HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes February 15, 2011_201402041407580352Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, February 15, 2011
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Gene Mahon, Chairman, James Blunt and Louise Swift
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:05pm.
The first item on the agenda was the monthly update. David read the figures for
the month of January.
The budget was the second item on the agenda. Kate reported that she asked for 2
extra people for FY12, but was turned down. Kate reported she may have to close the
Straight Wharf kiosk and staff the office with 8 people in order to better serve the public.
Kate added that she had to fill out an updated Hiring Freeze Exemption form for the
Information Aides and it has not been signed by Libby Gibson. If the form is not signed
than the office will be closed for the upcoming President’s Day Weekend.
The Fireworks Plan and Update was the next item on the agenda. Kate asked the
committee to attend tomorrow night’s Board of Selectmen meeting. There will be a major
good news announcement regarding the fundraising.
The fourth item on the agenda was the ReMain Nantucket Parking Seminar
scheduled for Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 18. Kate reported that she has
been asked by ReMain to help get the word out about this seminar that discusses a new
parking system for downtown. Kate will attend the 5:30pm session on Thursday and
David will attend the 8:00am session on Friday. The committee noted the timing of the
Electric Company’s possible sale of its property which could affect the Wilkes Square
project and the potential parking garage.
Linda Williams arrived at 3:15pm. Kate updated her on the previous discussion.
The July 2, 2011 Farmer’s Market was the 5th item on the agenda. Kate reported
that she has talked with Sustainable Nantucket’s Morgan Beryl about potential handicap
issues with the brick cobblestones.
Staffing was the next item on the agenda. Kate reminded the committee that she is
requesting 2 extra people for FY12.
The 7th item on the agenda was Town meeting. Kate reported that it is scheduled
for April 4. Article 31 is a Rental Tax. This is a home rule petition that must be put in
each year if it does not pass the previous year.
New Business was the last item on the agenda. Kate reported that she plans to
post a blog on the Visitor Services webpage. Her first blog will be an introduction and
personal history of Nantucket which helps Kate as Director of Visitor Services A blog
does not cost any money and could be a way to continue to draw people to the web site.
James Blunt announced his resignation from the committee. He will be moving to
Middleburg, Virginia to manage an inn. Kate suggested that his replacement on
Nantucket apply for his position on the committee.
The committee also discussed other possible applicants including outgoing
Restaurant Association president, John O’Connor. It was noted that the Boarding House’s
Angela Raynor will be replacing John. The committee discussed other new restaurants
opening up including Michael Sturgis’ Brick Bistro at the Jared Coffin House, Jonas
Baker’s 12 Degrees East in the old Cambridge Street Victuals and Tom Cassno running
what was El Rincon on Old South Road.
Gene adjourned the meeting at 3:37pm.