Brownsville Business Association
Minutes
March 18, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Nineteen members were in attendance Tuesday, March 18, 2008, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at the Delta Room. Members present were: Ann Lytle, Earnest Lytle, Danny Dean, Elmira Manns, David Levy, Albert Campbell, Joe Stephens, Betty Morris, Scottie Morris, Harvey Livingston, Darlene Knox, Holly Haak, Jerry Rogers, Tim Stokely, Ann Gardner, Winn Davis, Kristy Alexander, Daniel Thornton and Sonia Outlaw-Clark.
In the absence of President Pat Bailey, Secretary Sonia Outlaw-Clark called the meeting to order and welcomed visitors. Vice-President Albert Campbell opened with prayer and Betty Morris read the Mission Statement.
Minutes of the February 19, 2008, meeting were approved as presented. Tim Stokely presented the treasurer report. We currently have $2,815.44 in the bank. The report was approved as presented.
At this time, members were asked to cast their ballots for this years new officers.
While Tim Stokely and Danny Dean counted ballots, Ann Gardner presented a report on the banners. While a final cost has not yet been determined, the planning committee is recommending that double banners (one welcoming you to Brownsville and one with a sponsor message) be hung on the light poles leading into town from Exit 56, to the library and up East Main to the courthouse. If enough banners are sold they will also be placed on West Main St. The committee is also recommending that banners be sold for a period not less than 1 year. Approximate cost per pole is $300, not including design set-up, taxes and shipping. Sonia was asked to work on some possible designs to be presented at the next meeting. The committee will also present an actual cost at that time. Brownsville Utility Department has agreed to hang the banners.
The committee also reported that the city is looking into putting signage at the off ramps of Exit 56 pointing visitors towards Brownsville; and the city is also committed to working on the flower beds and landscaping around the court square.
The planning committee is currently working on the possibilities for the empty lot on the square. Marieta Haywood presented some options for the look and use of the area in a PowerPoint presentation that showed two options. One option included an open-air area with a stage, picnic tables and green areas. A second option includes covering the area that will allow for events to take place regardless of weather conditions. The first step is the acquisition of the property. It was reported that both Mayors are interested in seeing this lot developed into an event/park area.
A motion stating that the BBA is in favor of acquisition of the lot and will participate in the development of the area was made, seconded and passed. The planning committee will keep BBA members posted as progress on this project continues.
At this time the new 2008 officers were announced. They are as follows: President Sonia Outlaw-Clark; Secretary Ann Lytle; Treasurer Danny Dean; and Director-at-Large Joe Stephens.
The next meeting of the BBA will be at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at the Delta Room (behind Backyard Barbecue), 703 East Main.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Secretary