[0:02] Start recording. Started

[0:10] » lunch.

[0:28] Thank you.

[0:36] Oh my head.

[1:10] It's just not

[1:15] » just recorded on here. Anybody needs it? It'll be recorded on.

[1:18] » All right. Thanks, K.

[1:22] All right, we're good. We can resume. Okay,

[1:25] » just not where we are. Okay, so if we can just look at the minutes um you have

[1:31] those if you have read over them for um

[1:38] January 2026. Did you get to that meeting, Miss Odell? Okay. Yes, you were

[1:45] here. All right. I move to approve the minutes.

[1:50] » Second. >> All in favor?

[1:52] » I >> I.

[1:53] » All opposed. Minutes will be admitted as submitted.

[1:59] We have uh a business beautifification grant for 202 Main Street that we'd like

[2:05] to go over tonight. Here's our proposal. Is there a representative here tonight

[2:10] for Okay. If you please come forward, state your name and your address.

[2:18] Adam Miller, that's 202 North Main. Thank you. It's

[2:22] » the same pretty well. The slight change is that we did get the updated quote to

[2:27] have the um front-facing sign be painted and lighting upgraded to match what's

[2:32] going to be in the new side facing sign. So, that was the only thing we were

[2:35] waiting on from the last meeting and that came through. So, other than that,

[2:39] everything we talked about before is the same. So, don't know if there's any

[2:43] other information you need from me. Now, I think that's all we asked for. Um,

[2:47] » yes, ma'am. >> Yeah, he's provided the updated quote.

[2:50] Um, unlike the previous submitts where there were two quotes, um, this submitt

[2:54] has only one quote covering both sides of the project. Um, adding the new

[2:58] projecting sign and we're kind of refurbishing the existing wall sign. Um,

[3:03] the quote is $8,956.86. And if you match that on a 50-50 basis,

[3:09] that'll be $4,47843. And uh if you guys approve this, that

[3:16] will leave $10.56 left over in the bud budget for the business beautifification

[3:21] grant. So Okay. Okay. And we heard his um

[3:28] explanation last month. Were there any other

[3:32] concerns other than what we He's already submitted his new proposal.

[3:38] Um I I looked at it earlier. I didn't see anything any discrepancies. Miss

[3:43] Paul, do you have anything? >> Yeah. And I spoke with the city guys

[3:48] over the last month or so about the >> Mhm.

[3:52] » So it sounds like that even a replacement of some of those is on the

[3:57] table at some point if they can get things funded. So hopefully they're

[4:01] going to trim those down around us a little bit to help for now. But yeah.

[4:05] » Okay. Yeah. Good. That's good. >> All righty.

[4:10] Okay. >> Okay.

[4:13] » Thank you, sir. Okay. So, he has asked for the um

[4:19] » 10 budget.

[4:22] » Yeah. Do the 100%. Yeah, we had left that in the budget.

[4:27] Okay. So, I move to approve.

[4:32] » Okay. I second that motion. All in favor?

[4:36] » I Anyone opposing? Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Good luck.

[4:40] » All right. Appreciate it. Thank you. >> All right.

[4:44] » All right. So, now we're going to move to the future business. We're going to

[4:48] make some changes to that. So, we were going to have Arbor Day. Brandy, if you

[4:53] would come first, please. We're going to get that. We have other items of

[4:57] discussion. And then after Brandy, we're going to come up uh with the local

[5:02] business involvement and have Miss um Russell who's here also tonight. Thank

[5:08] you for coming. Excited to hear what you have to say. And so that would be the

[5:12] order of the changes. And then we would take the goals and the ideas 5B and we

[5:17] would move that to 5e. And then local business would move up. U residential

[5:23] appearance award would move up to the one level up. Okay. Is anybody opposed

[5:30] of that order that we are changing? Okay. Thank you. Miss McCandless, if you

[5:34] could please just speak your name and the purpose of you being here tonight so

[5:39] everybody here knows what's going on. >> Okay. Um Brandy McCandless with Graham

[5:44] Recreation and Parks. I'm the marketing supervisor, but I also have programs and

[5:48] events and Arbor Day and Graham um is one of the programs I plan with the

[5:54] parents commission. >> Okay.

[5:56] » Um so I brought you a packet. Um it's very similar packet that you've seen in

[6:00] the past. Um the information you received from Jonathan um in your agenda

[6:06] packet was just a summary um while these events and programs were in the planning

[6:12] phases kind of just to give you an update of where things stood at that

[6:15] time. Um the first page is just the so social media um schedule at this time um

[6:23] how um information will go out and how frequently. So Tuesdays and Saturdays,

[6:28] information will go out from covering the events and programs as well as

[6:34] education pieces for the community um through our Facebook, Instagram um and

[6:41] then we also utilize our email um to our reg through our registration software

[6:47] that goes out to about 6,000 at this time.

[6:55] And then the second page is just general information. You've asked in the past

[6:59] about advertising and how we advertise through the schools. We've utilized

[7:03] Peach Jar, which is a email um software where we can send flyers out to the

[7:08] schools. That's how they prefer we communicate with parents and faculty

[7:13] um when we're advertising programs and events. Um, usually I send if I utilize

[7:20] peach charts in the fall, um, engagement is usually best then, usually come

[7:26] spring, um, engagement's a lot lower. Um, I guess because parents are

[7:31] receiving so many emails and it's such a busy time. Um, so that's just

[7:35] information about the cost for information going out about Arbor Day

[7:38] and Graham if that's something you choose. Um, we also have the city Graham

[7:43] that goes out through our public relations specialist that we can add

[7:49] Arbor Day and Graham events to that information um, when that time comes.

[7:55] But all the other information is just general information that we include on

[7:59] the city of Graham website on the Arbor Day and Graham page. It covers general

[8:05] information about what Arbor Day and Graham is as well as the mission of the

[8:10] appearance commission and tree board as far as being advocates for planting and

[8:14] preservation of trees within the city of Graham. Um it also gives explanation as

[8:20] to what tree city USA is. Um one of the reasons why we offer our tree planting

[8:25] ceremony uh for the town for the city. Um, I've included a recap of the

[8:31] activities from last year so you can see how much participation and engagement we

[8:37] had. Um, and to decide if that's something we want to move forward with,

[8:41] changes we need to make um, to enhance engagement or to replace with a new

[8:49] activity. um for 2025 through I mean 2026 through

[8:55] Graham Recreation and Parks, we have um created two new events for Arbor Day and

[9:02] Graham through our department. Um throughout the spring and summer months,

[9:08] we offer a chill and thrill park popup event where we take our mobile

[9:12] recreation van out into Graham Regional Park. Um, we usually try to set those up

[9:18] during school breaks, but we also know there's homeschool and um, smaller

[9:22] children that are in the parks as well. So, we already have a captive audience,

[9:26] so that's a good time to go out with the park and play, create activities for the

[9:30] kids um, and to promote all the activities going on throughout our um,

[9:35] our city and throughout recreation and parks. So, one of those programs is

[9:39] April 6th. Um we're popping up on Monday from 10:00 to 12:00 and we're going to

[9:44] offer tremendous bingo as part of the program. Um families can come out play

[9:51] bingo with us. That is during spring break and

[9:55] um the New Leaf Society will be um donating tree saplings as prizes. So

[10:01] between our bingo sessions, um we'll be able to give out fun tree facts to the

[10:06] kids and each of the trees that go out will also have information and QR codes

[10:11] as to how to plant trees and about the tree that they'll be taking home with

[10:14] them that day. So education piece, a way to f get folks out into the parks. Um

[10:19] and then just a theme um something different for families to participate

[10:23] in. Um, we're also offering um, leaves, light and lenses, a smartphone

[10:29] photography and parks opportunity with um, the Elizabeth Larson Photography

[10:34] Studio. They're coming out to offer that program. There is a charge for the

[10:38] program, but it will be at Bill Cookook Park um, the park where we've just added

[10:42] so many new trees. Um so it'll give us a chance to also educate the public about

[10:48] um all the trees that were planted while they were planted and while they are

[10:51] there um our staff will be able to walk and educate them on the different types

[10:56] of trees um in the park. So a great education opportunity um and hopefully

[11:01] when they walk away with that knowledge of the smartphone photography um they'll

[11:05] be able to utilize it in the park because Bill Cook Park is a new

[11:08] ecoexplore location with Graham Regration and Parks. So we now have

[11:12] three locations. Um, so another fun way to get families out into the parks.

