards to the February minutes which were sent to each of us. There being no questions Ann Marie Dowell made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, Shirley Sheridan seconded the motion and all were in agreement.
 
Bill Wagner and Ruth Bower passed out copies of the monthly Treasurer's Report and each item was explained, especially the fact that we had received $3,950.32 from the U.S.D.A. Grant reimbursement as expected. After discussion Peggy Snow made a motion to accept the report, Karen Davis 2nd the motion and motion carried.
 
The list of bills showing on tonight's Agenda were reviewed and one item which was the Delaware Franchise Tax of $25 were explained. Shirley Sheridan made a motion to pay those bills, Carol Child 2nd the motion and all were in agreement.
 
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE:
1.         Membership funds coming in fairly good.
2.         Not receiving much response from business discounts info.
3.         We need to contact Wal-Mart and/or Target for sponsor funds.
4.         New Website is www.DowntownSmyrna.org.
 
PROMOTION COMMITTEE:
1.         I Love Smyrna program went well, especially theme of "Save time, Save Money, Save History"
 
2.         Saint Patrick's Day: All businesses were asked to ''do the Town Green" in their shops in one way or another. Sheridan's will be having a big event and the others can draw from that with a little effort on their part. Joanne Masten from the July 4th Committee was asked about a parade but she said it was too late for this year, maybe next year.
 
3.         Historic Preservation Symposium-Kitchens Tour is taking shape. Hoping for a sponsor from PNC Bank of $500. Date is Saturday May 5th. Kitchens of Sherry Hudson and Regina Brown will be open. Quentin working on a Speaker for event.
 
4.         Historic Preservation Program is being worked up for May 17th.
 
5.         Firefly 5k Run and Walk, May 30th at 7 p.m. Melanie Ryder, Chairman, hopefully has a $1500 sponsor in Christiana Care Hospital. Flyers are being distributed, press releases are ready and she has help from the Police Dept, Acme, T-shirt people, etc. Looking for more sponsors.
 
6.         National Night Out:
    Ruth Bower, Chairman, working on this one. May use a DJ instead of trying to position a band as in the past.
 
7.         Annual meeting will be in September.
 
8.         Autumn in Duck Creek will be October 20th.   Rosemary Mast is being invited to chair the event.Work is beginning on a Halloween Decorating Contest for the benefit of various schools by Bobbie Jo Watts.
 
9.         Shirley Sheridan said she would work on the Caroling on the Plaza/Christmas
    Parade from an entirely different angle from previously. Go, Girl!
 
 
 
10.       Candlelight Walking Tour of Historic Smyrna will be Sunday December 9th.
    Tour Chairwomen are Jennifer Merrill and Melanie Ryder. The will begin early with an organizational meeting on March 31, 2007 at Jen Merrill's. 4 p.m. Social for the owners of prospective homes will be on June 16th.
 
11.       Other Downtown Events
Smyrna Rotary Club Car Show is Saturday, May 12th.
Garden Club has plant sale downtown on April 28th.
Horticultural Garden Tour and Tea is Saturday, June 9th.
Sheridan's Oyster Fest is Saturday, September 15th.
Booklet proposal with Tour Map, coupons supporting local business and sponsored by S.D.R.A. is still in thinking stage?
 
DESIGN COMMITTEE:
Mary Koehler has put new garden flags in 4 Corners Barrels and Ann Marie Do well at Heart of Smyrna will sell like flags to local businesses at her cost.
 
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE:
Noted that with high electric bills and downtown parking we definitely need more incentives from the Town to bring businesses downtown!
 
OLD BUSINESS
There was a discussion of the Proposal by Rick Ferrell which was attached to our minutes from last month. Consensus of opinion was that we reject his proposal. It did not seem to fit our needs at this time. Ruth Bower made a motion to reject it and Bill Wagner 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
 
Robin Bruner sent word that she suggested we use the balance of the U.S.D.A. Grant funds for a kiosk down near the Library.
 
There being no more business to attend, Chris Mood made a motion to adjourn. Paula Johnson 2nd the motion and all agreed.
 
Next meeting will be at 730 p.m., same place on April 9, 2007.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 

Margaret E. Snow, Mrs.