Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Advisory Board met Thursday at the CSi Technology Center, at Historic Franklin School.

Board Members present:

President, Matt Woods, Taylor Barnes, Janna Bergstedt, and Mitzi Hager.

Ex-Officio Members present:  Pam Phillips, Jamestown City Council, Pam Fosse, Jamestown Civic Center Manager.

Grant requests heard came from representatives from:

The Duel in the Dirt Bull Riding event.

The Jamestown Classic Car Club’s  Winter Wheels Show

The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, concerning museum interpretation.

 

The board heard a grant request in the amount of $5,000 from Justin Stringer for Five Star Bucking Bulls/Jamestown Civic Center toward advertising expenses, for the Duel in The Dirt Bull Riding, Series Final November 17, 18, 2017 at the Civic Center.

Specifically promoting the new mini-bull riding event for youth 9-14 years old.

Other funding sources include:  $3,000 from sponsors, along with $13,000 from rider entries.

The economic impact for the community for the event is estimated at $200,000, with 2,000 visitors, plus participants.

The Grant/Executive Board approved the $5,000 request, as in 2016 the event drew 1,500 rodeo fans, with 75 percent, plus, coming from outside the community.

In 2016 the board granted the request of $8,500 and this year’s $5,000 grant request approved represents supporting the event on a sliding scale that recognizes its potential impact on Jamestown businesses.

 

The Jamestown Classic Car Club requested $1,500 to $2,000  in a grant, toward advertising and promotion of the  Winter Wheels Car Show, on January 27. 2018, at the Jamestown Civic Center.

Representative Jack Meikle said the economic impact on the community is around $50,000.

The board approved $1,500 in grant funding, as an example of a community event that draws regional visitors.

 

The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse Historic Site, requested $1,200 for interpretive signs/panels, planned to be installed in early 2018, he said would improve the visitors experience.

Speaking on behalf of Steve Reidburn, Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund said, the panels will be installed at the courtroom door, jury booth, judges chamber, witness booth, at the 1861 piano, the attorney conference room and at the site of the future elevator.

The 1883 Courthouse Committee has allocated $200 toward the project.

Design costs provided by Newman Signs.

The Grant Executive Advisory Board recommends granting $900, pending approval of printed materials, stating that finding ways to better tell the story of Jamestown is at the core, of how this project will help interpret and engage the visitor.

 

In other business the board reviewed Event Grants, and approved any changes, with recommendations going to the full Tourism Board.

The board also heard a brief presentation by Matt Woods, on the  Executive Director Searle Swedlund’s Annual Review.

He said the review was generally positive.

The board approved Year End Bonuses for Tourism Director, and Secretary Emily Bivens, with Swedlund receiving a 3-percent increase over the 2016 bonus.

Nomination Committee business:  The  Grant/Executive Advisory Board recommends nominating UJ Athletic Director Sean Johnson, and Wells Fargo Jamestown Branch Manager, Amanda Thrift.  The nominations will go to the full board at the Annual Meeting.

Developing staffing grant expectations was discussed at length, including greeter responsibilities with emphasis on interpretive issues at each location to enhance the visitors experience.

It was also noted that those entities funded by Tourism have their logo included in printed materials, indicating Jamestown Tourism funding.

With the Ex-Officio Report:

Pam Phillip gave an update on Jamestown Residential Recycling saying the recycler has a deadline of November 21, 2017 to present an update on his financing for the project to the city.  She pointed out proposed changes in the sorting procedures, noting that Recycling  Center of ND., LLC recycling subsidy of $6,000 per month from the city will end on December 31, 2017.

She added that three individuals will be interviewing for the position of City Administrator next week, to succeed Jeff Fuchs who retires at the end of 2017.

She pointed out that the NDDOT is providing some funding toward repairing the city owned road to Frontier Village and the hole that exists behind the amphitheater.

 

Pam Fosse said tickets are selling well, for the upcoming Duel in the Dirt event at the Civic Center.

She added that the state dance line competition will not return to Jamestown next year, as those officials pointed out issues with motel room rentals, of a two day stay requirement.