[11:19] Um, that are that's our two new programs. But exploring last year's

[11:24] programs we had, this is what we need to talk about as far as with the parents

[11:28] commission is the Arbor Day art contest, the kindness rock hunt, and the tree

[11:35] planting ceremony. Um

[11:40] so we can start with the Arbor Day art contest. Um last year we accepted

[11:47] entries from March 17th through April 6th. However, we only had four pieces of

[11:53] art submitted. There were four prizes um and all four were distributed.

[11:59] Um, so the year before that we offered a poem contest and it had small numbers of

[12:06] folks participating and that's why we expanded into the art contest to allow

[12:10] more um types of media to come in um to be judged. So what what's your input on

[12:18] the art contest? Um I I really think excuse me Chanc

[12:25] speaking with the museum um they were very engaged. Um they um offered a lot

[12:32] of different suggestions as far as resources for us to tap into which we

[12:37] got the results from the four entries that we did get. So I think it uh was

[12:43] very nice if we can just interact. I don't know it's a lot of restrictions.

[12:47] I'm sure you're aware more than what I am about how to contact and reach out to

[12:52] the students. So, there's a special process I understand that we have to go

[12:56] through. Um, and with that having been said, I don't know if we have enough

[13:01] time now, but I think we should to get their art department involved

[13:07] um this year and maybe we could get more entries. And that was one of the things

[13:12] that I was interested in doing, reaching out to them. to middle and high

[13:18] school and elementary, all three levels. >> But I think last year you had brought up

[13:24] um the rehab um pre what's down here? >> The one

[13:29] » the rehab place. >> Peak resources. Peak.

[13:32] » Peak resources. Peak. Yeah, that's >> so they wanted to do something.

[13:36] » Yeah, that's my second thing. That's right. And so the activity director at

[13:40] Peak Resources is also interested in having some of their people um make

[13:47] entries. Um they were kind of ready to go, but we hadn't ex explored that yet

[13:52] with you. So we kind of put it on hold. >> So um if you would like to um for us to

[13:59] reach back out to them or you um we could definitely explore that as well.

[14:05] But those were the two things. um that I had to discuss or suggestions.

[14:13] » I think we can also utilize the Alamance partnership for children. Um I don't

[14:18] think there's any sort of fee or anything associated with partnering with

[14:22] them or at least getting the word out. Um

[14:26] just a suggestion.

[14:32] So, would you like to keep all the same criteria and guidelines as last year?

[14:38] And are you wanted to add any other categories last year? Um,

[14:46] » the C painting, drawing, photography, and poetry. Yeah.

[14:52] » Right. There was >> cuz the prizes went out to um elementary

[14:59] and then there was a first, second, and third place adult. I think then we

[15:03] wanted to have elementary, middle, high, and an adult category.

[15:07] » But we didn't get the entry so we kind of doubled up on some of them.

[15:13] » So would you like to keep those initial categories, the elementary,

[15:18] middle, and high school and >> adult?

[15:21] » Yeah. Um, if we're reaching out to Elements Partnership with Children,

[15:24] they're mostly early education. So, do you want to add that category as well

[15:30] for the like under five? >> Okay.

[15:39] I can also um bring that information there. I'm on the board there, so I can

[15:45] definitely pass that word along. >> Okay. Um the next thing is what dates

[15:52] would you like um entries to be accepted? Last year it was March 17th

[15:57] through April 6th. Um but if we make a decision tonight, it could be during the

[16:02] month of March. That way you can make a decision at your April meeting.

[16:07] » That sounds good. >> Okay.

[16:10] » Good.

[16:14] » And then you'll make a decision at the April meeting.

[16:24] So, you're just going to start March 1st through the 31st

[16:28] » for accepting entries. >> Okay.

[16:30] » Um and those um entries could be dropped off at the Graham Recreation Center. We

[16:35] also had the option to email um which is we did have entry come through that way

[16:40] through from our elementary student.

[16:48] » Okay. Is that okay with

[16:52] » we changed it extended date to April 3rd. Is that

[16:55] » Good Friday then? >> Yeah it is.

[16:59] We'll just keep it for the month of March. I think the board has already

[17:04] » stated that that would be fine. Okay. Bunch them all should be fine.

[17:08] Right. Perfect. And um do you have any suggestions or

[17:15] would you be reaching out to the schools?

[17:18] » I can reach out to the art departments. Um are you wanting to extend to just

[17:25] Graham or extend out to Elements County schools?

[17:32] you are city for Graham, but we do service the Alamance entire county. So I

[17:38] think Yeah. >> Okay. I just wanted to check because we

[17:40] did have participants must live in Alamance County as part of the criteria,

[17:44] but I just wanted to >> Alamance County. Yeah, Alamance County.

[17:48] Yeah, this >> give us more territory and more

[17:52] opportunity. We did have a um group come last year um

[17:59] daycare. >> Yeah.

[18:01] » Group. >> Yes.

[18:03] » Which really made it it was just a a moment. Um I don't know. Did anyone get

[18:08] their contact information? Do we know how to reach back out to them who they

[18:12] were? Because >> I never got walk over.

[18:16] » I think was singing with the choir. So I never really got a chance to really

[18:19] » I think they walked over that and that's why they were able to come last year

[18:23] because they walked. >> Do we on Main Street? There is a daycare

[18:28] on Main Street that's about a block away from the rec center,

[18:31] » right? So I think they had walked over. >> Maybe we could re try to find them

[18:36] again. >> That was good. They were there. They

[18:40] were cute. Um and then we would just need um the

[18:46] art contest prizes and in the past the um appearance commission has reached out

[18:51] for those. Um

[18:54] » more than happy to pursue that for you again this year. Uh let's talk about the

[19:01] numbers and the so we had the cal categories are going to be elementary,

[19:05] middle, and high. And so we need how many? You're going to do three for each

[19:10] category. We've only done last year we only had planned to do one for each

[19:15] category and for this year it would be five and under or under kindergarten and

[19:22] under um elementary, middle, high and adult.

[19:27] » And it just be one one adult not not three adults. I think first, second,

[19:32] third. >> So we don't need as many. So that's good

[19:35] because we had so many last year. >> We got extras. But we did have some that

[19:39] rolled. Didn't Buffalo Lanes roll over on Mebon?

[19:44] » There were six um bowling coupons left for this year. We also when we get to

[19:51] kindness rocks, there were two rocks that were never turned in. They were

[19:54] found >> um I couldn't find them where I had put

[19:58] them. Um but there were two that were found, but the um they had never um

[20:04] cashed in for their prizes. So, we do have those available too if the

[20:07] businesses are still they're still valid with the businesses.

[20:12] Um, so yes, we need four, let's see, five prizes, um, age

[20:19] appropriate prizes for the Arbor Day contest, art contest.

[20:39] and we can discuss the date we would like or we can just start today. Um um

[20:45] getting ideas or going and talking with vendors, business owners,

[20:50] sooner the better. And as you have them, last year you just

[20:55] brought them by um to my office and then I packaged them and put them with their

[21:00] different categories. >> Absolutely.

[21:02] » And I handled reaching out to the um >> What date would you like in by like the

[21:07] very last day you want? >> It would be great to have them I would

[21:12] say by mid-Marchch. That gives you about a month but some time to advertise what

[21:17] those prizes are going to be and repres recognize those sponsors for the prizes.

