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08-B Main Street (8/27/03) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2003, 3:00 P.M. 50 WEST HICKORY STREET 1. Present Board Members: Pike Burkhart, Bally Gant, Suzy Harper, Rene Harvey, David House, Cari Johnson, Zach Saffle and Barbara Wilson Absent: Patsy Davis, Linda Suarez and Karen Wilkerson 2. Meeting called to order at 3:00 pm and Terry Townsend introduced the new Main Street Coordinator, Lindsey Harper, and welcomed the four new members to the advisory board: Pike Burkhart, Baily Gant, Carl Johnson and Rene Harvey. 3. Terry Townsend explained that there was not a quorum at the previous meeting held on June 25, 2003, therefore; there were no minutes to review. 4. Discussion of 2004 Ten Criteria Survey - Texas Main Street: Terry Townsend explained the significance of the annual report and that it was to keep the Texas Main Street board abreast of infoimation and events which have resulted from the Main Street project. Lindsey Harper provided hand outs to the board informing them of what the survey entailed and followed up with infol~uation from her interim Main Street training in Austin last week. 5. Discussion of Potential Park/Picnic Areas Downtown: Barbara Wilson reported that she had spoken to the attorney of the Brown estate and has approached the Mayor to seek approval for the property to be donated to the City of Paris. Main Street would then oversee the project through its renovations. Terry Townsend voiced that for liability purposes, the walls that were burnt, but still standing, would probably have to come down. Lindsey Harper said that she would research other designs from other cities that have similar parks. Main Street Advisory Board August 27, 2003 Page 2 6. Discussion of Streetscape Project: Terry Townsend gave an overview for the new board members as to what the Streetscape Project will entail. He commented that the Streetscape Project is an effort to make improvements on the downtown square. The Streetscape Project will concentrate on issues such as pouring new concrete, landscaping and street lighting. It will also include stamped asphalt crosswalks. Townsend also discussed the ADA requirements, regarding the additional handicap parking spaces that will be added in the square. Additionally, Terry Townsend explained that due to Oncor standards, the gas meters that are currently in the sidewalk will have to come out and be installed above ground. Sixteen merchants could be affected, due to the replumbing of the meters. Pike Burkhart suggested that an air test be done prior to the actual test in order to help prevent any major complications. 7. Discussion of Christmas Decorations: Suzy Harper suggested that more Christmas banners be made. The board agreed to have lights in the trees again this year. David House discussed the idea of having lights lining the outside of each building on a year round basis. Terry Townsend commented that the lights would have to be metered on the comer which could be the city' s responsibility to maintain in order to have each building aesthetically consistent. No further discussion was made during the meeting. 8. Discussion of Removing Old Signs from Non Existing Buildings: Barbara Wilson asked if there was an ordinance that would help rid the problem of defunct restaurant and bUsiness signs which are visible in the downtown area. Lindsey Harper said she would research other cities that have set ordinances regarding this issue. 9. Discussion of Possible Trash Pick-up Solutions: Bally Gant, Cari Johnson and Zach Saffle informed the board on how they handle the trash pick-up within their stores. David House stated that many business owners have massive amounts of trash ( large boxes, etc. ) and have no where to keep it before discarding of it. Barbara Wilson suggested we work with the merchants to find a reasonable solution. Suzy Harper said she would call Barney Bray and consult him on the issue. Main Street Advisory Board August 27, 2003 Page 3 10. Discussion of Pumpkin Festival Coordination: Lindsey Harper updated the board on the food and craft vendors that have signed up to participate in the festival. She spoke about the sponsors and donations to date. Cari Johnson informed the board of the design and theme that the downtown merchants are planning to use to decorate in front of their stores. 11. Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. and next meeting scheduled for September 24, 2003.