– Tourism approves signage and kiosk funding

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Board meeting was held Thursday, May 21, 2020, by telephone conference call, to observe social distancing guidelines

Those in attendance included: Tourism Director, Searle Swedlund, Board Members: President Mathew Woods, Taylor Barnes, Paulette Ritter, and Tena Lawrence, Frank Ballek.

Ex-Official Member, Pam Phillips representing the Jamestown City Council, Emily Bivens, representing the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Grant requests were made by:

Stutsman County Fairgrounds – wayfinding sign

Jamestown Parks and Rec – kiosk at cross country course

The Stutsman County Fair Association requested $1,700 for signage, at 27^th Street NW, to 33^rd Street SE, and Highway 281. To be installed in 2020, and advertise events and activities at the fairgrounds.

The material to be used is aluminum.

Representative Rod Wilhelm said, the Fair Board has been given permission by land owner Dave Glinz, and John Grabinger, to acquire the sign at the west by Highway 281. Newman Signs has indicated that the Sign is NDDOT approved. The sign previously advertised the former Grabinger Marine business.

The Tourism Grant/Executive Board, granted, the full amount. Frank Ballek abstained from voting.

Jamestown Parks and Recreation requested $4,850 for a map kiosk at the Parkhurst cross country course, for July 2020. The course will host the next five state cross country meets, along with others held in the past. The trail may be named The Arctic Trail, with a nod to the history of the area.

The Tourism Grant/Executive Board granted, the full amount requested.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Called to order by Matthew Woods.

No Declaration of Conflict of Interest was made.

Taylor Barnes gave the Financial Report, and was received, with no irregularities.

Tourism Report – Searle Swedlund introduced two summer staff members, including Oliver, an NDSU graduate, who has been hired to inventory articles at the Frontier Village.

Jennifer Nannega, is in her third year in summer work, assisting with the Frontier Village, including Scheduling Greeters, and other responsibilities.

Searle said, Tourism has received funding from Garrison Diversion, to support the water trail project.

The Jamestown Downtown Association has decided to cancel all summer events.

He said the Jamestown Arts Center, is planning opening the Jamestown Arts Market, at Hansen Arts Park, downtown, when it is safe to do so, based on state guidelines, and specifically observing social distancing to reduced risks of contracting the COVID-19 Virus.

Ex-Officio Reports:

Pam Phillips said the City Council on Thursday evening will discuss allowing tables and seats placed on sidewalks, for customer use, to expand the capacity, restricted by the NDSmartRestart.

Emily Bivens said the Chamber is holding meetings virtually, TFN, and the Chamber is hosting the virtual Candidates forums, with city council, and Jamestown Public School Board candidates, adding other events and recent, awards. She noted other chamber promotions that will be coming up. A Scholarship committee will be formed to selected the winner from high school applicants.

OLD BUSINESS

Searle discussed the proposed new event grant guidelines, outlining past events and activities supported by tourism. He said supporting new events are being reviewed to support with tourism dollars.

With Annual Events, he said the past requests have been largely for marketing dollars. He said the request the application form should be clarified.

Eligible Events funding recipients were discussed, and those requests will be reviewed based on if the event funding requests that have been made in the past, and to be decided collectively. A report to be put before the Tourism Board should be submitted with the grant request, with more specifics of the event or activities.

An Enhanced Grant application would need to be submitted if there is a change in the event, with past funding granted, for future funding requests.

Also discussed was applications to include a marketing plan which can be submitted in paper form, without necessarily appearing before the board in person to make the funding request. Reimbursable dollar documentation should be submitted to receive, to verifying the funds were used for the specific project requested.

Also considered was, sporting events should consist of bringing multiple groups to the date(s) requested, to drive overnight stays.

Granting requests for equipment should be based on if the equipment is imperative to being able to hold games, or other sports events….”wants vs. needs.” Or, if the equipment is necessary concerning safety issues.

The discussion points on Thursday will be reviewed for further possible action and approval.

Direction was approved for the $1000 Buffalo City Pool Tourney grant.

The event was rescheduled twice, January 24-25, 2020 for Buffalo City Shootout; that was rescheduled for April 3-4 and now postponed until Dec 11-12, 2020.

The Tourism Board moved to give applicant choice to pay out $872.60 (30% of advertising) or wait for December event and the opportunity for more advertising to receive full $1000 grant.

Direction was approved for re-alocating $4350 for UJ Basketball Shootout that was previously funded.

The event was planned for December 27 & 28, 2019. The second day was canceled due to weather, and did not spend dollars on that day of digital advertising.

$8,775 which includes $1,173.10 in advertising ($3910)

UJ’s Tena Lawrence abstained from voting.

The board voted that based on the advertising expenses submitted, the award should be $3910, not $4350 or $5000 as requested and awarded, and approved recommending $3910.

During the Stutsman COVID-19 Stutsman Response news briefing, Searle Swedlund update information on Jamestown and Stutsman County, and Valley City and nearby tourism sites.

Frontier Village opening June 1, 2020, 10-a.m. to 6-p.m., with the same hours at the National Buffalo Museum…Call ahead to the museum to schedule group tours. Ft. Seward opens June 1, and will be open through the season from 10-a.m., to 6-p.m.

At Ft. Seward, The “Glamping” camping experience will be opening June 1, call 701-252-1875 for reservations.

The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse features the new Civics Exhibit, the first of its kind in the nation.

He talked about tour sites in the area.

Two new trails include Island Trails at the Jamestown Reservoir.

The Arctic trial is north of Parkrhurst Campground at Pipestem.

He noted that Sapphire Gallery in Downtown Jamestown features local artists work.

Lazy Fish is at Pelican Point Campground.

The Jim is located for meals at Jamestown Reservoir.

Davoni’s Italian/Seafood Restaurant in Downtown Jamestown is now open.

He pointed out that Whitestone Hill at Kulm highlights battle history.

In Valley City he sited Medicine Wheel Park.

In Cooperstown, the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site.