[21:25] » No, when I I'm looking at the six bowling coupons from last year, I think

[21:29] we uh Mr. Britt uh brought those aboard and I think he said that he had spoken

[21:33] with the owner and he said that he would extend those and wouldn't be a

[21:38] expiration date pretty much. If that haven't been said, if we could do a

[21:42] drawing, maybe we could post a drawing for the day of maybe to entice people to

[21:49] come out. Maybe we could use those for that. And just

[21:53] » Are you referring to the tree planting ceremony?

[21:56] » For the arbor >> for your drawing. Okay.

[21:58] » Yes. For the drawing for the tree plant ceremony.

[22:01] » Okay. Well, just so you know, um, three of the gift certificates were for

[22:08] $50 and three were for 25. So that

[22:14] fairly high for a draw. You may want to consider using those for one of the

[22:18] other um prizes.

[22:24] So, >> and then we also

[22:29] have a $25 um gift certificate to the broom closet and a $20 gift certificate

[22:35] to Sutton's that were not um picked up.

[22:44] » Okay. So, you got $20 for the broom closet,

[22:47] » 25 for the broom closet, and >> and $20 for Sutton. and that's if

[22:52] they're still valid for this year's events. Those were um prizes for the

[22:58] Rock Hunt. We try to make sure um especially since

[23:03] the Rock Hunt was in downtown Graham that those downtown businesses were the

[23:07] ones recognized um during that particular event.

[23:14] » Do they have an expiration date? >> Um I'll have to check.

[23:18] » Okay. because we can ask them if it would be okay to reuse them. Okay.

[23:28] » So, is there anything else for the Arbor Day art contest?

[23:46] We have it. Um, the city of Grandma Parents Commission and Tree Board

[23:50] invites the community to show off their creativity and create art for Arbor Day.

[23:54] The theme last year was all about trees. Art categories can include painting,

[23:59] drawing, photography, poetry, etc. That was we kept it very vague and we

[24:06] had some great the four that came in were great entries.

[24:11] Would you allow them to resubmit

[24:16] those entries? I'm just I'm asking because it could be

[24:21] a question. I don't believe so.

[24:24] » Okay.

[24:28] » Answer. Yeah, the answer was no.

[24:33] » Yes.

[24:37] » Thought that would be your answer, but I still wanted to ask.

[24:40] » Yes, ma'am. All right, if we're good with the art

[24:43] contest, we can move on to the next. Um, the other one was the Arbor Day kindness

[24:49] rock hunt in downtown Graham. It was held during the month of April or while

[24:55] prizes lasted. We had five rocks. Um, they were all found um like I said, but

[25:01] two were not um submitted to us for their prize. Um, several rocks were

[25:07] found duplicate times. Um, so we did let them um we had so many tree saplings

[25:15] that we were giving away last year, we were able to at least give them a tree

[25:17] sapling um for participating. Um, but

[25:23] I would like I have um suggestions for the rock hunt for this year. Um, last

[25:28] year the rocks had different themes on them. I think the theme for to keep with

[25:35] the rocks is um for this year to have larger rocks about the size of like a

[25:40] palm and paint those and paint them with specific tree leaves. And I'd like to

[25:46] wrap each of the rocks like with a piece of twine and like a laminated card. and

[25:52] on that card to have how to um fit in your rock for a prize. Um but also have

[25:58] information about the leaf that's on that rock um about the tree. Um to give

[26:04] that education piece and to bring everything together as far as making the

[26:09] rock hunt truly relatable with Arbor Day and Graham and why we're doing it. Um

[26:16] and to also require them to turn in the rock to claim the prize. that way we can

[26:21] reuse them for the future. Um, and then it's not being found multiple times.

[26:27] Um, and I was hoping to hide six rocks this year and that and then we would

[26:32] need six prizes. Um, and like I said in the past we've done we've asked for

[26:36] those six prizes to be with downtown businesses

[26:40] um to connect folks coming downtown and then to hopefully get them into the

[26:45] businesses after they search for their rocks for a possible prize.

[26:50] Are you going to do the laminated cards and the twine that Okay,

[26:56] » I really like that idea. >> Yeah.

[27:06] » So, you have six, you're suggesting six rocks

[27:09] » with tree leaves. >> Yes. Yes. To highlight different local

[27:15] well different native trees.

[27:20] And I can work on finding the rocks and getting those painted

[27:25] if you'd like.

[27:30] » You were going to do the rocks. Yeah. >> Did you say? Okay. If you want to do

[27:34] those. Okay.

[27:44] Then we'll just get the prizes. >> Four getting five prizes.

[27:54] » Okay. >> And we had um both kids and adults that

[27:57] found the rocks in the past. So, a very wide range of ages.

[28:03] » We'll find out from the broom closet if we can reuse that gift certificate and

[28:09] Sutton.

[28:13] So, we need six prizes for the um rock hunt.

[28:23] So, with broom closet and Sutton will has no expiration date or will extend

[28:28] their expiration date. Are we taking those two from the five that

[28:33] » Yes, you can. Okay. >> We need a total of 11

[28:38] prizes. >> Prizes.

[28:40] Okay,

[29:01] Buffalo wings.

[29:08] All right. Anyone have any questions or with this category?

[29:14] Okay.

[29:17] And then our final um event for Arbor Day and Graham is the tree planting

[29:22] ceremony. Um and at this time I have spoken with

[29:26] our parks team um as well as our youth program director. Um, and we're looking

[29:33] at having the tree planting ceremony on Arbor Day, which is Friday, April 24th

[29:38] from 10 to 11:00 with the tree planting ceremony beginning at 10:00 and that's

[29:44] the time we've done in the past. Um, at Bill Cook Park um there is a location by

[29:50] the playground and shelter one near field three um where a tree could be

[29:55] planted. Uh we do not have um anyone that it's reserved for at this time for

[30:03] in memory of or in honor of. We do have a

[30:08] tree donation um process um where the community can submit in to donate a tree

[30:13] into a park. Um I'm not sure how many or who has came in at this time, but in the

[30:18] past we have recognized individuals who have um made a difference within our

[30:24] like parks or um previous employees that um are no longer with us um and

[30:30] recognize them. Um, so that's something to consider if there is someone in mind

[30:35] um who has truly contributed to our community, a time to recognize them,

[30:40] especially if they're connected to the park um or those facilities in some way.

[30:45] » And how much is a donation for the tree? >> 150 to

[30:53] » I don't have it in this packet. I'll have to look um because I know that

[30:57] price did change. >> It did. I know it was like 80 at one

[31:01] point. >> I think it's 150.

[31:02] » Yeah, >> it is on our website, but I can get that

[31:06] information to you. >> 150. So, um I do have a suggestion uh

[31:13] for the tree planting ceremony and the person was a school teacher. Um

[31:21] and I guess her husband um he's still living some years old. Um,

[31:29] and they are going to go online

[31:34] and make the application that's online that indicates it's $150.

[31:41] And so they would make that check payable to the recreation department or

[31:46] how would we do that? I >> believe it's to the friends of

[31:48] recreation and parks. >> Friends. Okay.

[31:51] » All right. And I was expecting them to be here.

[31:58] Right. >> Um, and

[32:00] » how how soon or and what is the deadline for getting that nominee to you?

[32:12] » And to see when we need to have the ceremony schedule finalized. One second.

[32:21] Could

[32:31] it be before your April meeting? That way we could discuss it at the April

[32:35] meeting to confirm.

[32:44] Oh, the April meeting is

[32:53] Yeah, nothing.

[33:07] And I've spoken with our youth program director. Um he works closely with North

[33:14] Graham Elementary and their mentor program and there is a group of kids um

[33:21] that he may be able to bring over for the tree planting ceremony that day.

