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SABA
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Saugatuck City Hall
Meeting Called to Order: 8:50 am
Chaired By: Lisa Lungaro, Co-President Recording Secretary:
Marilyn Starring
Upcoming event or news about your Saugatuck/Douglas business
that you would like to have included in “View from the
Dunes” radio program contact Fred Schmidt or Jon
Helmirch:
jon@ibctv.info
Board Members Present: Angela
Homes, Lisa Lungaro, Kim Mannion, Kerry O’Donohue, Fred
Schmidt, and Marilyn Starring
Board Members Absent: Julie
Abel, Scott Eilbes, Frank Rojek, and Fred Weber
Membership in Attendance:
Sandra Randolph - Good Goods; Steve Williford – Massage By
Steve; Mike Carey – Del Sol; Trudi Engelbrecht – Sisters in
Ink; Holly Hughes – Commercial Record
SECRETARY’S MINUTES: Kim Mannion made
a motion to accept the secretary’s minutes as presented.
Kerry O’Donohue seconded. Motion passed
TREASURER’S REPORT: Kerry O’Donohue
reported that there is “good news and bad news” in regards
to the SABA records and the fire at #10 Center Street – Bad
news: SABA checkbook didn’t make it through the fire. Good
new: Quick Books which has the SABA records has been sent
off to the data recovery center and Kerry thinks the
information can be retrieved. There were no checks waiting
to be deposited. New checks have been ordered and Kerry has
some temporary checks that he can use. Replacement checks
should be here in a week to 10 days. Kerry had deposited
quite a few entry checks for the Town Crier the day before
the fire.
LOCAL OBSERVER: Kim Mannion gave this
synopsis. Linda Kinnaman from the Local Observer approached
the school with an idea – seems like the kids are always
selling something from the school to raise money for a
particular event – it was suggested to partner with
merchants, during the off season where you market a
particular item for sale and a predetermined percentage of
the proceeds is donated by the merchant to a specific
project at the school - Uncommon Grounds is already doing
this program. The Local Observer is thinking about offering
discount advertising rates if a business does something like
this. The idea is being to keep money in town, with local
merchants during the off-season. Lisa Lungaro – Does she
have anything in place? Kim Mannion– No, will follow up
with her for next year.
CHERYL MEYER – DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION
LIBRARY PROGRAM: This program began in Allegan county in
2005 through the Allegan County Intermediate School
District. This program was started by Dolly Parton, and
developed to send books to at risk children from birth to 5
years of age – approximately 2,000 such children in Allegan
County. Cheryl Meyer is just looking to spread the word
about this program, and possibly some financial support from
SABA. Their goal is to get books to children who are at
risk from ages 1 to 5 in Allegan County. In Saugatuck
township school district there are approximately 150
children receiving these books – cost is $35 per child to be
in the program. Perrigo, Haworth, education associations,
banks, and private individuals are supporting this program.
Would like us to partner as individual business owners or as
an organization with the program – They are having a
fundraiser at Fenn Valley on April 17th. The
cost is $40 per person, and there will be wine tasting and
a silent auction. Anyone can sign up a child (grandchild,
niece, neighbor etc.) pay the $35 and the books will be set
to the child. Marilyn Starring – Is there a web site to
view additional information about this program? There is no
web site available. You can call the Allegan County United
Way (ask for Debby on extension 10) or go to their web site
to learn more about this program with United Way and Allegan
Intermediate School District. Everyone on the Dolly Parton
Imagination Library Program committee is a volunteer. Fred
Schmidt - Suggested making them a recipient of some of the
money from the town crier. Kim Mannion – Would like to know
how many are on the Saugatuck township public school waiting
list? Not sure, but there are almost 2,000 on the waiting
list in Allegan County. Mike Carey will contact to see how
many are on the waiting list for Saugatuck/Douglas school
system? Fred Schmidt will send Imagination info via e-mail
for Mike to follow up with.
OLD BUSINESS:
MEMBERSHIP: Fred Schmidt - We still
have six members who were put into the brochure and not
paid. Fred Schmidt will e-mail Lisa Lungaro members name -
Lisa will take care of follow up phone calls. Before the
next membership drive we need to discuss charging
non-profits a nominal fee for SABA membership – put on
August agenda.
