CVB BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 29, 2013

CVB BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 29, 2013 CVB Board of Directors Members: Vacant Berlage, Merri Carroll, Matthew Farlow, Jess Gilpin, Hal McLane, Annette Murphy, Erin Schamberger, Helen Vacant CVB Staff: Althof, Mary Belger, Melosa Gratton, Judy Ruffini, Celestino Walker, Katherine GUESTS: Tom Brusch and Betty Roliardi Erin Murphy made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2013 CVB Board meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Matthew Carroll. The

Helen Schamberger made a motion to approve the 2014 CVB Board Annual Schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Annette McLane. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Jess Farlow made a motion to appoint Helen Schamberger for another term on the CVB Board. The motion was seconded by Matthew Carroll. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Jess Farlow made a motion to move action on bids for website maintenance to the November 26, 2013 agenda. The motion was seconded by Merri Berlage. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Merri Berlage made a motion to approve the Triathlon letter be sent to the City of Galena Mayor and City Council regarding our interest in moving the Galena Triathlon & Duathlon Transition 2 and finish line back to Recreation Park for the 2014 event to be held on May 17. The motion was seconded by Jess Farlow. The Helen Schamberger made a motion to send out a joint letter from the CVB and the Jo Daviess County Treasurer. The motion was seconded by Erin Murphy. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Matthew Carroll made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 p.m. The motion was seconded by Helen Schamberger. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. CALL TO ORDER Jess Farlow called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Roll call was answered as follows: Present: Merri Berlage, Matthew Carroll, Jess Farlow, Hal Gilpin, Annette McLane, Erin Murphy and Helen Schamberger Present: 7 Absent: 0 Vacant: 2 CVB Staff present: Mary Althof, Melosa Belger and Katherine Walker ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM A quorum was established. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Jess Farlow welcomed everyone in attendance. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. 2

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 CVB BOARD MEETING Erin Murphy made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2013 CVB Board meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Matthew Carroll. The NEW BUSINESS a. APPROVAL OF 2014 CVB BOARD ANNUAL SCHEDULE Helen Schamberger made a motion to approve the 2014 CVB Board Annual Schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Annette McLane. Merri Berlage commented that Development & Planning meets at that same time occasionally which will be a conflict. It was the consensus of the board that we will just meet at a different location on those evenings. Hal Gilpin added that he will soon be having meeting space available at Hawk Valley that we can utilize. The b. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPOINTMENT OF HELEN SCHAMBERGER FOR ANOTHER TERM ON THE CVB BOARD Jess Farlow made a motion to appoint Helen Schamberger for another term on the CVB Board. The motion was seconded by Matthew Carroll. The c. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON BIDS FOR WEBSITE MAINTENANCE Jess Farlow made a motion to move action on bids for website maintenance to the November 26, 2013 agenda. The motion was seconded by Merri Berlage. The d. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON TRIATHLON LETTER Melosa Belger has drafted a letter to the City of Galena Mayor and City Council regarding our interest in moving the Galena Triathlon & Duathlon Transition 2 and finish line back to Recreation Park for the 2014 event to be held on May 17. We are tentatively on their November 12, 2013 City Council agenda. Merri Berlage made a motion to approve the Triathlon letter be sent to the City of Galena Mayor and City Council regarding our interest in moving the Galena Triathlon & Duathlon Transition 2 and finish line back to Recreation Park for the 2014 event to be held on May 17. The motion was seconded by Jess Farlow. The OTHER NEW BUSINESS Katherine Walker reported that Mini Abe will be coming to Galena on December 6, 2013 for one week. Walker also commented that there is a mention of Galena in HGTV Magazine on page 83. 3

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Katherine Walker reported that the two page contract with McDaniels Marketing is very weak. Walker and Celestino Ruffini went over the contract with McDaniels last week by conference call. The contract is now four pages and must be reviewed by Dan Reimer, County Administrator and John Hay, State s Attorney. OTHER OLD BUSINESS a. Update on Nominating Committee Meeting Matthew Carroll Matthew Carroll reported that Joel Holland declined the offer to join our board and Tim Althaus is still considering it. Merri Berlage has agreed to continue to serve as the County Board liaison; however she will need to be appointed by County Board. County Board chair, Ron Smith, will take care of the appointment. There is still one vacant seat to fill. Jess Farlow commented that Jan Ketza is eager to rejoin our board and that he will talk to her. Merri Berlage feels we need to have a working board. Helen Schamberger would like to see someone from Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa on our board. b. Update of Joint Merger Committee meeting Hal Gilpin Hal Gilpin reported that the committee approved a letter of talking points to be sent to the Galena City Council. The committee will also schedule a meeting with the County Executive Committee. c. Update on Hotel/Motel Tax process Merri Berlage Discussion, recommendation and possible action on a letter of support Merri Berlage reported that two forms have been prepared one for single rental properties and one for multiple rental properties. Katherine Walker has drafted a letter to let the licensed property owners know when this change is going to take place which Berlage suggests be the first of the year. Helen Schamberger made a motion to send out a joint letter from the CVB and the Jo Daviess County Treasurer. The motion was seconded by Erin Murphy. The MARKETING/WEBSITE UPDATE REPORT Katherine Walker informed the board that SS Digital has not sent the marketing report for this month yet, but she will email it to the board when she receives it. REGIONAL REPORT Katherine Walker reported that there will be a Culinary Workshop in Chicago on November 14. There will be a regional retreat in Peoria on November 18. Diane Bausman and Walker will meet with the new state representative on November 21. 4

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Helen Schamberger commented that the Kraft people are looking at the Heartbilt Homes property for a museum. There could be an event center, museum and gym at that location. They are working with the park district and plan to ask the Kraft family for funding as well. There could also possibly be rental space available for a visitor center. The Kraft 100 year s celebration will be June 19, 2014. The original Kraft wagon has been restored. Matthew Carroll asked Jess Farlow if he was going to appoint Erin Murphy to the marketing committee. Jess Farlow then appointed Murphy to the committee. Matthew Carroll commented on the upcoming Lead Rush Half Marathon. There are 335 pre-registered to date. 400 goody bags and race bibs are ready for the athletes. The Facebook campaign has been outstanding. Erin Murphy added that Chestnut Mountain Resort is sold out for Friday night and only has 10 rooms available for Saturday night. Hal Gilpin asked Merri Berlage if she thought County Board could raise the CVB Board spending level to more than $10,000 without County Board approval. Berlage responded that those spending levels are based on state statues. Merri Berlage questioned CVB staff monthly board reports regarding the tour group of Brazilian farmers at Harbach Farms in Warren. She felt that Farm Bureau people should have been there as well. Helen Schamberger asked if there had been a fall color gauge on our website. Erin Murphy invited the board to use the link to the Chestnut Mountain Resort live webcam on their own websites. Visitors can get a look at the fall colors and snow. Helen Schamberger told the board about the Stockton FAA alumni plow day. Erin Murphy asked if anyone saw the show on agri-tourism on Sunday morning. Merri Berlage thought it would be cool if we could sponsor an obstacle course in the county. Annette McLane asked about the cows. Katherine Walker replied it was an asset management issue for the county. Helen Schamberger would like at least one for the Kraft celebration. 5

PUBLIC COMMENTS Betty Roliardi commented that the Galena Elks would be very interested in providing burgers, brats, French fries, etc. to help with the triathlon. CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session at this time. ADJOURN Matthew Carroll made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 p.m. The motion was seconded by Helen Schamberger. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. NEXT CVB BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 6:00 P.M. JO DAVIESS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 6