[33:30] And if they're there, we're actually able to get the kids there. I know last

[33:34] year um the small kids helped to put mulch around the tree after it was

[33:39] planted, but I think it would be great to have some sort of activity um that

[33:44] they participate in directly after the ceremony um that has education piece to

[33:49] it, something hands-on. And it'd be really great if the parents commission

[33:54] was part of that hands-on opportunity with them, especially in the leadership

[33:59] roles that you're in and working as part of that mentorship program that's coming

[34:03] over. Um could be a great opportunity. >> I I had a suggestion. I saw something. I

[34:08] don't know how many children it would be. I don't know if we could make a

[34:11] board that big. But I saw something that had like um not bowling ball size, but

[34:15] maybe grapefruit size holes and it had the

[34:21] plastic buckets like what they use sometimes for Easter. And the soil was

[34:27] available and some shovels. And actually, you know what? It may have

[34:30] been just a little Easter bucket with the shovel. And um they had a small

[34:36] tree. they actually was able to go over it.

[34:41] So, they stabilized it. It was stationary with the hole that was in the

[34:46] board and they had the buckets there and they would go up and they would plant

[34:50] their tree. Um, and then there was uh on like a

[34:58] freestanding video

[35:02] and I think they were all the same type of tree and it plan and telling them

[35:08] about and it was age appropriate telling them about the tree and how it's uh how

[35:14] it grows, how tall it gets and where it's mostly found. And I guess we could

[35:19] make one of the choice of whatever type of tree we're being donated this year.

[35:23] Have you gotten >> I do not know what type of tree it's

[35:26] going to be. Um we'll be working with um someone from

[35:31] the arburetum to make that decision.

[35:37] » How old will the children be? We know I know it's elementary but

[35:42] » yeah I'm not sure um which ages he'll be bringing over that day. Um, I know it

[35:47] will be a small group, so it could be maybe 10 to 20 kids possibly. I know his

[35:54] mentorship um, program is growing um, with kids, so I'm not sure how many yet.

[36:02] I told him I would know more after this meeting to kind of give them a better

[36:05] idea. >> Okay,

[36:07] » I like the idea.

[36:20] So to move forward with the tree planting ceremony, um in the past the

[36:24] tree board has invited city council to come out and join us that day. Um and as

[36:30] far as the ceremony schedule, last year's um ceremony schedule's on the

[36:35] next page. is deciding if we're going to keep the

[36:39] same schedule lineup and topics, who's going to cover each of those topics and

[36:43] speak um during the ceremony. Um but if that could be looked at during this

[36:49] month and we can make the final decision on the actual ceremony um at the April

[36:54] 6th meeting and then that's when we would confirm

[36:59] who would um be attending. And then we also need to know if anyone from the

[37:03] family would be speaking as part of the ceremony schedule.

[37:08] Um, we'll reach out to the Forest Service to see if they'll be attending

[37:12] that day. Um, Tim with public works, Tim Coington, um, he has already checked

[37:17] with Tree City USA and he's received that paperwork and the proclamation for

[37:22] the event. >> And I'll also reach out to the library

[37:26] to see if they'd like to attend again this year. um they've attended in the

[37:30] past uh with information about their um seed library and different um outreach

[37:36] opportunities they have um for educating about trees and other gardening

[37:40] opportunities.

[37:43] Um, but the ceremony itself, like I said, it's on the next page and um, we

[37:48] can talk about that tonight or um, we could do planning and

[37:54] decide next month who will be speaking for each of those parts and if that's

[37:58] the schedule you want to keep.

[38:03] I'm looking at the outline from last year. Um,

[38:09] Oops.

[38:15] don't know the type of tree. So, we'll fill that in. Um

[38:22] add if he was able to bring the children,

[38:27] we could just um add that where we had the

[38:46] I think it I think it'll be fine. You want to bring it back so we can discuss

[38:50] this next month? >> Yeah, we can um decide on the ceremony.

[38:54] Oh, excuse me. At the March meeting, sorry.

[38:56] » Yeah, next month. >> Before we wrap this up, um I recall at

[39:02] the last meeting there was a bit of discussion about um

[39:05] » the time and date. >> Yeah. as well as the time and date uh

[39:08] for the tree planting ceremony as well. Uh in addition the marketing and

[39:12] outreach, we've already kind of touched on some of that with the prize donations

[39:15] and reaching out to the art museum and schools and such. Um so I just wanted to

[39:19] run it through you guys. Do you feel like this is been a productive

[39:22] conversation with regards to kind of marketing strategies and outreach

[39:26] strategies or do you feel like there might be more to discuss regarding that

[39:29] either tonight or at the following meeting in uh March?

[39:32] I think the marketing strategies were explained very clearly when she first

[39:37] started speaking. So I was comfortable with that. I did still have a question

[39:42] of whether or not if we could maybe possibly consider um the time of day so

[39:48] we could get more participation from the actual children um that would be in

[39:54] school that day. Um that's my only concern. But the marketing um she laid

[40:00] that out. So that's good. And I know it's expensive to keep adding. Um so I

[40:05] don't want to have to incur another expense, but I would like to see if we

[40:09] could get more participation. And my s one way of thinking that that

[40:14] may happen if that we were able to move the time of day um 10:00. I mean it even

[40:21] puts me taken off work for that day um if I had to go out do mission work. But

[40:27] um just so we can get participation from

[40:31] the actual students um themselves. I mean because one of the parent was a

[40:37] little disgruntled about having to take the child out of school to come there to

[40:41] read the poem and then the child felt a little nervous I guess because he was

[40:45] having to come from school, do the poem and then go back to school. Um and so

[40:50] she was like can y'all do this any other time? And I was like, well, I can

[40:54] definitely make a suggestion, but I can't give you an answer today. But, uh,

[41:01] you know, and I believe that it was because of the work schedule is reasons

[41:07] we have it >> on Fridays,

[41:10] » right, >> is with our staff.

[41:12] » Um, but also >> staff, women, what are we saying?

[41:15] » The public works staff. >> Yeah. Oh,

[41:18] » because they're the on >> Oh, okay. Yeah. They're the ones that

[41:21] come out to plant the tree that day. >> And I did check with um the mentorship

[41:27] program just trying to see what time was best and what time he goes over there to

[41:32] see the kids. Um and that 10:00 time because I said we could be somewhat

[41:36] flexible sometime in the morning. And he did say like the 10:00 time does work

[41:41] well with that group because it is once school's gotten started, the day has

[41:45] gotten started and it's before lunchtime as well. um because they do get out

[41:50] early afternoon as well. Um so working with the school schedule and trying not

[41:55] to disrupt their day as um that seemed to be the best time if we

[42:01] wanted to have those kids come out um for the event.

[42:09] Um well, and then another part of that was that I would like to see if we could

[42:14] work along with the chorus from the schools as well. Um getting their ban or

[42:19] their chorus involved um just more participation

[42:25] um within the community and the schools I think would be a great idea. Now

[42:31] someone did mention also last meeting uh about the actual day. I did indicate

[42:37] that it was normally done on the last Friday of the month. That's what is

[42:41] written that arbor day should be observed but um there were suggestions

[42:46] that or remarks that that could maybe be changed as well.

[42:51] Um I don't have a problem with the day of the week. I just um but if Saturday

[42:56] works better and we can get more participation, I would just like to try

[43:00] to see if we could try our best to kind of meet the people

[43:06] where they are. And you know, we got working parents. Most people have to

[43:11] work. Um we have working parents and and sometimes nap time is like kind of like

[43:18] a little bit beyond 10:00. So maybe by 11 they may put them down right before

[43:23] lunch. But I don't know if you're interested at

[43:26] all in even looking at doing it the Saturday after the last Friday. Do the

[43:32] last Saturday of the month or >> does it have to be on?

