Board Meeting Minutes - July
Board of Directors Meeting Chattanooga BID/Downtown Chattanooga Alliance
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm-3:16 pm
Location: By Zoom
1. CALL TO ORDER
Steve Hunt, Chairman of the Chattanooga BID, called the meeting to order. Board members attending were Kelly Fitzgerald, Walter Johnson, Travis Lytle, Lisa Maragnano, Matt McCauley, Donald O’Connor, Erskine Oglesby, Charles Perry, Darian Scott, and Gordan Stalans.
Not attending were Pierre Dabit, Todd Gardenhire, Robin Smith and Ember Souchet.
Also present were Julia Bursch of River City Company, Steve Brookes, Executive Director of the Chattanooga BID, Ashley Cannon of Block by Block, and Chico Lockhart of Block by Block.
2. The Executive Committee minutes of July 8, 2020 were approved. The Board minutes of May 20, 2020 and June 17, 2020 were approved.
3. A. Cannon of Block by Block reported on the recruitment process and other efforts to prepare for the August 1, 2020 launch. C. Lockhart reported on his assessment of the streets in the BID, especially Market and Broad.
4. G. Stalans of the Finance Committee reported that $756,000 in assessment fees have been collected. All property owners who have not yet paid have been contacted. Negotiations with the four non-profits which have sought reduction/elimination of their assessments are ongoing.
3. OLD BUSINESS
i. A motion to approve a lease agreement for offices at 407 Broad Street was approved unanimously.
ii. There was discussion of the committee structure (including a strategic planning committee, a community outreach committee, and a nominating committee). Volunteers and suggestions for potential members are sought.
4. NEW BUSINESS
i. R. Ruiz of Miller and Martin has addressed the implications of the TN Open Meetings Act and the TN Open Records Act for the DCA. Any questions from Board members on these matters should be addressed to her.
ii. There was discussion as to how to hear from stakeholders in the district.
5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE
S. Brookes reported on his efforts to prepare for the August 1 launch. He is at work on the employee handbook and insurance issues. The Block by Block contract is nearing completion, and Block by Block has made a decision as to recommending an individual for the operations manager position.
The meeting adjourned at 3:16 p.m.