Minutes

Crisfield Chamber Board of Directors - Special Meeting
May 30, 2006

The Crisfield Chamber of Commerce held a special Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, May 30, 2006. The meeting was held upstairs at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation. Board members present were: President Steve Marshall, Chris Sterling, Chris Tyler, Charlotte Scott, Tom shores, Virginia Townsend, Wade Ward, Dean Goldsborough, Sue Heath, Terry Pehan, David Price, Vince Jordan, John Phoebus and Danny Thompson. Other members present were: Jay Tawes, Eddie Heath & Dan Kuebler. The reason for the special meeting was because there was so much on the agenda at the regular monthly meeting, that we didn’t have time to get to all items on the agenda.

President Steve Marshall brought the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The first issue was the Candidates Forum scheduled for June 8th. Charlotte Scott has agreed to chair the event and we thank her taking on such an important task. She has sent a letter to each candidate inviting them to attend. She has also contacted a moderator from Virginia and she has sent letters out to the Ministerial Association asking for support. Information will also be in the local papers, radio stations, etc. A budget of $1,000 has been set. We had set aside a budget of $1,000 for the scholarship committee, but they will not be using it this year, so a motion was made by John Phoebus to transfer this amount over to the forum committee. Vince Jordan seconded, no one opposed.

Jay Tawes, chairman of the Finance Committee, offered recommendations of changes for this year. A list was provided to those present. (also available this meeting). Terry Pehan asked about the $5,000 budget for the Christmas parade. Virginia Townsend stated that the parade committee might not need the full $5,000; it’s possible they may use only half of that. It’s too early in the year to tell, details are not finalized. On Jay’s list of recommendations, there were 8 items. John Phoebus motioned to accept items 1,2,3,4 & 8, with one change to number 8. The date should read 11/01/06, not 10/01/06. Items

5,6 & 7 are still pending. Charlotte Scott & Wade Ward seconded, no one opposed. On item 5, Virginia Towsend stated that all events should hand over their checkbooks, not just fishing tournament and Crab Derby. A vote was taken to accept #5; three (3) voted for, five (5) opposed, the rest did not vote, motion did not pass. No decision will be made until chairman of the fishing tournament can be notified of this. Valerie will talk to David Mason and George Tawes. Also, Virginia Townsend asked about cost of living increase each year for employees. Chris Sterling, finance committee member, stated that would be discussed for the 2007 budget.

Terry Pehan, By-Laws committee chairman, said that they have meet 3 times since the last board meeting and the process is moving along. The committee is doing a complete review and Terry will revise the draft and he should be done by late June. He stated that the membership dues fee will be up to the Membership Committee, headed by Patti Marshall and Finance Committee, headed by Jay Tawes.

No one from the Fishing Tournament was in attendance to give a report. But Valerie stated that David Mason and George Tawes have had several meetings with the tournament committee and things are coming together.

Danny Thompson, co-chair of the Clam Bake stated that the committee has met several times recently . Tickets are selling very well and hospitality spaces are sold out, with a long waiting list.

Virginia Townsend, chairman of the Crab Derby, said she is organizing her event, that her chairpersons are working on each event. Food vendor space is full, but we still need a few crafters.

Dan Kuebler, Governmental Affairs, said that the Somers Cove Marina is ready for the 2006 season. He stated that the second fishing center is now open, which has been closed for the last five (5) years. He also reported that there has been a lot of participation from DNR until the matter with Crisfield Associates. They are now hesitating to put money in the marina until the Crisfield Associates matter is settled.

Steve Marshall stated that the showmobile is in great need of repair. He will call Fritzi Gerald to go look at the stage and get suggestions from him.

Wade Ward asked who was in charge of the flower boxes on the sidewalks, in front of the city parking lot, near the City Dock. He said those two boxes have not been fixed up.

Vince Jordan, reported on the city/county airport. It’s still not clear about the lengthening or shortening of the runways. Steve suggested that someone from the Governmental Affairs committee go to the county commissions meeting and report back to the chamber.

An aerial picture-photo was taken of Crisfield and the chamber was asked if we were interested in buying it for $400.00. Valerie brought it to the meeting, but we voted against buying it because of the high cost.

Terry Pehan suggested that Valerie has some spending authority and some petty cash in the office. It was voted to give her $100.00 petty cash and up to $250.00 spending limit.

Danny Thompson made the motion; Chris Tyler seconded it, no opposed.

Terry Pehan suggested that the chamber office needs wall racks instead of the large floor racks that we have now. The floor racks take up a lot of room and are in bad shape.

Cost for the racks would be approximately $350.00 - $400.00. Terry made the motion, John Phoebus seconded, no opposed.

Terry Pehan suggested that there should be an employee’s performance evaluation, regarding raises, cost of living, needing extra office help, etc. Steve Marshall will establish an employee committee.

Torti Gallas will hold another community meeting tomorrow (June 1, 2006).  The Torti Gallas Group asked to meet privately with the chamber and the Crisfield Heritage Foundation before the public meeting. The board was undecided as to whether we should meet with them. Some members say we should meet with them, but on our terms – we determine the time and place. Other members say we should go and hear what they have to say. We have three (3) choices: to go, to not go or just go as individuals and not speak on behalf of the chamber. Motion was made by Terry Pehan that we should attend the meeting, seconded by David Price. It was voted seven (7) in favor of going, but not speaking on behalf of the chamber and four (4) voted to not go. So chamber members will go as individuals.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Mason,
Office Manager

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