BROCHURE & MAP PACKETS: Fred Schmidt
had a few copies of the new brochure – everyone was very
happy with the look. Balance of the brochures will be
delivered on April 14th to Marilyn at Star of
Saugatuck. 60,000 copies of SABA brochure are being printed
(13,400 being drop shipped directly to state of Michigan to
be distributed to Welcome Centers). There were a couple
businesses who got their membership dues in too late to get
into the brochure; they still want to join but are concerned
that they had to pay for $200 if they didn’t make the
brochure. Discussion: When we did fee planning in the fall
discussed that the membership fee would remain $200 until 1
July – and if a business joined after the 1st of
July they would be members for the rest of the year and the
following year. It used to be that SABA was just the
brochure, but now we offer so much more. Mike Carey –
Purpose that you give some kind of break this year and tell
them to make the deadline next year. Fred Schmidt - 2007
dues were $175 – fee reduced to half ($87.50) after the
brochure went to print – feel we should offer a break of
some sort for being a member. Kerry O’Donohue agreed with
Fred Schmidt in regards to new members. Angela Holmes – We
might make an exception for this year – we put a lot of
emphasis on the brochure and there is so much more that we
do – web site, insurance, etc. Kim Mannion – It’s an area
that wasn’t thought about – members who join after the
brochure is published – feel we should offer a 25% discount
to these businesses. Lisa Lungaro – We need to make an
exception – this is not written in black and white – we need
to put something in place $125? Do we also want to respond
with something that we’re more than just the brochure and
list our accomplishments? Fred Schmidt – perception is
reality; a lot of brochures go to people who are coming to
visit us – we’ve talked about an e-mail marketing campaign
for a long time and not taken the best advantage of using
this tool. Lisa Lungaro – There are a lot of other things
that are components of SABA. Angela Holmes – Are we the CVB
or do we provide other services – liquor meeting, calling
tree, events – believe we should do e-mail marketing, but we
are handicapped with no paid staff. Need to make a decision
today. Kerry O’Donohue – If someone joins in July they get
this year and next year for the same price. We need to talk
about a reduced fee for situations like this. MOTION: Kim
Mannion made the following motion: For this term only-
anyone who joins between February 1st and July 1st,
the dues will be $125 for the balance of the year and full
payment for next year’s dues. Kerry O’Donohue seconded the
motion. Motion passed.
DRUG STORE WALL: Fred Schmidt – We
have three empty spots – Weber, Art Barn and Art Around Town
came down. Steve Wiliford and JoJo’s Supper Club took two
of those spots – 1 empty spot remains. We have five that
have not paid. Fred sent a second invoice which stated if
we have not received their payment or heard back from them
by 7 April, they will be removed. Kim Mannion will do the
follow up phone calls.
BROCHURE/MAP: Fred Schmidt – They will
be here on 14 April. They are going to be delivered to Star
of Saugatuck. Will send an e-mail blast when they arrive, or
you can call Marilyn Starring 269-857-4261 to arrange a time
when you may stop by and pick some up.
KIOSK: When printing the brochure Fred
Schmidt was able to have a copy of each map blown up to show
what it would look like when it was printed for the kiosk.
We can use these copies when we go to city council and
various committees, planning, history, DDA as an example of
what they would look like – it is not the quality of what
the map will look like, but it will give committee members
(decision makers) an idea of what we are trying to
accomplish.
Frank Rojek called last night about the
wholesaler for possible display board out of Grand Rapids –
he is still checking on this. Marilyn Starring found a
company who produces message boards out of Wisconsin that
are made out of recycled plastic and had a sample sent to
SABA. Kalamazoo Nature center just installed two of their
display boards; possibly need to take a drive over to look
at them.
EVENTS COMMITTEE: Lisa Lungaro - Town
Crier is on April 12 beginning at 8 a.m. All set with
volunteers in registration tent, but we still need some
volunteers for the racecourse. Lisa Lungaro is meeting with
city and fire department tomorrow to go over course.