[43:36] » But does it h that's what the question was does have to be actually on the last

[43:41] Friday? I know that's Arbor Day >> as far as we researched it several

[43:45] times. We've read it several times. Um but will the parks and recreation be

[43:53] willing to consider um moving it to another day to get more participation

[43:58] just to see what happens? It may not make a difference at all. Um but at

[44:03] least we've made some attempt to uh get more participation from the community

[44:08] and it's vital and people are saying well I can bring my kid but I can't get

[44:12] off work. you know, I I would love to come, but you know, I can't juggle my

[44:17] schedule like that. Um, my my child is just not where I can uproot them and

[44:23] then take them back. And so, it's all different reasons why they cannot or

[44:27] don't want to do it on a Friday. So, I don't know. It's, you know, it's up to

[44:32] the parks and recreation as I did indicate last month, but I don't know to

[44:37] get it's just we have such a great program. I mean, you really put together

[44:42] a great program and I would just like to see if more people can be able to be

[44:47] involved in that and and witness that. And

[44:51] to me, I'm I'm just excited every April uh to participate because you really

[44:57] have it well put together and it's um very emotional time. Uh when I looked at

[45:03] the kids last year and their participation and hands-on and you know

[45:08] covering it with the mulch and I just thought what it would be like if we had

[45:12] a middle school, high school uh combined choir or

[45:18] come out and sing. Um or if we were able to get, you know, the

[45:24] children uh older children to come out and do the hands-on and assist with the

[45:30] younger children. um with uh tree planting

[45:34] and maybe >> the question is going to be do we have

[45:37] the leeway to change >> to change it who who would make that

[45:41] decision? So I still recommend that we have the

[45:46] event on that Friday on Arbor Day and Graham. It is a smallcale event. Um it

[45:52] was created as a small scale event and it has grown. Um with it being on Friday

[45:58] we have the city staff. is not requiring any overtime or comp time. Um especially

[46:03] for departments that are already putting in that overtime and um the comp time.

[46:08] Um we also have North Graham Elementary which their students are able to come

[46:14] over during the school day um to participate in the program. Uh there's

[46:19] no guarantee if we have it on Saturday. Um Saturdays are already so busy for

[46:24] families and it's going to be hard to get them out for that type of event.

[46:28] just previous years reaching out to somewhere. It's already got that captive

[46:33] audience. We already have a captive audience at North Graham that's going to

[46:35] come over. Um we'll have the family members that are going to come and join

[46:39] us um for the tree planting. Um but that type of event, if we move it to

[46:44] Saturday, I don't know if people are just unless they're directly connected

[46:48] to the event somehow if they're going to come out just to the tree planting

[46:52] event. um unless it's something bigger and more engaging um to come out to. But

[46:58] I also don't recommend doing something like that because we already have

[47:01] neighboring cities that are doing Arbor Day events and programs. Um we have a

[47:06] neighboring city doing one in the spring and another one doing one in the fall.

[47:10] Um so that would just be duplicating programs that may not be needed. Um

[47:15] where they bring out vendors and opportunities like that. Um, so I don't

[47:18] think we're there. But something that Graham does do differently than offering

[47:23] those one Arbor Day programs in the spring and fall, we're offering a whole

[47:27] month of various activities and education opportunities and pushing out

[47:30] through our social media. So we are >> trying to reach out to the community. Um

[47:35] the tree plant ceremony like I said it's still it's it was created as a small

[47:39] event and it has gotten bigger and we do live stream it as well and it's

[47:43] available on our YouTube um channel as well following the event. Um so if

[47:49] someone does miss it um there is an opportunity to watch it and to share the

[47:55] ceremony in case someone missed it that wanted to come um and it lives there um

[48:01] for a long time. Especially for these families, they have something to walk

[48:04] away with that have planted the tree. They'll have a keepsake on YouTube.

[48:10] » I concur. I just had to ask a question because it was on the last month's um

[48:16] meeting questions um things that people were concerned about. So, I mean that

[48:21] explanation sets well with me as well because I know we can change things and

[48:26] it still may not make a difference, you know. Um but I think like you said, it

[48:31] started small. is growing. Maybe if it continues or we get the inquiries and

[48:36] maybe they can we can have them to drop a note on the website or something where

[48:41] people opinion can be seen and come directly to your department. Uh which

[48:46] may outweigh what we're saying here because it's just bits and pieces. Um,

[48:53] but I guess Friday, the last Friday of the

[48:59] month, >> what I'm accustomed to, so I'm I'm good

[49:03] with it. >> And I do see here the cost is 150

[49:09] last >> already looked at it. Okay. So, um,

[49:13] anything else? Anybody else have anything else that they want to add to

[49:17] this category?

[49:21] Nothing else. >> Looks good.

[49:23] » So, so next month we'll finalize the ceremony schedule. Um, and then prizes

[49:29] will be available to me mid-March. >> Mid-March.

[49:32] » I can start advertising. >> Okay.

[49:34] » Pam, I've got you down. >> All right.

[49:38] » Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, okay.

[49:42] And as I did note earlier, then we're going to now have um our person from the

[49:49] community to come forward, local business involvement, Miss Renee

[49:53] Russell. If you please come forward to the microphone and state your name and

[49:57] address. >> So, my name is Renee Russell. Yeah.

[50:00] » I live at 218 W Street. Um and I own 64 Harvard, which is a frame shop on 116

[50:08] West Harden. So, yeah. that you can make it tonight.

[50:13] » Yeah, I'm I'm happy to be here. I don't know if y'all know, but maybe Cheryl

[50:18] remembers, but I used to be on the appearance commission way back in the

[50:22] day. So, not not that long ago. >> You're so supportive because you

[50:25] donated. >> Absolutely. Always. Yeah.

[50:27] » I like to point that out that you we just thank you so much for all of your

[50:31] gifts that you uh donated last year. >> Oh, yeah. Always. We are always happy to

[50:37] help in any way we can, which is part of why

[50:41] um I was wanting to kind of talk with y'all and see what kind of partnership

[50:48] the downtown businesses can do with y'all and how we can kind of work

[50:52] together. Um I know so the businesses are all in communication with each

[51:01] other. We've got a big group text and we're just trying to do everything we

[51:06] can to get people to come Instagram and shop and we know that like just getting

[51:12] people here, you know, makes it better um and helps everyone. And um we've hit

[51:21] a couple roadblocks with like city council and stuff like that. They're

[51:25] just not really listening to us or inviting us into the conversations and

[51:33] having businesses downtown. It's, you know, a big part of of that area is us.

[51:41] Um, so we're hoping that maybe we can forge a relationship with y'all and like

[51:46] just kind of help out. Um, there are some things that we need that I don't

[51:51] know if this is a project that you guys would be into taking on. Um, I think our

[51:56] biggest kind of need or want would be wayfinding signs.

[52:02] » Yeah. Okay. And that's one thing I was going to let you know is that that has

[52:06] been mentioned in our meetings. We have discussed it. Okay. um

[52:12] but it's was not with this um this particular meeting. I do think that you

[52:19] can participate um just after hearing what Bry's um concerns were about

[52:25] hands-on activities during the Arbor Day. um that may be a opportunity and we

[52:33] have invited uh because we're kind of like in the mode of of of planning for

[52:38] that day but we have invited the downtown businesses to participate in

[52:43] the various different programs that we put on throughout the year and I know

[52:48] what you you have the needs have you addressed those to the city council have

[52:53] you actually been there yeah I think you have several times

[52:57] » if my memory serves me and But yeah,

[53:01] » so um I guess the next step would be then um

[53:07] » we have some months that we have some down time.

[53:10] » Yeah. >> And we may can look once we get past

[53:13] Arbor Day. >> Yeah. We make it look at maybe some of

[53:17] the days, months that we had planned not to meet,

[53:20] » maybe check with you and other business um businesses as well to see if we can

[53:28] put something on the calendar during one of those months if that would suffice. I

[53:32] mean, >> yeah, I mean that would be great. just

[53:34] any sort of >> and and then what we could do is that we

[53:37] could then go um to the city council together and um see if they would be

[53:43] interested in putting us on their agenda and in us being heard.

