DUNDY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEETING MINUTES - November 1, 2007 - COMMUNITY BUILDING

The meeting was opened by Treasurer, Gary Clark. in the absence of President, Rita Jones. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Benkelman Community Building.

Minutes from the October meeting were approved as read.

The Treasurer's report was approved as read.

OLD BUSINESS

The following "action committee" reports were made.

1. Benkelman Beautification/Improvement Group: Gary Clark reported

a. Fire hydrants are painted, with three left to paint. If anyone finds one that was missed, report to Gary. A big thank you to Nicole Sis and Linda Jones who did a large number of the hydrants. Any other painters should make themselves known. Thank you to all volunteers who made the hydrants look great.

b. The painting at the park is underway and Joya Neville and the CYO painted the bug. Many thanks for the help.

c. The handicapped handrail project work continues, with efforts to find funding. Randy Hudson is continuing to work on a jig to make the unusual handrails needed in some spots. Anyone can let Gary Clark their ideas for location and Gary will check with the city to get approval.

d. American Flag restoration at the Legion Hall location continues. The city moved the two power poles leaving the area unencumbered so that cement work and other embellishments can be added. Thank you to the city government and workers for their prompt attention to this matter. There will be activity to improve the ditch in front of the flag in the spring and the promise to keep it clear of weeds seems ironclad.

e. Any one with other improvement projects in mind should contact Gary Clark.

f. An effort to clean off the dead timber and weeds across from the west Welcome to Benkelman sign will begin. Ben Blecha will contact the Nebraska Department of Roads office in McCook to determine what will be required to get the job done on the state's right-of-way.

2.WEBSITE COMMUNICATIONS: Scott Vanderford reported.

a. Scott asked for any suggested changes to the proposal that was handed out last month for the use of the website. After brief discussion, it was determined that the proposal was fine and no new suggestions were made. Therefore, it was MOVED AND SECONDED and unanimously approved by the body to operate the Chamber of Commerce Website according to the proposal presented at the October, 2007, meeting.

3. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION: Ben Blecha reported

a. Ben is awaiting a mock-up for this project so will report when he receives it. Nothing else was reported.

4. FUNDING: Pat Rotherham was not present so there was no report.

5. HOUSING: Jim Owens was not present but the committee met and work continues.

6. RETAIL/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: No overall report was given as none of the committee members was present. However, some subcommittee reports follow:

a. SWNCBC Representative, Ben Blecha reported on various housing projects which were available for which low and moderate income individual and families can apply . Harlan Cansler reported that the city is going to have a similar program available as soon as the grant is approved and expects it to be soon. Applications are already in the city office.

b. HANDRAIL project. Report made earlier herein.

c. PA System: No report

d. POPULATION AND GROWTH REPORT Plan: No report

e. CHRISTMAS PROMOTION followup: a brief discussion indicated that everything was on track with no complications.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Report from meeting with Wally Storey, representative of ALCO. Bill Lewis read the letter Mr. Storey sent and requested permission to have the paper print it. The group agreed it was an excellent idea as it touched upon all the issues the Chamber has been discussing and will enlighten the readers as to an outsiders view of Benkelman. The effort to bring ALCO to town is over since the population base is "light," according to Mr. Storey.

2. SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM: Ben Blecha reported

a. Ben proposed a program to spotlight a different subject each week in an ad, denominated the "Spotlight Program." The purpose is to bring to the attention of individuals and businesses reading the paper or viewing the Chamber's website or viewing Channel 11 a variety of programs, business improvement ideas and any other appropriate thing for the Chamber to promote and to have the Chamber's logo attached to the "Spotlight Program." The proposed cost for this program to be published in the "Benkelman Post" newspaper is $988.00.

Linda Melchert moved that the "Spotlight Program" be approved as proposed. Judy Owens seconded the motion. A long discussion ensued but after suggested and non-action amendments were made, the motion passed on a 4 in favor, 2 against vote. Ben Blecha will handle the program and change the spotlights each week. Anyone who has a suggestion for the "spotlight" should contact Ben.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Benkelman Community Building. We welcome all newcomers.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Judith L. Owens, Secretary