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Board Attendees:
D. Abrutyn, R. Bond, C. Hauser, P.Palmer, L. Progar, R. St. John, V.
Wissman
Board Absentees:
B. Bowden, C. Hauser (Chamber Rep.) S.Pikus
Public:
G. Carroll, P. Boos, L. Boos, L. Miles, K. Novak, C. Stanko
Call to Order:
D. Abrutyn, President, opened the general meeting at 7:10 p.m. in
the Conference Room of Attorney, Lisa Andersen, Watson/Carlisle
Building.
Approval of the December 2003 Minutes:
Motion was made by C. Hauser and seconded by V. Wissman to approve the
December 2003 Board minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously.
Recognition of the Public:
K. Novak recommended that the group consider recognizing Martin
Luther King‘s Day with a 20-minute film entitled “Tools for Tolerance”
produced by the Southern Poverty Loss Center as part of the National
Campaign for Tolerance. The film describes simple ideas promoting unity
and celebrating diversity. L. Progar made a motion that the Board
secure the film for the February session of the general meeting. The
motion was seconded by C. Hauser, and passed unanimously.
K.
Novak agreed to make arrangements to get the film for the upcoming
meeting. It was agreed that P. Palmer would prepare a flyer which will
be placed in the library as well as several churches. R. Bond is to
include the information in the newspaper announcement of the February 5
meeting.
Treasurer/Financial Reports:
The report was approved unanimously, and is attached to the file copy of
these minutes.
Correspondence:
DMI received a thank you letter from the Library for the $100.00
contribution DMI gave to the Library for the use of the Library
Conference Room throughout the year.
D.
Abrutyn shared with the group that he had received information from
Larry Legates, a University of Maryland grad student, outlining a
concept for an entertainment theme restaurant in the Milford area. He
will make copies and have them available at the next board meeting if
anyone is interested in reviewing the material.
Committee Reports:
Design:
Community Redevelopment Fund Grants:
C. Hauser indicated he would prepare a letter to go out to those in
the project area that funds are available for façade and structural
improvements
Promotion:
Report of the Farmer’s Market Committee:
The Chairperson was absent. However, a discussion occurred regarding
the need to focus on the Strawberry Festival as well as any
State/Federal funding possibilities. D. Abrutyn will discuss these
issues with the Chairperson of the Committee.
People’s Day/Riverwalk Festival/Parades/Make a Difference Day: P.
Palmer provided an overview of the Make a Difference Day and will come
up with a selection of events that the board can review and vote on at
the next meeting.
Santa’s House: V. Wissman, Chairperson, reported that the 2003
Santa House efforts were quite successful and resulted in 477 children
and 260 adults participating. Approximately $224.05 was received for
taking Polaroid photos and $180.00 cash donations. A number of stores
had also contributed candy and other items.
The
candy left over will be equally distributed to Reverend Hercules, the
Senior Center and the Boys and Girls Club. D. Abrutyn will arrange a
debriefing session to provide a starting point for the committee to move
forward with plans for the 2004 Santa House. D. Abrutyn prepared a
thank-you which is scheduled to appear in the Chronicle in the near
future. V. Wissman, L. Progar and P. Palmer will prepare individual
thank you letters for those companies making contributions.
Status of DMI Website: C. Stanko provided an update on the website
and came prepared with approximately 32 packets which were to be used to
approach businesses to see if they are interested in being linked to the
DMI website. The packets were divided among D. Abrutyn (8), G. Carroll
(8), L. Progar (8) and C. Stanko (8). As finalized requests are
received, material is to be given to D. Bond for inclusion on the web.
Newsletter: P. Palmer provided a proposal for the DMI newsletter,
suggesting the newsletter be done on a quarterly basis. P. Palmer, C.
Stanko and L. Brown are to meet and further develop the newsletter.
Written narratives from Committee Chairpersons are due by January 10. A
letter from the President will be part of the format of the newsletter.
Quarterly Social Activities: R. St. John reported that a social
gathering is scheduled for February 19. A specific location will be
announced at the February meeting.
Economic Restructuring:
Report of Subcommittee for Revolving Loan Program.
The committee urged that we seek additional funding. R.Bond is to
follow up with appropriate officials at the Department of Agriculture.
Organization:
Membership:
D. Abrutyn reported that over 60 letters had been sent out regarding
membership.
Chamber Liaison:
Report of DMI representative: C. Hauser had no update. The Chamber
was scheduled to meet after the DMI meeting date.
Old Business:
Mainstreet Program Status:
D.Bond provided a written report to the President that work is underway
to get DMI back into the Main Street Program. He suggested that several
steps should be undertaken in the meantime. (1) Preparations should
move forward to occupy and prepare the office space that the city has
offered DMI in the old water works building on Washington street, and
(2) to become members of the National Main Street Network Membership
Program. The cost of membership is $195.00/year. D.Abrutyn suggested
we should first talk with the Delaware group before moving forward at
the National level. D.Abrutyn is to contact the State program.
Status of Fire Area Redevelopment & Jewel Building:
Nothing to report on the fire area redevelopment. D.Bond provided a
written update on the Jewell-Tharpe building. Arrangements are nearly
complete for Rob Simpson to take ownership of the building from the
Milford Historic Society and begin the process of renovation.
Recognize New or Revitalized Businesses:
L.Progar reported that plants had been purchased to deliver to 2
businesses downtown. Arrangements are being made for a photograph of
the presentation.
There
being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Bond, Secretary
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