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11/19/1996 - Downtown Partnership MeetingDOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BOARD CLEARWATER CITY HALL November 19, 1996 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor Karen Seel City Commissioner/Chair, Downtown Partnership Elizabeth Deptula City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Joyce Baskin Downtown Clearwater Association Vice President Ron Stuart Downtown Partnership Board Elise Winters Downtown Development Board Judi Hackett Downtown Development Board Director Buzz David Downtown Development Board Dave Stone Downtown Development Board Jack Kirshner Downtown Development Board Elect Dwight Matheny Downtown Development Board Pat Yeagel Downtown Clearwater Association Assistant Treasurer Myrna Garcia-Haag Downtown Development Board Vicki Crouch Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Brenda Moses Board Reporter 1. Call to Order Commissioner Seel called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. at the third floor conference room, City Hall, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Approval of Minutes of October 10, 1996 Mayor Garvey moved to accept the minutes of October 10, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member with one correction: item #2, second sentence should read “A motion was made by Elise Winters to approve the minutes of August 14, 1996 as amended.” The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Marketing the Downtown Model Commissioner Seel noted the downtown model will be displayed in the Barnett Bank lobby beginning November 21, 1996, and suggestions for other locations were requested. Member Stone offered to display it at Citizen’s Bank. It was suggested putting it in upscale hotels on the beach, libraries, and Clearwater and Countryside Malls. It was suggested volunteers help explain the model. It was also suggested placing identifying stickers on each building in the model. 4. Discussion of Membership in the Partnership Discussion ensued regarding inviting other groups to participate in the Downtown Partnership. It was suggested anyone wishing to participate should contact one of the original partners. Although the intent is to include everyone, it is important to maintain a manageable Partnership. Some members requested a written copy of the Partnership agreement. 5. Schedule of Meetings Consensus was to cancel the December meeting of the Downtown Partnership Board. The next meeting will be January 21, 1997 at 5:30 p.m. in the third floor conference room at City Hall unless otherwise notified. Discussion ensued regarding an annual meeting, in place of the regular monthly meeting, to be held February 18, 1997. The entire membership of the DCA, DDB, City Commission, CRA and the Chamber of Commerce will be invited. Topics will include discussion of downtown issues and updates from City Commission meetings. Notices will be sent to each partner who will in turn invite their members. It was suggested having the annual meeting at the Municipal Services Building with the downtown model on display. Member Stuart moved the Downtown Partnership Board hold an annual meeting on February 18, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6. Downtown Development Board’s Newspaper Insert, Right Downtown Judi Hackett reviewed the progress of the DDB’s Right Downtown publication. The objective of this tabloid is to bring people to the downtown area. The Tampa Tribune has been chosen for distribution over the St. Petersburg Times due to favorable costs. The Tribune’s professional staff take photographs, finalize layouts, proofread articles, and monthly drop 10,000 copies at various locations throughout northern Pinellas County, downtown Clearwater and the beaches. The paper is free to consumers. The DDB’s share of production costs is $1200 per month. Distribution costs are $300 per month. The publication normally consists of 12 pages, and growth is anticipated with additional advertisers. Mr. David Hunter from the Tampa Tribune gave a brief synopsis on ad sizes, rates and demographics of readership. Plans are to cultivate the restaurant trade in the area. The Tampa Tribune offers a “gusto card”, which offers a 25% discount to subscribers at selected restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Hunter noted positive comments have been received about Right Downtown. Ms. Hackett asked for suggestions for cover stories and development of content. She noted the City received national publicity for the “school” cover story. She noted articles must be submitted 2 months prior to the event for publication. Suggestions included: 1) continuing functions such as Fun N Sun, July 4th fireworks, Jazz Holiday, and the Christmas parade; 2) stories on the Chamber of Commerce, DDB and other partners in the downtown area; 3) articles on downtown businesses; 4) articles on businesses close to the downtown area; 5) an essay contest about what would encourage people to come downtown; 6) theme articles to encompass an entire publication on restaurants, antique shops and other businesses; 7) a guest column; 8) a “welcome to new businesses” column; and 9) pullouts or inserts. A new event this year will be the Festival of Trees. Ms. Hackett said the biggest challenge is getting story ideas on a regular basis, and finding someone to write the articles. It was suggested contacting local college journalism schools and high schools. Volunteers from this Board are needed. 7. Members’ Reports A remark was made that another Shop Hop may be planned for April. A comment was made that many people think downtown Clearwater is Scientology-owned. Focusing on what downtown has to offer will evoke a positive image. It was noted the Festival of Trees kickoff is the evening of November 26, 1996. Reservations are $25. Tee shirts are available for purchase. The DDB is proposing a comprehensive cultural needs assessment project. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Judi Hackett. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.