[53:47] » Um but I think that you could definitely

[53:52] participate just from your business aspect. Yeah.

[53:55] » With the um Arbor Day. >> Yes. Yeah. Um, I see great contributions

[54:02] coming from 64 Harvard >> and with the art uh,

[54:07] » my brain just stopped working. The

[54:11] » not that the the art >> contest contest. Yes. Yeah. Like I don't

[54:17] know if there's plans to display the art afterwards.

[54:21] » It feels like you would. Yeah. If you ever if you guys need um things to be

[54:27] matted or mounted, I'm always happy to donate that. I've got tons of like extra

[54:33] material that I would >> love to be able to Okay.

[54:37] » Yeah. >> And then I've just we missed a great

[54:40] opportunity while we were in discussion um maybe having some of your students

[54:47] extend the categories to maybe some of your students. And if your if your

[54:51] students meet this criteria because it goes from

[54:55] » I don't have >> kindergarten now because we

[54:57] » I don't have you have classes. >> No. Oh, I thought I offered class.

[55:02] » Yeah. >> Yeah. It's we do custom framing. We also

[55:06] offer do-it-yourself framing, but it's not like a class.

[55:08] » Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you had classes.

[55:11] » No, you're totally there. >> Yeah. So,

[55:13] » but I do have a question. What else are the businesses looking for? Like

[55:21] » I mean the wayfinding signs is the like the top one cuz we hear like I hear all

[55:28] the time, oh you must be new. I don't know you're here. I'm like I've been

[55:32] here for 5 years. >> Uh and like Franks too was going through

[55:37] the same thing there for 20 years. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's just Yeah. telling people and

[55:42] it's also really confusing cuz like the addresses change once you cross over

[55:48] Maine. So like >> I'm on 116 West Harden, but a block away

[55:53] is 116 East Harden. So even like the just

[55:58] » Okay. >> maps, GPS is confusing.

[56:01] » Um >> that's something.

[56:03] » So we could work with council on that. But I'm also thinking um

[56:09] » like at Christmas time everybody does their windows, which is great. Which is

[56:14] so great. Um yeah, >> but what about like even in the fall

[56:18] like having a contest >> say with the businesses, you know, doing

[56:22] a planter or >> So there is the uh business appearance

[56:26] award um which is something we may discuss in the next agenda item, but I

[56:31] just want to shout that out real quick since this I feel like this could tie in

[56:34] a bit. Um, it gives businesses the opportunities to kind of compete

[56:39] essentially and get nominated and essentially be advertised um for their

[56:44] landscape beautifification efforts and uh it definitely is something that would

[56:47] help kind of enhance the appearance commission's relationship with

[56:50] businesses downtown and throughout the rest.

[56:53] » Right. Right. So like would you all be interested in that? like

[56:58] » if there was a theme behind it, I think yes, but also we're also busy, so like

[57:05] it's got to be something that >> doesn't require too much. Like we were

[57:12] in a small town a couple of years ago and they did a thing like scarecrows.

[57:17] » Yeah. >> And everybody did a scarecrow

[57:21] » with however they wanted and it was the greatest thing to walk down the road and

[57:25] see all these scarecrows. It was like, "Wow." And then you could vote, you

[57:28] know, they had, >> you know, scan codes and it was like,

[57:31] "Wow, this is such a great idea." Like, would you all think that you would be

[57:35] interested in something like that? >> We did the pumpkins last year for the

[57:40] pumpkin bash. >> Yes.

[57:41] » And like we were not >> great.

[57:44] » I like pushed for it and was expecting like five businesses and it turned out

[57:50] wonderful. like that kind of competition. I think like we kind of

[57:55] really love to be able to showcase what we do and just all the diverse like

[57:59] talents of the downtown businesses. Um, so yeah, I think the window painting

[58:05] and window decorations can get a little bit

[58:09] too involved, but something small, >> right, feels more attainable. I'm going

[58:15] to grab my water. Okay. So, if we can come up with a

[58:20] season and a theme. >> Yeah.

[58:23] » And just say, you know, just even a summer theme, you know, decorate a

[58:28] planter or decorate the front of your store or, you know, again, like even a

[58:32] scarecrow that you can stick outside of the store. And

[58:35] » yeah, >> you know,

[58:36] » we definitely love the idea of like the marketing kind of moments, like things

[58:41] that really when people come into town, they're just like, "Oo, what's that?"

[58:47] Yes. And that's how I felt about that little town. I was like, "This is

[58:50] great." Like, you just kept walking and looking at all these scarecrows and

[58:54] there was so many different kinds, you know? Yeah. So,

[58:57] » okay. All right. Yeah, we love that. Um I think I had a have a question. Um so,

[59:03] you talked about a group of you all like how many would you say that represents

[59:07] business owners that are kind of collective um wanting

[59:11] » We've got 15. Yeah. 15. Okay.

[59:18] » A good a good Yeah. Okay. >> Pretty much most of North Maine

[59:24] and like half of the inner uh circle

[59:30] and then a couple on like um >> and we have some new businesses too. So

[59:36] » yeah. We would we want like a program like this to be exclusive to downtown

[59:40] businesses similar to the window decorations or would this be something

[59:43] citywide?

[59:47] What? >> I think just exclusive just to roll it

[59:51] out maybe exclusive to downtown and then maybe if it grows we can extend it.

[59:57] » Um >> yeah,

[59:58] » I'm still interested in >> Okay. So, we need to figure out a season

[1:00:03] and a theme. Yeah. >> Store it there. And

[1:00:06] » I feel like there's a lot already in fall.

[1:00:09] » Yes. >> Going into Christmas, but we don't have

[1:00:12] very much for summer. And the J months are the months that

[1:00:18] like so June and July people are on vacation. So those as a retail time is

[1:00:25] slow. >> So that would be a good time to kind of

[1:00:29] boost some just get people to come and shop.

[1:00:32] » Have you guys thought about like some sort of reward card like you know some

[1:00:37] of the schools will do like coupon cards? like have you guys talked about

[1:00:41] something like that cuz that would help drive that traffic.

[1:00:44] » So we've done so this month we did January jump off where we all like it

[1:00:50] was like this kind of scavenger hunt. Um and we all partnered together with that.

[1:00:55] I haven't really seen much response to that. Um we're doing the Valentine's Day

[1:01:01] event this Saturday. So it's just a bunch of different we've we're printing

[1:01:05] our own materials and maps and doing all of that. Um, and then we've done the

[1:01:11] fall fest for like three years now. Um, and we did last last year, year before

[1:01:19] last for Shop Small, we did like a booklet and the bingo and like you kind

[1:01:25] of check off things and we've done it. It's hard because we don't have

[1:01:32] support from the city. So, it just kind of exists and it's just hard to get it

[1:01:38] to like really get out there. >> When you say support from the city and

[1:01:43] maybe I'm just naive and not following you mean um like partnership like an

[1:01:47] ability to get the communication out to have social media to be a supporter.

[1:01:52] Yes. That's really that I'm just trying to figure out where you are because I

[1:01:55] mean for appearance I think our mayor is standing up. I also want to note that we

[1:02:00] are the only town our size that doesn't have a downtown

[1:02:03] » corporation. Yeah. >> Yeah. So that would be a huge thing for

[1:02:07] them. But >> Yes. Cuz so when I started I wouldn't

[1:02:10] have my business if it wasn't for our previous downtown coordinator because I

[1:02:17] started as a popup. She connected me with everyone and then when I lost that

[1:02:22] space, she connected me with the person that I have my space now in. And through

[1:02:27] that partnership, he was able to renovate the building and like it really

[1:02:32] that building has sat vacant for like 20 years before. Um, yeah. And if we if we

[1:02:38] did have a downtown coordinator like I think it's the same position that Mary

[1:02:42] Faucet >> So I am now a person here that exists.

