Pecatonica Improvement Association
“The purpose of this association is to promote the betterment of the Pecatonica area”
Meeting Minutes for meeting held on August 6, 2003
President:
Terri Gregersen
Vice President:
Dr. Don Sandell
Treasurer:
Joy Seaton
Secretary:
Janet Fuenty
Member
at large:
Ed Smith
Members in attendance: Terri Gregersen, Ed Smith, Don Sandell, Tara Theisen, Joy Seaton, Joan Cunningham, Marie Doran, Janet Fuenty and Ken Countryman
Meeting called to order by Terri Gregersen at 8:00 a.m.
New members and businesses are always encouraged. Tara Theisen announced that we can expect two new antique retailers, Crooked River Outpost and a Retro Shop to open soon. Subway will also be opening soon. Just Nails has a new owner and the business will soon be known as “Uptown Girl.” We also can look forward to a fitness center on the north end of town.
Members should begin planning for the Christmas Walk.
George Anderson proposed a “Back to School Downtown Block Party” which was greeted with enthusiasm. Don Sandell made a motion for the PIA to sponsor the event. Ed Smith seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. George Anderson or the Stonewall Café will provide a band, chips and pop for the event. Discussion was had on whether the downtown businesses would hold a sidewalk sale in conjunction with the event. Don Sandell will discuss a date with George Anderson and spread the word among the downtown retailers.
George Anderson also proposed that PIA sponsor a breakfast or lunch for downtown businesses. Don Sandell, George Anderson and Janet Fuenty will be members of a committee to explore the possibilities.
Minutes of the last meeting were distributed. Minutes are being e-mailed to members for which we have addresses. Minutes are also available on-line at pecweb.com. Ed Smith moved to approve the minutes from last month. Don Sandell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s report was distributed. Janet Fuenty moved to approve the minutes from last month. Don Sandell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. It was noted that PIA has very little money available for projects. Therefore, every member is encouraged to recruit new members and to propose creative ideas for additional fundraisers. Additionally, members are asked to keep in mind that the silent auction is the biggest fundraiser for the PIA and it is held during the Christmas walk.
Committee
Reports
Finance and Administration Committee, Chairperson, Joy Seaton, requested that a budget be set up for the maintenance of the streetscape. She reported that last year the maintenance and repair for the streetscape required over $1,800.00 – 2,000.00. Unable to find that money in current available funds, Don Sandell moved that we approve a budget of $600.00. Janet Fuenty seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Membership Committee. Joy Seaton prepared a list of the current paid members. The total is a disappointing 38 members out of approximately 100 businesses. Current members are again encouraged to recruit new members.
Welcome Center Committee chairperson,
Joan Cunningham, reported that the new light bulbs had come in
and Rex Lender will be asked to install them before the bad
weather sets in. A new flag is needed for the Welcome sign
and the sign itself is in need of repainting. Estimates
will be obtained.
Streetscape Committee. Businesses are reminded to continue to water the flower containers outside their businesses. Thank you for the great job you have been doing. Thank you, also, to Joan Cunningham who cleaned out some of the containers and reported that the miniature trees are thriving.
It was reported that PIA is spending $1800.00 – $2,000.00 to maintain bricks, lights and flowers on Main Street. The Village is no longer contributing to the repair and maintenance of the streetscape. Ed Smith pointed out that in other communities, the town or village shares in the expense and labor for maintenance. It was agreed that the secretary should compose a letter to the Village requesting a donation of $100.00 from the Village to be applied toward the repair and maintenance of the streetscape.
Advertising and Business Promotion committee Chairperson, Tara Theisen, will be presenting new business plaques to Subway, Uptown Girl, Crooked River Outpost and the Retro Shop on September 3. Members are welcome to attend the presentations, which will take place outside of each business and will be photographed and published by the Gazette.
Crooked River Days. No report was made
Memorial Day Parade. No report was made
Community Calendar is up and running. It is posted on pecweb.com. Not-for-profit organizations may e-mail the details of their event to pecweb@aeroinc.net for inclusion on the calendar.
Businesses can post their special sales and events at www.pecatonica.com.
Joan Cunningham will keep the bulk rate stamp and return address stamp at J & J’s.
Fair Display: Volunteers are needed to help set up the PIA display at the Winnebago County Fair. The set-up date is Saturday, August 9. If you are able to help, please meet at the museum at 3:30 or at Moss Hall at the fairgrounds at 4:00 p.m.
Due to budget concerns, members in attendance decided not to renew PIA’s membership in Main Street USA, an organization which has given us a lot of timely and important information. However, our membership will not expire for a time. In the meantime, members are encouraged to take advantage of two special events being sponsored by the organization. For details, contact Joan Cunningham.
President Terri Gregersen announced her resignation as President of the PIA. She will be moving out of town. Ed Smith moved that her resignation be accepted, regretfully. Janet Fuenty seconded the motion and sentiments. The motion passed unanimously. Don Sandell will now hold the office of President until next year. PIA wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Terri. She has worked very hard to make the PIA and its projects successful. She will be sorely missed.
Motion to adjourn: Ed Smith moved to adjourn the meeting. Ken Countryman seconded the motion and the meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 at 8:00a.m. at the Stonewall Café. Contact Donald Sandell with any proposed items for the agenda prior to Monday, September 4.