02/14/2023 MinutesMINUTES OF THE MAIN STREET BOARD MEETING
OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS
14 February 2023
The Main Street Board of the City of Paris met for a regular session at 4:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at the Paris City Hall, Paris City Council Chambers, 107 E.
Kaufi-nan Paris, Texas 75460.
Present:
Absent:
Board Members: Greg Kee, Tracy Dougherty, Glee Emmite, Chad
Lindsey, Tyrone Hayden, Kari Daniel
City Representatives: Cheri Bedford, Main Street Manager; Andrew
Mack, Director of Planning & Community
Development; Rob Vine, Assistant City Manager;
Mihir Pankaj, Council Liaison; Becky Semple,
Visitors and Convention Council Liaison
Board Members: William Walker
City Representatives: Shatar Moore, City Council Liaison
Present: Micah Bedford 975 33rd St SE Paris, Tx 75460 903.715.3368
1. Call meeting to order.
Greg Kee, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
2. Citizens' Forum.
None.
Approve minutes from the meeting of January 10, 2023. A Motion to approve the
minutes was made by Board Member Kari Daniel and seconded by Board Member
Tyrone Hayden. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
4. The Main Street Building Improvement Grant (BIG) for the project located at 131-135
Lamar Ave was reviewed. Micah Bedford reported that the air conditioner units were
removed and three sets of windows on the top floor were placed to match the current
windows. Some transom windows were repaired. The owner has submitted several
receipts. A motion was made by Board Member Chad Lindsey to approve the
reimbursement request, seconded by Board Member Kari Daniel. Motion carried, 6 ayes
— 0 nays.
5. Receive Activity Report from Glee Emmite regarding City Maps. A Georgetown, Texas
City Map was presented as an example of a more simplified but easy to use map with a
lot of information to include historical markers. Murals could be included too. Mihir
Pankaj said the new format would be very useful for hotel guests. Include Distrx on new
map.
Receive Activity Report from Greg Kee regarding Wine Fest. Seven food vendors have
confirmed participation. He's waiting to hear from four more. Paris House has shown
interest. All the wine vendors are confirmed. Looking at a different vendor for the wine
glasses. Lanyards, bags and wrist bands have been selected. Jotform is the platform used
to sell tickets. Deadcat Media is helping with Facebook promotion and creating a
promotional video. Tickets are available, please promote.
Receive Activity Report from Tracy Dougherty regarding The Paris Downtown
Association (PDA). At the last meeting the benefits of the Distrx App were promoted.
The Galentines Event last Saturday was a success. Mini -Golf is transitioning from a Main
Street Event to a PDA Event. March 1St" 11:00 — 5:00 p.m. is Mini -Golf with 13
businesses participating. Sponsors are Bee Sweet and Health 4 U.
Receive Activity Report from Glee Emmite regarding the Historical Preservation
Committee. An event, April 27t", is planned to publicize possibly making the Nationally
Registered District located on Pine Bluff and Fitzhugh streets a local Historic District.
The event will include a walking tour and hospitality at the Church of God in Christ.
Imagine the Possibilities, May 13"', will celebrate a historic marker commemorating the
first Coca-Cola sold in Texas. Also, a tour of buildings in the Historic District that are
available for rent or sale. The Solomon Building is complete and received a tax
abatement certificate and facade grant. Two other businesses received their fagade grants
of $2,500.
Receive Activity Report from Becky Semple, Chamber of Commerce Visitors and
Convention Council Liaison. Distributed copies of the Paris, Texas Your Biking
Destination book. Saturday is the Wade Bowen concert at the Civic Center. The Barber
Hills Bike Race, February 0' & 5"' was a success with 244 racers. Planning for the Solar
Eclipse next year, April 8t", 2024.
6. Cheri Bedford, Main Street Coordinator, discussed the Main Street Work Plan. The Self -
Assessment Tool was submitted to the state. The state will review how we evaluated
ourselves. Working hard to meet the standards on the assessment. Need to do a better job
telling the story of the Main Street work to the City Council. Need to develop a volunteer
appreciation program. Cheri highlighted where Main Street is doing well and where
improvements are needed. The Top Priorities are: 1. Support the Toole Plan. 2.
Downtown Lighting. 3. Cultural District Development. 4. Street Scape.
The biggest complaint is traffic is too fast through downtown!! Several measures are
being taken to implement Traffic Calming, slowing down traffic.
An enhancement grant is in the process to connect the Trail to downtown.
HPC is considering increasing the amount of faqade grants. A committee was created to
advise: Jennifer Long, Maureen Hammond, Sherry White, Andrew Mack, Linda Knox
and Paul Allen.
7. Future Agenda Items: Main Street Board meet to go over Work Plan. Cheri will send out
several potential dates.
Adjournment.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Board Member Chad
Lindsey and seconded by Board Member Glee Emmite. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays.
Greg Kee, Main Street Chairman adjourned the meeting at 5:45.