Registration tent volunteers need to be there before 7.
Fred Schmidt will put out route maps via e-mail next week.
Lisa Lungaro suggested letting businesses know what streets
will be shut down, and the time period they will be shut
down for.
Music in the Park – Reviewed list of
sponsors and the entertainment list from last year. $250
donation for sponsorship this year – 13 dates with two
sponsors per date. Opening date is Wednesday, June 11th
and last date Wednesday after Labor Day. There is an idea
to do a closing amateur night with prizes. Fred Schmidt we
have a lot of people who want to play this year. Lisa
Lungaro – We’re not taking any bands without a demo cd. In
two weeks decision will be made whom we are hiring to play.
Need to pull a city permit for the event and develop a
sponsorship letter. Contact John Jerome at the Butler Panty
857-4875 if you’re interested in sponsoring an evening.
Sidewalk Sale Rates – Fred Schmidt
wants to know what Sidewalk Sale rates are going to be the
same as last year? $40 for members, $70 for non-members – if
they joined $30 from the $70 would apply to membership dues.
Lisa Lungaro – Rates will probably remain the same. Allegan
Democratic Club is asking about membership and participating
in Sidewalk Sale. Mike Carey – Ask Marcia Burd if we have
charged non-profits a fee to participate in Sidewalk Sale.
Steve Williford – Are they a 501c3 non-profit? Lisa Lungaro
- Are we going to let non-profits be involved in Sidewalk
Sale? Angela Holmes - If they are a SABA member we allow
them to participate in Sidewalk Sale. Kim Mannion - If we
bring a non-profit we are bring people into town. Kerry
O’Donohue – Is there a different between a non-profit
service organization and a non-profit political
organization? Kim Mannion made a motion to allow the
Allegan Democratic Club to participate in SABA sidewalk sale
for $70. Angela Holmes seconded. Motion passed.
MARKETING POSITION UPDATE: Scheduling
meetings for several interviews.
SABA BUCKS: Lisa called Doug at
Holland Chamber majority HollandDollars are sold at the
office - they keep a daily log sheet and report the
information to Certified Check organization – the Chamber
accepts cash and checks for Holland Dollars – majority are
used to purchase debit and credit cards as gift cards. Left
message for Ray Lynn at Certified Checks - question is out
of each dollar we sell what is our cost. Lisa Lungaro is
setting up a meeting for later this month. Fred Schmidt –
We don’t sell SABA bucks, we give them away. We need to
decide if we want to keep this concept as it is now, or if
we want to evolve it - need to look into this as another
option. Lisa Lungaro – SABABucks needs to be renamed to
represent both towns.
HARBOR COMMITTEE: Nothing yet. There
is a meeting tonight at the township – they are going to
determine if they are going to become involved.
VIEW FROM THE DUNES: Last month
discussed the Town Crier race and Mason Street Warehouse.
CALLING TREE: Sandra Randolph spoke to
board about the Calling Tree to being the most effective it
can be. Sandra was the person who first implemented the
Calling Tree and categorization lead to its effectiveness.
Sandra felt calls don’t affect everyone and not everyone
needed to be on the tree – i.e. restaurants. Lisa Lungaro
said after speaking with some restaurants that were on the
list they feel that it is important for them to be on the
list; last year a restaurant had two $100 bottles of wine
stolen, and they can also help when looking for a potential
shoplifter The list needs to be updated and possibly
change and list all restaurants in one column and all of
Douglas in another. Kim Mannion – Would be nice if calling
was in proximity of the store (call the neighbors). Angela
Holmes – It’s not a bad idea to have businesses in close
proximity to each other. Lisa Lungaro – Feels that
everyone should remain on the list that wants to be on it,
and that the list should be set up by blocks. Fred Schmidt
– I’ll do whatever you want – they are all appropriate
ideas. Lisa Lungaro– if a restaurant wants to be on the
list they should be – the calling tree lists encompasses
more than shoplifting.
