AUBURN’S HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITES COMMISSION
Meeting minutes from March 1, 2010, Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, 36 South St., Auburn
Present: M. Vanek, G. Brower, K. Walker, B. Chabot, S. Tucker, M. Alberici, D. Stankus, C. Reilley, E. McHugh, D. Lamb, S. Muldoon and J. Kline
Excused: A. Fuller
Absent: Rev. Carter
I. Approval of the Minutes
D. Lamb read the Commission’s mission and vision statements. C. Reilley made a motion to accept the 1/4/10 minutes as submitted, and seconded by K. Walker. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Committee Reports
II. Planning & Development Committee
D. Lamb presented the idea of organizing another “State of the Sites” night that the Commission hosted in 2001. Timing would be good, with the growing interest and appreciation for our cultural organizations, and their importance to economic development. J. Kline passed around the booklet that was designed in 2001, and the old press release and flier. Everyone present agreed, and a date was set for this year’s event, which is May 12th, from 5 – 7PM, hosted again by the Chapel. That week is National Tourism Week, and May is Historic Preservation Month. It’s also right before the next City budget cycle. A sub-committee will meet to discuss this further on March 9th at 3PM at the Chapel.
III. Marketing Committee
J. Kline is working on the new brochure, it’s almost done. She passed around a mounted mock-up of the cover design. The new brand will be carried throughout with the new web address and logo. The palette is gold, red and blue. Descriptions have been shortened and the sites have been paired in themed itineraries to create more interest. The listings, with hours and pertinent information, are now all on the map page. On the map, all pictures will be façade shots to help visitors locate the sites. On the directions panel, miles from various driving points were changed to hours. Emerson Foundation will be credited for their support on the address panel.
M. Vanek said copies of the monthly report are in the packet showing inquiry numbers since the last meeting. J. Kline said she talked with her contact from Americans for the Arts and the Commission will take part in the 2011 Economic Impact Study. The cost is $4500, and we can pay for it in full, in this budget cycle. Additional materials about the study are in the packet. These include a 6-page application for the participating sites, as well as a sample of the survey that will be administered during events. M. Vanek made a motion that the Commission members formalize their active participation in the study, and seconded by D. Lamb. All were in favor and the motion carried.
IV. Community Outreach Committee
Jeff Alberici said he will be able to finish the Lessons on Auburn plans for middle school students in the next few months. Feedback from other teachers has been positive, one teacher from Syracuse was very impressed and is planning to bring students to Auburn, and perhaps create a similar program there. It would be nice if it could be unveiled at the State of the Sites.
Regarding Passport to History, C. Reilley said she has the prizes, they are MP3 players, and will be making her rounds to schools at the end of the program. M. Alberici said we should have enough passports to last two more years. J. Kline forwarded information to the home school contact so they could participate as well. There are only 4 students in the district that apply.
V. Other Business
J. Kline asked Commission members to review the Jan. – Feb. ‘10 Treasurer’s Report detailing expenses incurred since the last meeting. S. Tucker made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted and seconded by M. Alberici. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Announcements
C. Reilley and S. Muldoon are helping coordinate the creation of a walking tour booklet that encourages people to walk to the historic sites, churches, library and local attractions on South Street and the greater downtown Auburn area. This information could be the basis for a podcast.
D. Lamb said the Schweinfurth is hosting a wine and chocolate event- promotional cards with more information were distributed. They are also gearing up for a video series at APT organized by Terry Cuddy. “Both Ends of the Rainbow” exhibit is still up, and next will be “Made in NY.” World renowned quilter, Nancy Crow, will have a solo exhibition after that, at the end of May.
D. Lamb said the Cayuga Museum is renovating their Carriage House; improvements include exterior painting and the installation of new windows. The interior has been cleaned out, and phase II will address heat and restrooms, pending funding.
K. Walker said county museums have gathered their information together and are printing a brochure with a map. The Chapel is organizing a church tour May 16th from noon – 6PM. Approximately six sites will be participating, many offering performances and refreshments.
M. Vanek said in the packet is Attraction and Event Attendance figures for 2009. Some sites did quite well, considering the poor summer weather and the economy. There is also a copy of the County’s Visitor Conversion Study, to update the research that Randall Travel Marketing had done previously. The sample was 17.2%, which is a little low, but the information is still relevant and useful for marketing purposes.
G. Brower said the City is hosting a meeting on parking on 3/31/10 at Auburn Public Theater from 6-8PM.She encouraged everyone to attend. S. Muldoon said some of the BluePrint II projects received foundation funding. These include Water Quality, the Get Active Now Group, and the Voices of Recreation Group.
The next Commission meeting is May 4th at 3:30PM at the Cayuga Museum at 203 Genesee Street. The Commission adjourned at 5:20PM.
Recorded by Jesse Kline
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