Minutes of LBMA Regular Meeting, 11/07/08
Friday, November 7th, 2008Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, November 7, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
CALL TO ORDER 8:06 am by Secretary Keleigh Schwartz; Steven and Mikel were both delayed temporarily and joined the meeting during Unfinished Business.
INTRODUCTIONS Ruth Ann Hocking, Sherry Hash, Dian Barker-Sayce, Laura Price, Larkin Stentz, Dave Little, Steve Watts, Wayne O’Dell, Cheryl Harper, Al Harper, Steve Kidd Jessica Kidd, Jeff Harrell, Eve O’Dell, Jill Grey, Dale Jacobson, Ragan Andrew, Merry Scharfe, Keith Schwartz, Keleigh Schwartz.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion Ragan Andrew. 2nd Ruth Ann Hocking. Unanimously approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT Sherry Hash gave a verbal and written report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Election of Officers. Nominations are open; elections next month. Dian Barker-Sayce nominated Merry Scharfe for Vice President; seconded by Keith Schwartz. Steve Kidd and Dave Little both self-nominated to the position of Liaison to the Ilwaco Merchants and Ocean Park Chamber. Also needed is a liaison to the Long Beach City Council as well as co-chair and volunteers for the Beach Run. Ruth Ann and Keleigh implored more participation in festival event committees.
NEW BUSINESS
Al Harper, Lions Club, spoke about the Cribbage Tournament (November 14-15th) and requested a $30 donation for a plaque; it would have LBMA’s name on it and go to a winner. Last year, the Lions paid for a plaque on our behalf. Sherry Hash moved and Ragan Andrew seconded the $30 donation. Al also asked for donated items for gift bags or some other donation for the Lion’s conference here March 13-14th.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08. Steven Linhart and Ragan passed out Rack cards advertising the event. Santa’s Chair, a hand-made, red velvet chair Ruth Ann had donated 20+ years ago. It has been stored in the City Shop and was in desperate need of repair. Steven and Ragan took it to an upholsterer who wants $400 to do the work. Donations would be much appreciated. Day of event volunteers are needed for set up and decorating Friday at 4pm.
LBMA After Hours, 12/04/08, World Kite Museum. Ruth Ann Hocking passed a sign-up sheet for the potluck. Please bring a beautifully wrapped gift (something you want to get rid of) and a potluck dish. Enjoy a party at the World Kite Museum beginning at 6:00 pm on December 4th.
Blue Grass Festival, 03/27-28-29/09. Ruth Ann Hocking reported there will be 9 bands in 2009 and she is getting a lot of email regarding the event.
Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/13/09. Sherry Hash; no report.
Doggie Olympic Games, 06/19-20/09. Jill Grey reported that the committee is busy with a variety of ideas for this year’s event, including a dog dancing demonstration for the Friday evening party. They are contacting a variety of dog-centric organizations to set up booths with information on their efforts. Save the Date cards were circulated; 1000 have been distributed; another 600 will be mailed to prior participants and I-5 corridor businesses. Two events, one puppy, one senior, will be no-cost. The group is looking for a flat bed truck and driver for use during the Loyalty Days Parade. Sherry Hash suggested Jill contact Oman & Sons.
SandSations, 07/17-18/09. Dian Barker-Sayce asked about the City’s budget process. Steven reported that it will be finalized next week, then there will be a public hearing prior to final adoption by the Council. It appears that all the events will be funded at the level of their request.
Jake’s Birthday, 08/08/09. Keleigh Schwartz reported that Wendy Murry has been working her connections in the alternative art and music worlds. Day of event volunteers are needed.
Kite Festival, 08/17-23/09. Jane Holeman; no report; Jane’s grandson was born last night!
OTHER REPORTS
City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mikel Burns deferred to Steven Linhart, who reported no action taken; without the leadership of Fred Cook, there was a void.
Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Una Boyle reported that Jill Grey has moved on to working for the Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort. The membership drive has been finalized. Festival & Event Chairs are encouraged to continue to get information to the LBPVB as it becomes available. This weekend is ‘Ocian in View’. Tsunami warning tests are temporarily called off due to problems with the equipment. Pocket calendars should be available before Thanksgiving at Midway Printery. Larkin commented on how much he liked the recent email sent out to visitors.
Liaison. Steven Linhart reported the Ilwaco Crab Pot Christmas Tree lighting wll be December 6th, 5:15 pm, along with caroling and refreshments, followed by the lighted boat parade. All are welcome to go on the boats to Cape Disappointment and back. Astoria Air Service is nearly here; travel to Portland $139. There are talks with another airline to co-op service so as to include Seattle. The City sent out window display contest letters. Ocean Park is moving their events to the Beach Barons field so as to have more room for vendors and other activities.
National Heritage Area. Gayle Borchard; no report.
Kite Museum. Sherry Hash encouraged all to attend the Bob Milne concert on Saturday. Tour the museum starting at 2pm (included in ticket price of $35) and then enjoy the concert, along with wine and nibbles.
Loyalty Days, 05/01-03/09. Ruth Ann reported that Abraham Lincoln is coming to town and there are new parade entries. There is some novelty interest in the event due to the length of time it has been running. Banquet tables will soon be available.
Surf Perch Derby 05/09/09. Dale Jacobson announced the event is ALWAYS the first Saturday after Mother’s Day. An average catch could be a 5-gallon bucketful of fish. Al Harper noted they have added a prize that rolls forward if not won, as long as 5 years. The prize is won by catching a fish over a certain weight.
SummerFest, May-August. Ragan Andrew; no report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LB City Council Meeting: Monday, November 17, 2008, 7:00 pm, City Hall. Fred Cook’s replacement will be interviewed and chosen.
LBMA Board Meeting: Friday, November 21, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
LB City Council Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2008, 7:00 pm, City Hall
LBMA Regular Meeting: Friday, December 5, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
All are invited November 20th, 5:30 -7:00 pm, Astoria Warrenton Chamber After Hours at Astoria Pointe. If enough want to go, Ragan will arrange the trolley to take us over.
Boys & Girls Club will open one week from today, with events at Long Beach Elementary. The group is leasing a bus so as to transport children from Ocean Park School to Long Beach Elementary.
Dale Jacobson announced he is now officially an Astoria Merchant.
Mikel apologized for being late due to car trouble.
Jeff Harrell announced the Pharmacy will be having its 25% off sale the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
Steve Watts announced his office has applicants if anyone is looking for employees. They will help with screening. Call Employment Securities Office.
Al Harper announced the Lions will be taking orders next week. The Alternative School will be making the calls; if you didn’t get garland last year, you won’t be called, so call the Harpers at 642-8322.
ADJOURNMENT 8:58 by Vice President Steven Linhart.
