City of Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission Met April 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Members Present: Donella Butler, Melissa Gross, JoAnn Simmons, Linda Rader, Brenda Owen and Cynthia Lawder.
Pledge of Allegiance: All members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Melissa made the motion to approve; JoAnn seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Linda presented her report. The account contains $29,508.94. The non-tax amount is $25,522.98. Stone Cottage is $737.17. It will be set aside for audit.
Deteriorating Christmas Banners: Cynthia to check on.
Banners & Christmas Lights: No report.
Planters: Brenda advised that the planters will be done by 4/19/21. Tony West has an idea about approaching businesses about providing the pot, we will provide the plants and they will water.
Riverboat/Tour Programming: Linda is working with Patti Carter for cruise lines updates.
Take-Pride Award: The committee advised that they will begin in May.
Tourism: Brenda reported on the committee’s projects:
Linda Sympson was contact by Maysville, Missouri radio station: Andrew McCrea, American Countryside 816/449-2155. Brenda will talk with him.
The National Park Service’s Lewis & Clark website will launch an official opening this spring. Derick Schimmel, project director, requested we send a video highlighting our area to include in the launch. Melissa will record the video.
The mural at the Post Office was discussed as to why it is covered up.
The Mythic Mississippi, a project of the University of Illinois, was discussed. It will help local downstate towns promote visitation to historical sites.
Penny Machine: It is to be located at the Welcome Center at a cost of less than $3,500.
Popeye Statue Map: The Popeye statue maps are ready for distribution, per Donella Butler. The maps will be available at the Welcome Center, Spinach Can, Best Western, City Hall, Public Library and Reid’s Harvest House restaurant.
The souvenir pen project was updated. We can order 500 pens at $295 plus postage. They will be imprinted with “Chester Ill. Home of Popeye. Where Illinois began”. The pens will be orange in color, with the writing in silver and black. They should be ready to order by the end of May.
Popeye Photo Bench: We do not have a price as yet from the vendor. We want colorful and happy popeye characters. One suggestion is to locate the bench along the disc golf course at Cole Park.
Historic Preservation: Brenda advised that the Nesbitt House (the old Lochhead house) was still in limbo regarding register status.
Riverfront Improvements: Picnic tables for the riverfront (similar to the ones at Rozier’s) would cost approximately $1,000 each. What does the city have in their budget for items like this? Cynthia will check into the blue banners with white anchors on them and see if the city would put them up. The anchor that was on the riverfront should be moved to the other side of the road. It is now in storage at the Street Department facility. Cynthia will ask Mayor Page to get it put into place. The question of ownership of the retaining wall below the railroad tracks was asked. Cynthia will check with the railroad. Cynthia to check with Mary Ann Heberlie about pictures of the old riverfront.
Potential plaza at corner of Swanwick and State streets: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
City Council Update: No report.
Welcome Center: Linda Sympson advised that the deck at the Welcome Center is not safe to walk on. The City has inspected and blocked it off.
At 7:20PM, JoAnn made the motion to adjourn; Linda seconded. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/beautificationtourism-commission/
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