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HISTORIC SITES COMMISSION
Meeting minutes from December 18, 2001.
Present: J. McCormick, M. Weitekamp, M. Goodelle, E. McHugh, B. Lewis, J. Kline, D. Lamb, W. Dewitt, J. d
I. Approval of the Minutes
M. Riley noted that W. Dewitt had attended the last Commission meeting, and was not listed present in the November minutes. J. Kline said she would change it. M. Vanek made a motion to approve the November 28th minutes, with the noted change, seconded by P. Wisbey. All were in favor, and the motion carried.
Committee Reports
II. Planning & Development Committee
J. Kline said she sent a package to facilitator Barry Warren, providing him with sufficient background information on the Commission
J. Kline said a date for the retreat needs to be decided. Present members agreed to Monday, March 11th. J. Kline said past retreats, led by B. Warren, lasted from 10AM
III. Nominating Committee
C. Mason said Commission members J. McCormick and P. Johnson
IV. Marketing Committee
M. Vanek said the Tourism Office responded to 26 brochure inquiries December 1
V. Events Committee
C. Mason said State of the Sites was a success, everyone agreed. He will still be dispersing extra copies of the program booklet to the sites. J. Kline said Holiday Traditions was also a success. The limo and horse and wagon rides added a festive component, and perhaps helped with traffic flow at the sites. Both the parking lot and the parking garage were utilized, and people were encouraged to visit the Seward House, and/or the Schine Theater while they waited. M. Weitekamp said next year, she will be armed with better information to coordinate the transportation. She thought sandwich board signage would be helpful, listing the different routes. Perhaps next year, City Hall could be open, and offer hot chocolate.
P. Wisbey said they had 1,033 visitors for Holiday Traditions, and 769 last year, making this the best year since 1996. M. Riley said they had approximately 450 visitors that day at the Tubman Home, and the Willard Chapel was at maximum capacity, M. Alberici said. People were standing in the hall for the concert, plus they had a steady crowd from noon on. D. Lamb said the Schweinfurth had approximately 600 people, and T. Hussey said the Schine Theater had about 500. (Apparently there was a large square dance contingent from out of town, making their rounds.) M. Vanek said Skaneateles had a huge turnout for the Van Trapp concert that same weekend, and perhaps they would do a performance in Auburn next year. C. Mason said the banner for Holiday Traditions will be stored at the Citywill have to be changed for next year.
VI. Other Business
E. McHugh passed out copies of the “Passport to History” budget. The total cost for the program
is $4,000. C. Mason made a motion to move forward with the program using money for Special Events, seconded by M. Vanek. All were in favor, and the motion carried. E. McHugh asked the sites to have their passport questions, logo, plus the hours and address/phone ready by the next meeting. The level is fourth grade. M. Vanek asked if the Office of Tourism could be included. E. McHugh said yes. M. Vanek said she would draft some questions.
P. Wisbey said he was interested in doing a cooperative ad geared toward motor coach business. The publication, out in June 2002, is targeting the Finger Lakes Region. M. Vanek offered to coordinate the effort. Representatives from the Tubman Home, and the Willard Chapel were also interested in participating. A meeting was set for January 22nd at 3PM, before the Commission meeting, to discuss details further.
“A Common Thread: Quilting Past and Present,” is the title for the Schweinfurth
J. Kline, C. Mason, C. Carter, M. Riley and D. Lamb attended the NYSCA Arts & Cultural Funding workshop in Syracuse. J. Kline said, there has been a change to past requirements in that the project
W. Dewitt said next year is the centennial anniversary of Harriet Tubman
T. Hussey said the roof project is moving forward at the Schine Theater. A public event will be held in the lobby in May. M. Vanek reminded the group that final reports for Matching Funds are past due. M. Alberici said Chef
P. Wisbey said on June 8th historian Doris Goodwin will be speaking on behalf of the Seward House, at the Willard Chapel. Her new book on Seward
M. Weitekamp said she will not be at the next Commission meeting because she has a speaking engagement for the Rochester Zonta. D. Lamb said she has been talking with Mayor Carnicelli, and others, about having fiberglass crows on display in Auburn. Corporate sponsors could commission local artists to decorate them, and they are a proven tourist draw. (Syracuse and Rochester have horses.) Other programs could also be developed along this theme, music, poetry, etc.
The Commission adjourned at 4:45PM.
The next Commission meeting will be held
Tuesday, January 22nd at 3:30PM,
third floor meeting room at City Hall.
Please call the Office of Tourism at 255-1658 if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Recorded by Jesse Kline
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