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MINUTES
Shawnee Downtown Partnership
January 25, 2007
6:00 p.m.
Community Room, City Hall
The January 25, 2007 meeting of the Shawnee Downtown Partnership was
called to order by Chairman David Morris at 6:05 p.m. Those members present
were: Carol Gonzales, David Morris, Frank Thompson, Jim Martin, Neal Sawyer,
Nick Burke, Paul Chaffee, Shay Elder, Wanda Jenkins, Nick Pflumm, Connie
Harrell, Greg Kindle, Mike Unterreiner, and Mayor Jeff Meyers.
David Morris introduced Greg Kindle as the newest member of the SDP. Greg
works for KCP&L.
1.
Sub-Committee Reports
a. Marketing and Public Relations
Marketing will continue its efforts to promote Downtown, working with the
various subcommittees. Mark Mollentine also mentioned that David Morris
was featured in a local foods magazine.
b. Special Events and Beautification
The Committee is looking at new ideas to shape and improve Shawnee
Christmas Around Town 2007. This might include offering collectables to
get people into local shops, moving the location of the event, or other
things. Shay Elder has agreed to co-chair the event this year.
The Beauty and the Best Downtown Cleanup is set for Saturday May 5 th.
Connie Harrell motioned that the goal is to obtain 10 sponsors for $250
each to cover the entire event. A few changes this year: there will be one
larger main prize for attendance instead of multiple smaller ones, the
committee will probably not provide t-shirts or hats, we will move more into
the neighborhoods.
Connie is going to look into SDP shirts. Nick Burke also recommended
that they consider badges.
c. Business Association
The SDBA will begin meeting the first Wednesday of every month at 6 PM
at Pegah’s. The group will work on welcoming new businesses, planning
the picnic, and working on the Car & Bike Show. Neal Sawyer suggested
that the group provide information regarding the City to new businesses.
Jim Martin mentioned that the chamber has some items that it gives out as
well.
Connie Harrell recommended that the SDBA look at some type of window
decal or other identifier so that people can see who is a member.
d. Finance and Business Development
The Committee is moving forward with its plans to invite interested
persons to meet and discuss the future of downtown development. 12 to
13 people would be invited to the first lunch. The basic idea will be
brainstorming. We will also present what we have done so far.
2.
Miscellaneous Items
a. Banner Poles
We hope to have banners up before Old Shawnee Days. The group felt
that no further action was needed from the SDP and that things should be
moved forward.
b. Long Term Goals
David Morris brought up that although much had been done, there was
still much left to do. One item that might be a priority is completing the
survey on Nieman Road. This would allow people to plan individual
properties better knowing the future plan of the streetscape. Another
desire would be to connect Downtown Shawnee with the larger bike trail.
Basically, Downtown Shawnee needs to get “on the map.” David Morris
did mention that he appreciated everyone’s time.
Jim Martin agreed that there was still a need to push forward. People
sometimes thought that the work was done and Downtown redeveloped.
Mayor Jeff Meyers mentioned that he had also had conversations with
people in which they were surprised to hear that there was still more to be
done.
A few things in the work, the potential deli is trying to work with tighter
Johnson County regulations, the Aztec has renewed interest from Wade
Williams, and the City would like to see some adjustment with the Post
Office parking lot.
c. Donovan’s Service
A discussion was held regarding work to be completed at Donovan’s
Service. It was noted that Donovan’s was eligible for a 2007 grant since
the 2006 grant had expired. Policy Statement 47 states that an individual
can receive a grant even if they failed to use one in a previous year as
long as the grants are not all spoken for by January 15th.
d. Work Plans and Budget
All members were provided with 2007 Work Plans and Budgets
The meeting adjourned at 7:20