South Central Reporter

City of Salem Tourism Board met April 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The Salem Tourism Board met Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Salem City Hall.

Chairman Jacob Hockett called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. Present were board members Brooke Frederick, Dana Hampton, Leon Chapman, Chairman Jacob Hockett and Secretary Suetta Oulrey. Janelle Smith was present at 5:07 pm.

Minutes

The minutes of the March 11, 2024 meeting were presented for action.

Leon Chapman made a motion to approve the minutes. Brooke Frederick seconded the motion. AYES: Leon Chapman, Brooke Frederick and Chairman Jacob Hockett. Dana Hampton Abstained. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

The March Treasurer’s Reports were presented for action.

Brooke Frederick made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Reports. Leon Chapman seconded the motion.

AYES: Leon Chapman, Dana Hampton, Brooke Frederick and Chairman Jacob Hockett. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Presentation of Petitions/Public Comments

Salem Airport Authority on May 18th we are having a day of free airplane rides in memory of Ralph Mirka who has given generously to the airport n the form of scholarships.

Josh Dice is requesting $500.00 grant monies for print and digital advertising to promote the event.

Leon Chapman made a motion to approve the $500.00. Brooke Frederick seconded the motion.

AYES: Dana Hampton, Leon Chapman, Brooke Frederick and Chairman Jacob Hockett. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

Grant Reports

Leah Dellicarpini like this issue needed brought back to Tourism meeting because last month the lease bundle from Artistic that the board approved has more than doubled. The board was all in agreement to not go with Artistic Holiday Designs after the huge price increase. Leon Chapman was all for purchasing from Holiday Outdoor Décor instead of leasing. Leon Chapman stated that Tourism would have Marion County (Kevin Cripps crew) to put up, take down, maintain and store every year as was discussed last meeting. Leon Chapman asked, so I take it that the board doesn’t want to purchase, leaning more toward leasing. Janelle Smith says that leasing the lights is a big draw to her. That way Tourism doesn’t have to worry about anything on the lights. Leon Chapman thinks purchasing and saving $20,000 is a no brainer and letting Marion County (Kevin Cripps and his crew) take care of put up, take down, maintaining and storing every year instead of leasing. Leon Chapman suggested as an idea. Tourism to purchase their own lights to be put on the Courthouse building (like Lights Are On In Salem) and be lit 365 days a year to save on expenses. Janelle Smith asked Leon Chapman what had been done in the past and if he was involved in the decorating. Leon Chapman stated that in the past it was done by city volunteers, not necessarily city employees. Janelle Smith, Brooke Frederick and Dana Hampton want Marion County (Kevin Cripps) at the next meeting, so they can hear from Cripps what he has in mind. The board all agreed to table this issue until the next meeting May 13, 2024.

Board Members Report

None.

Adjournment

Chairman Jacob Hockett as there was no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

Janelle Smith made a motion to adjourn. Leon Chapman seconded the motion.

AYES: Janelle Smith, Dana Hampton, Brooke Frederick, Leon Chapman and Chairman Jacob Hockett. NAYS: None. Motion carried.

The next regular Tourism meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024.

https://www.salemil.us/tourism-board/minutes/tourism-meeting-minutes-6