[1:02:51] » I think we've lost. >> Okay.

[1:02:56] But >> here

[1:02:58] » but I will say like there is like more directed effort for communication.

[1:03:06] » Yes. >> That is coming.

[1:03:08] » Okay. >> Perosition just funded by the board

[1:03:11] » wants to work with downtown wants to bring people here. Wants to have a

[1:03:16] » but yeah >> sometimes you got to take care of the

[1:03:19] house. >> Yeah.

[1:03:20] » You know back house a little bit. >> Yeah. that I've been here since

[1:03:23] September, so I'm still >> working from the inside out.

[1:03:26] » Well, even so, you run the social medias, right?

[1:03:29] » I have seen since you've been doing that like an uptick in just like engagement

[1:03:36] with the businesses, which has been huge. So, thank you.

[1:03:40] » Yeah. Um, >> we can connect.

[1:03:44] » Yeah. Yeah. I mean, um, >> your name, I'm sorry, and your

[1:03:51] » Okay. Yeah. And things have really been going very well. I see, you know, it

[1:03:57] looks really good. You're doing a good job. I see a lot coming out. That's

[1:04:02] good. >> I think there's lots of potential, I

[1:04:04] think, is what it is. It's just we're on the

[1:04:06] » there's budgetary, you know, issues. But the way finding signs, I've heard about

[1:04:10] those over and over again. And yeah, you know, you see towns that have them and

[1:04:14] they're beautiful and they're branded. And I mean, just today I'm seeing the

[1:04:18] new logo on um on our materials. So, I think we have positive efforts going.

[1:04:23] Um, I understand that doesn't pay the bills right now. Um, so I think from our

[1:04:28] piece, you know, appearance and treeboard, there's things that, you

[1:04:31] know, we look to make the town attractive, make it where people want to

[1:04:35] be here. There's something that's captivating for them. Um, but absolutely

[1:04:39] can take back the I mean, wayfinding signs are stuff that we've spoken about

[1:04:44] because it does make us a more attracted >> attractive town, right? our city.

[1:04:50] » Goodbye. Right. >> Yeah.

[1:04:53] » All right. So, >> we have our mayor here.

[1:04:56] » Yeah. >> Got that down,

[1:04:59] » we'll get council. >> So, these uh kind of these are awesome

[1:05:03] ideas, by the way. So, >> these things you guys just kind of want

[1:05:06] to mle over and then maybe once kind of like you said, once there's kind of a

[1:05:10] break, once we get through Arbor Day, maybe kind of establish some things and

[1:05:14] kind of recordinate and make some solid decisions.

[1:05:18] » Now, could you talk to your group um about June or July? Like, what theme

[1:05:24] would you guys like to do that we can kind of also help, you know, push it and

[1:05:29] whatnot? >> Yeah. I'm trying to think if there's

[1:05:32] something going on just summer.

[1:05:36] Um 50th. Oh yeah. Um yeah. I mean that would be actually

[1:05:43] that would be pretty cool to have that. Feels like a good marketing moment too.

[1:05:48] » Yeah. Yeah. >> En enhance the town business, you know.

[1:05:53] » Yeah. Sidewalks and all that. Yeah. But yeah, I'll I'll uh ask them if they have

[1:05:58] any ideas about any of that, like what we could do

[1:06:02] » similar to the pumpkin thing, but

[1:06:06] » or if there's other ideas, right? I mean, I think it may not be in a a

[1:06:11] capacity of this board, but it's in a capacity of a resident of this city that

[1:06:16] wants to make things great. So, I think it's open conversation and I appreciate

[1:06:20] you for bringing it forward. >> Yeah, absolutely. Awesome. Thank you.

[1:06:25] » Okay. >> Thank you so much.

[1:06:28] » Thank you. >> So, the last thing on our agenda is um

[1:06:34] we wanted to discuss with Kaylee here, our PR specialist about the bringing

[1:06:40] back the appearance award for this year. Uh that was a topic discussed at the

[1:06:43] last meeting. Um specifically the residential appearance, but I believe we

[1:06:47] also, as I mentioned earlier, the business appearance award as well. And I

[1:06:50] think we wanted to focus a little bit more on the residential appearance

[1:06:52] award. Um me and Kayie have been in a discussion. Um she has a lot of ideas

[1:06:57] regarding kind of ways we can kind of improve engagement and um kind of kick

[1:07:03] things back up as far as getting those photo ops and kind of getting people

[1:07:07] involved essentially and increasing awareness of the appearance commission's

[1:07:10] roles and you know the beautifification of the city and um I'll open the floor

[1:07:15] now for Kaylee if she wants to come up and uh present her ideas and you guys

[1:07:18] can ask questions. Hi again, Kaylee Gorum, public relations specialist.

[1:07:24] Thanks for chatting with me. And I started in September. So if you haven't

[1:07:29] seen me around that until now, that's why. Um, but yeah, so I have been

[1:07:35] talking with Jonathan about the residential appearance award and I've

[1:07:39] been doing some digging in our own like archives to kind

[1:07:44] of figure out like just what it is. And so I just want to confirm a few things

[1:07:48] with y'all. Um I'm not sure how long each of you have been on this board or

[1:07:53] this commission, but just hopefully you can help me clarify some things. So it

[1:07:58] looks like this started in 2019. Does that sound right?

[1:08:03] » The board. >> The residential appearance award.

[1:08:06] » The the award. >> The award. Okay. I thought you were

[1:08:09] looking forward. Yeah. >> No.

[1:08:11] » Um >> I felt like I won before that. So I

[1:08:13] don't know. It's been around a long time.

[1:08:17] » I I hate to I hate to say I keep winning every month, but like that was

[1:08:25] » 2018. >> Yeah,

[1:08:28] that 2019 is the first time we have pictures in our

[1:08:32] uh Graham share drive. So that's where I got that from. Um, and then it started

[1:08:39] at least with four seasons, a spring, summer, fall, and then winter. Um, 2020,

[1:08:47] uh, if y'all remember that year, there was nothing. I blacked that one out. Um,

[1:08:52] and then 2021, it looks like spring, summer, fall, there was not, um, any

[1:08:59] awards given out, but in winter there was. Um, and it seemed like there was

[1:09:03] maybe some good participation there. And then 2022 there was spring, summer,

[1:09:08] fall, but no winter. And then it kind of moved to twice a

[1:09:14] year in 2023 and 2024. And then this last year was kind of an iffy year. Does

[1:09:23] that Does that seem right? >> Does. And I'm going to tell you, we

[1:09:27] Jimmy, I took most of the pictures >> and submitted them. like we had no

[1:09:32] participation from outside or anything like that. I was going to drive around.

[1:09:37] Oh, that's pretty. >> Take a picture. Yes. You know.

[1:09:41] » Gotcha. >> So, that sounds right to y'all. Um I

[1:09:45] have that the biggest participation year was summer of 2019

[1:09:53] with 27 potential addresses. Um and so if if

[1:10:02] what I found is correct, which you know, I don't think there's great

[1:10:06] documentation. So, I think that's also something that might be addressed um

[1:10:11] moving forward. Um I think that that would be the second one. So, like maybe

[1:10:16] it got posted, advertised, hey, participate, and then maybe there was

[1:10:20] like a here's the winner and then people were excited because there was a winner

[1:10:24] and then you got more participation that second time running. Does that sound

[1:10:29] about right? Um, so I'm curious like what y'all's

[1:10:36] feelings were towards the participation. It sounds like maybe it was less than

[1:10:39] you would like and hope for. >> A lot less.

[1:10:43] » A lot less. Again, we were the ones taking pictures. Nothing else.

