Pecatonica Improvement Association

“The purpose of this association is to promote the betterment of the Pecatonica area”

Meeting Minutes for meeting held on March 3, 2004

President: Mary Ann Newton Vice President: Donald Sandell

Member at large: Ed Smith

Treasurer: Joy Seaton Secretary: Janet Fuenty

Members in attendance: Don Sandell, Joy Seaton, George Anderson, Jackie Moyer, Joan Cunningham, Ed Smith, Mary Ann Newton, Janet Fuenty Ruby Kramer, Laura Wiegert and Jeff Sterling

Meeting called to order by Mary Ann Newton at 8:05 a.m.

Welcome to new members and guests. Guests in attendance were Charlene Coulombe, Director of Winnebago County Regional Planning and Development, and C.J. Gregg, professional festival promoter and director.

President’s Message: None.

Treasurer’s Report was distributed and summarized by Joy Seaton. Thank you to the Pecatonica Women’s Club for their generous donation of $100.00 to be used toward repainting the Welcome sign near the Middle School.

Minutes of the last meeting were distributed. Minutes are e-mailed to members for which we have addresses. Minutes are also available on-line at pecweb.com. Donald Sandell moved that the minutes of the last meeting be approved, Ed Smith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

New members and businesses are always encouraged.

Agenda additions: Charlene Coulombe, Director of Winnebago County Regional Planning and Development wished to address the attending members as summarized below.

Committee Reports

Finance and Administration Committee: No report was made.

Membership Committee: No report was made. Joy Seaton distributed a new list of current membership.

Streetscape Committee: George Anderson obtained some preliminary information on rope lighting to outline the downtown businesses. The cost is estimated at $14.00 per linear foot. Rope lights are weather proof and are estimated, but not guaranteed to last for 100,000 hours (35 years at 8 hours per day). We would required approximately 6,000 feet.

Advertising and Business Promotion: No report was made.

Crooked River Days: No report was made.

Old Business

Valentine Promotion: Mary Ann Newton reported that the event was quite successful raising $65.00, which will be used for advertising a spring sidewalk sale. Although local participating businesses were to keep half of the proceeds of the sale, many contributed 100% of their proceeds. Thank you for your participation and generocity.

Spring Sidewalk Sale: Mary Ann Newton proposes this be done during the Pec Thing in May. She also proposed we incorporate a craft fair and locate it in the parking lot near the Pec Playhouse. Promotion problems were generally discussed. Signs promoting the sidewalk sales downtown could be placed at the corner of Main and Seventh and Mary Ann Newton will speak with the Fair Association regarding placing signs at the fairgrounds. Also proposed were maps marking sales throughout the Village.

New Business

Pecatonica Directory Mailing: Mary Ann Newton suggested PIA may wish to consider mass mailing a business directory to residents of Winnebago, Pecatonica and Durand. Approximately 4,600 pieces would be required. It was also discussed that Davis would need to be included to cover Lake Summerset.

Haunted Pecatonica: Mary Ann Newton put up for discussion an October event in conjunction with the Pec Playhouse.

Gift Certificates: Mary Ann Newton would like to make stickers available for businesses to display indicating that they will accept PIA gift certificates.

Charlene Coulombe, Director of Winnebago County Regional Planning and Development addressed the attending members regarding a promotional, tourism guide and atlas the county intends to publish. They are seeking support from local communities and business associations. The cost of the book will be covered by advertising. If local businesses, the names of which PIA would supply, advertise, PIA will receive 10% of the ad proceeds. PIA will incur no cost for their participation. Janet Fuenty moved that PIA provide the letter of support the county is seeking. The motion was seconded by Mary Ann Newton and passed unanimously. Don Sandell volunteered to draft the letter and be the contact person. Ed Smith moved that Don Sandell be appointed as contact person. The motion was seconded by Joy Seaton and carried unanimously.

C.J. Gregg, a professional festival organizer and promoter addressed the group regarding Crooked River Days festival. She made several suggestions, including the addition of a food tent, a beer tent and entertainment. A larger festival will require many volunteers. Her fees were discussed and a committee was formed. Jackie Moyer and Joan Cunningham volunteered to be on the committee. Additional members and a chairman are needed. The first question to be determined will be whether members and the community wish to continue with the festival.

Next meeting will be Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. at the Stonewall Café.