SPRING KICK-OFF: Saugatuck Brewery is
not an option; they are not going to be ready. Every Day
People has been asked if they want to host and we should
know by end of day today if will do it. If Every Day People
is not available ask Jo Jo’s Supper Club. Need to change
date to 16th of April and we have $500 for
appetizers.
PRESEASON LIQUOR MEETING. Marilyn
Starring said meeting is all set to go. Letter will go out
early next week and Marilyn will get an e-mail to Fred to
send to membership. Police, fire department, city and
township government officials, state liquor commission have
all been invited. Lisa Lungaro asked if state police were
coming. Marilyn said Commander was not available had
another meeting on that date. Lisa asked if Marilyn would
check to see if they had another representative to send,
need to establish a relationship with the state police
post. Lisa also asked about a format for anonymous
questions. Marilyn said in the letter
being sent out there is an e-mail address or fax number they
can submit questions to prior to the meeting. They can also
submit questions prior to the beginning of the meeting and
questions will be taken from the floor.
BOARD MEMBER: Mike Carey submitted a
letter to become a board member of SABA. Kerry O’Donohue
read the letter that Mike submitted. After brief discussion
everyone welcomed Mike onboard.
Pat Lion submitted a letter of
resignation from the SABA board. The board wishes to thank
Pat for her service to SABA, and the time and energy she has
given to help SABA accomplish many of its project and
events.
SABA board needs additional board
members. We need representation from lodging and more
representation from Douglas. If anyone is interested in
becoming a board member please contact Lisa Lungaro, Angela
Holmes, or Fred Schmidt. We will also solicit board members
at the Spring Kick-Off.
We need to address board member
attendance, as some board members have not been in
attendance on a regular basis. In order for SABA to
function effectively it is important to have regular
attendance by our board members. In the by-laws it states
that if you have missed three business meetings there is a
provision for removal from the board. It was discussed that
if you have missed over three meeting during the year Lisa
will have a discussion with you to determine if you are
still interested in participating as a board member. We
need to re-evaluate board members, their positions and
attendance. SABA board needs representation on the board
from restaurants, lodging, and Douglas. Lisa Lungaro
indicated that she might not run again next year as
co-president, as she has been co-president for a number of
years now. Marilyn Starring said that this is an
all-volunteer organization, and if we aren’t able to find
some more volunteers to join the board and SABA committees
the organization may fail to exist – it can’t be the same
people doing the work over and over again. Lisa Lungaro –
We need some ownership on our side as well – Kim Mannion
will work on this. Kick-Off is good time to plug our cause.
Upcoming events: DDA meeting is next
Tuesday and SABA is going to attend. Music in the Park
committee meeting – Discussing supporting music for one of
the Douglas Socials - Town Crier. Lunches with city of
Saugatuck have been set up and Douglas needs to be
scheduled.
Fred Schmidt said that Frank Rojek
called last night and wanted to report on three points: 1)
He has called the Saugatuck/Douglas police department and
they will come to May board meeting do a presentation on
shoplifting and bad checks. 2) Still working on block party
with Commercial record and Saugatuck/Douglas Historical
Society. 3) Still working with person in Grand Rapid for
kiosk. Marilyn Starring said Frank said he was still
working on Block Captains – put on next months agenda.
Received a letter from Sid from
Saugatuck Taxi and he wanted to know if there is any
interest in SABA on sponsoring a softball team in Zeeland?
Lisa Lungaro – child or adult? Fred Schmidt – SABA team
members? Kim Mannion – Financial support or SABA members
for a team. Think we need to pass at this point without
more information.
Mike Tischleder is going to start
working on the survey.
Need to look at the by-laws this summer
and revamp them. Kim Mannion, Kerry O’Donohue, Lisa
Lungaro and Angela Holmes will work on the by laws.
Dates to Remember: May meeting will be
at Saugatuck City Hall at 8:30 a.m.
Mike Carey asked about the directional
signage and how to get on it. Marilyn Starring explained
history, signage was put up to direct people off Butler
Street – it was supposed to be self supporting and nothing
has been done with them for awhile. Sign were put up with
city’s guidance and after they were installed were told
signs were too high. She will look into it and give a report
at next meeting.
MEETING ADJOURNED 10:30 A.M.
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