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Home My WebLink AboutRM030812 75th MinutesMINUTES OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE MARCH 8, 2012 STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF BRAZOS § Present: Linda Harvell, Chair Jerry Cooper Ann Hays Don Barber Jack Fugate Kim Fox Margaret Griffith Bill Harper Allison Mesorole Tracy Paine Honorable Ben White, former Mayor of College Station Dave Ruesink, City Council Place 6 Julie Schultz, City Council Place 5 City Staff: Sherry Mashburn, City Secretary Jacob Morris, Historic Records Coordinator Mike Neu, Multi-Media Coordinator Tony Scazzero, Concession Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department 1. Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present With a quorum present, the 75th Anniversary Committee was called to order by Chair Linda Harvell at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2012 in the College Station Conference Center, 1300 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77842. 2. Hear Visitors There were no visitors. 3. Discussion: Where We’ve Been . . . and Where We’re Going Chair Harvell introduced the attendees to one another and took attendance. The ensuing free-flowing discussion included the following high points regarding the following subjects: Book Project (Bill Harper, Jerry Cooper) Bill Harper and Jerry Cooper reported on the book project. Mr. Cooper stated that the negotiations for the contract for writing the book had become problematic. He stated that Mr. Harper would explain in more detail. Mr. Harper stated that the contract negotiations had become too contentious; he did not have an interest in pursuing the book project at this time. A lengthy general discussion of the problematic aspects of the contract negotiations and the book project ensued. Differing viewpoints regarding the project were expressed, and clarifications were made regarding the development, cost, and nature of the project thus far. Upon resolution of this discussion, Mr. Harper stated that he may possibly reconsider his decision regarding writing the book. Time Capsule Linda Harvell stated that the time capsule was still removed from event activities. She indicated that the items Patricia Cleere has been accumulating for the capsule will be used for development of other exhibits, and the time capsule will not appear on future agendas. c. Bush Library Exhibit Mike Neu reported that he had reached an agreement with the curator of Bush Library, Susie Cox. She offered over 2000 square feet of exhibit space for a 75th Anniversary exhibit to be displayed from October to December. He presented a handout with a summary of discussion items for the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee and a graphic of exhibit floor space (attachment). Committee discussed several ideas for exhibit content: The history of the development of local media (wtaw, kbtx, kamu, etc. Eagle) The history and development of local schools. Mike Neu indicated that he had spoken to Lance Jackson regarding Lincoln School history. Several members stated that items from A&M Consolidated would be available. The history and development of area businesses. The history of area healthcare. The physical and population growth of city. Items such as aerial views, GIS maps and info-graphs were being suggested. Texas A&M History. Mike Neu suggested a working partnership with Cushing Library to produce content. Notable and famous local individuals Development of local airport and other transportation (rail, interurban, auto etc.) Tracy Paine indicated that Former President George Bush may write a letter concerning College Station for display. The relationship between Bryan and College Station as twin cities. Mike Neu stressed the importance of collecting content by 75th members and volunteers, given the large amount of space available. All artifacts to be used need context in order to develop exhibit text and captions. He repeated that stories and artifacts need to be gathered as soon as possible. Committee discussed the legacy of exhibits after after the initial three-month exhibit at Bush library was finished. Committee suggested several locations for display, such as the conference center, city hall, or Brazos center, Ringer Library, and/or Arts Council locations. Linda Harvell asked if the proposed Bush Library exhibit was proposed in conjunction to/ or in lieu of the proposed Homecoming/Reunion event. Mike Neu stated that it could be either. Chair Harvell indicated that she prefer to continue with both proposed events. She expressed concern that the Bush Library exhibit alone would not be a sufficient draw. She indicated sufficient opportunities to raise funds should be explored before shelving the Homecoming/Reunion event. d. Homecoming/Reunion Linda Harvell reported that the Homecoming/Reunion Subcommittee has developed a proposal for a celebration at Veterans Park. She presented a handout summarizing the proposed event timeline (attachment). As proposed, the event will begin at 10 a.m. and several items are included in the handout. She emphasized that several small committees are needed for different aspects of the event, for the following purposes: Contact local car clubs and the Parks department for an automobile exhibit Recruit food vendors. Exhibits Work with Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board Recruit local entertainers Develop the vintage softball game Develop the proposed dinner Dave Ruesink stated that the exact date of the event is still undetermined, until the SEC schedule for Texas A&M is announced, in order to avoid conflict. Tony Scazzero stated that people do not tend to spend entire days at events, instead only visiting for shorter periods, he encouraged planning the event for short-duration visitors. It was stated that the city would provide beverages for concessions, and outside vendors could be explored for food items. Tony Scazzero stated that the City should also sell food in areas where it is already done, in order to avoid lost revenue. If non-profits are explored as potential food vendors, he cautioned that a food handlers license is necessary to prevent health code violations. Kim Fox stated that some local churches may have food handlers licenses. e. Fundraising Chair Harvell suggested exploring private sponsorship of aspects of 75th Anniversary-related activities. She encouraged members to think of fundraising ideas. Margaret Griffith stated that she has the name of the company that produced the bricks at Veterans Park. Tracy Paine stated that the Bush Library might possibly be able to utilize their exhibit kickoff budget for the exhibit. f. P/R and Marketing Mike Neu stated that the city would be heavily marketing 75th Anniversary throughout the year. He and Linda Harvell discussed options to cross-market the Bush Library exhibit and the Veterans Park event. They agreed that the Homecoming/Reunion event should be media-focused. Ben White stated that the target audience for the Bush Library exhibit should be determined to shape marketing efforts. Margaret Griffith suggested that the anniversary could be marketed at the A&M Consolidated homecoming. g. Budget Linda Harvell stated that a budget for the event is being developed. Julie Schultz suggested submitting a proposed budget as soon as possible. She suggested that the Parks Department could assist in developing quality visuals to describe the event to the City Council. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE 75th ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012. 4. Adjournment MOTION: There being no further business, the Regular Meeting of the 75th Anniversary Committee was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2012. ________________________ Chair ATTEST: _______________________ Secretary