[1:10:47] » Okay. So one thing that Jonathan and I have

[1:10:51] discussed is moving it more towards the language surrounding it towards a self

[1:10:59] um submitt module so or model so people are asked to be proud of their own house

[1:11:09] and to send it in because I think with I love that you like love your neighbors

[1:11:14] houses but there is like some security features and like safety issues that

[1:11:18] might come up. I just think about like kids in foster care. Like there's all

[1:11:22] sorts of things like we need to be mindful of as we're taking photos of

[1:11:25] people's homes and privacy. >> Yes.

[1:11:27] » Um so I think that if we can move more towards that selfmittal

[1:11:34] um selfnomination instead of um a lot of the language that

[1:11:38] I found um from our previous Facebook posts were was kind of geared towards

[1:11:44] hey do you like this house? send us your a picture of it instead be like, "Hey,

[1:11:48] are you proud of your house? Show us what makes you proud to be a Graham

[1:11:53] resident." So, um I think that's kind of a shift

[1:11:56] that we were Jonathan and I were looking at making and wanted to get y'all's

[1:12:00] opinion on. And then also with that people

[1:12:04] submitting at the same time submitting their own photos so that you know we're

[1:12:09] not responsible for going out and taking p pictures

[1:12:13] and wanted to make sure y'all were good with that. We did try it a little bit

[1:12:16] with the winter one this past year. just I don't think we had enough like of a

[1:12:21] runway and people have gotten out of the practice of looking for this award.

[1:12:27] Um so I used a program a website called Jot Form where people were didn't have

[1:12:33] to have an account like you could do a Google form but you have to have a

[1:12:37] Google account to submit a photo but with Jot Form you didn't have to do

[1:12:40] that. Now, were you looking incorporating all

[1:12:44] four seasons or you're just >> Well, I think another did you have more

[1:12:49] submissions when you had less seasons or more seasons?

[1:12:52] » It it kind of v it seems consistently aside from 2021

[1:12:58] um winter is the lowest. I think that with the way the timeline works for

[1:13:04] um sending in like people decorate their house for the holidays and then so post

[1:13:11] November getting it in for y'all's December

[1:13:14] meeting was a little bit too tight of a turnaround. People aren't quite

[1:13:18] decorated for the holidays at that point. And then by January it's like

[1:13:22] well I don't really care. They might have even taken down their decorations

[1:13:26] by the time the photo op for the winter comes around. So, I would suggest a two

[1:13:33] or three times a year model. Um maybe as we're getting started again, kind of

[1:13:40] revamping, trying to re-engage folks. Um looking at just twice a year and then

[1:13:47] kind of seeing what's working, what's not working, what season is popular

[1:13:53] and just observing also around the town, what people seem to be excited to

[1:13:59] decorate for on their own without the incentives

[1:14:02] um and seeing how we can get engagement. But maybe starting with two and then you

[1:14:08] can kind of go from there. And when we discussed the rolling schedule um last

[1:14:13] at the last meeting, the months suggested were April, July, October,

[1:14:16] December. So if we were going to reduce the amount of submitts we had per year

[1:14:20] to three or two instead of four, I guess we would kind have to determine what

[1:14:24] what months we would like to kind of sacrifice essentially.

[1:14:27] » I I think the fall tying it in with downtown would be great, you know,

[1:14:33] » since we decorate the downtown for the fall,

[1:14:37] » right? tying it in with something. >> You could do like a spring and a fall.

[1:14:42] » Yeah. >> Um and maybe just starting with the fall

[1:14:44] this year just because I know y'all want to like promote Arbor Day stuff and

[1:14:49] Bry's doing a lot of that. So that this would be a separate social media

[1:14:51] account. Um because this would be from uh Graham and City of Graham NC a

[1:14:59] separate account. But I think just giving us the most amount of a runway to

[1:15:05] kind of promote it and get it ready. Um, and we could even do things to engage of

[1:15:11] just posting houses like from photos we already have to say like, "Oh, isn't it

[1:15:16] such a beautiful place to live and make posts like that of houses from previous

[1:15:22] years?" And so it's kind of like prepping, priming our audience for

[1:15:29] seeing houses and remembering that this was um

[1:15:34] a program that was had some success. >> I like that idea. I do.

[1:15:41] » So starting with the fall this fall. Um and that gives us plenty of time over

[1:15:45] the summer to kind of get it ramped up. And

[1:15:49] » I don't know if I really I don't know if I agree. I'm such a party pooper. I feel

[1:15:54] like people really Jonathan's like, "There you go. Of course. Why'd you show

[1:15:58] up tonight?" >> No, you're good.

[1:16:00] » I I feel like spring is where people really make a huge investment. Like we

[1:16:04] see Lowe's and Home Depot and all these summer was the highest ever was that

[1:16:09] summer 2019 with 27 um houses. Then 2022 spring had 16, summer had 10, and then

[1:16:18] fall had eight. I also think the holiday, which maybe because we went and

[1:16:23] took a ton of pictures, but I feel like holiday

[1:16:26] decor, you have to take it a certain time of the day. I feel like people go

[1:16:30] all out for holiday, right? Like there's a huge audience. So, if we're looking at

[1:16:34] only twice a year, maybe it's June because now flowers are planted April,

[1:16:38] they're getting to be mature and you get good pictures and then it's de beginning

[1:16:42] of December because that's up. I don't know. That's was that was what I was

[1:16:46] thinking as we were talking. like maybe it's one one time at the beginning and

[1:16:50] then one time at the end and that gets momentum going but

[1:16:54] » and that's just for memory. I don't know if you guys have any

[1:16:57] » I do agree that um like I do think that spacing works really well. I think the

[1:17:02] only tricky part is the holiday timing with y'all's meeting. That's that's

[1:17:06] really my reservation with that. I mean spring and summer you can kind of lump

[1:17:09] them together um depending on how you time it out. Um,

[1:17:15] so but I do think that that is a heard point and I think that there is already

[1:17:20] so much happening in Graham in the fall with the pumpkin bash. So like we were

[1:17:24] just saying with Renee that you know we could use some more programming

[1:17:29] happening in June and July as well. And I do think that Christmas again, by the

[1:17:37] time we get, you know, the pictures and whatnot, it's

[1:17:41] January and it's it's kind of over, you know,

[1:17:45] » like true people that decorate, which is not me,

[1:17:48] » but those that do it, they it is up for Thanksgiving, if not before then, right?

[1:17:53] Like we know the radio station cuts on Christmas beginning of November. So if

[1:17:57] we do meet in December and these people are selfnominating, right? Like so they

[1:18:01] really are behind it. They want to be able to be I think there's a chance. I'm

[1:18:06] not saying it's going to work. Um but I think there's a chance to get people um

[1:18:11] they're they want to be the best and then if they get the sign then they are

[1:18:14] the best right now. They're people are coming to their place. They're getting I

[1:18:18] don't know there's there's momentum to build. But I mean I'm I'm good with what

[1:18:22] the group thinks. >> No, I like that idea as well.

[1:18:25] » Yeah. Spring to I think June is a good time. May is early because you're just

[1:18:31] planting so it doesn't really grow in yet, you know. So, yeah, I think June is

[1:18:36] a good time for that. >> So, the J months.

[1:18:40] » Okay. >> Yeah.

[1:18:42] » So, >> June and January.

[1:18:45] » June and January would be when you want to administer the awards. Is that what

[1:18:51] I'm hearing? Or July and January? >> July. June. January. June or July.

[1:18:56] » Would be December. >> Yeah.

[1:18:59] in

[1:19:03] » Yeah. >> Yeah, I think so.

[1:19:05] » But if you But I know here I am again. >> But if you do it in January, right? Like

[1:19:10] by the time we recognize it, people have cut their power off. Like you can't

[1:19:14] afford the bill anymore, right? >> So it's kind of like December. I know

[1:19:17] splitting the months are equal six. Yeah. June and December, like because we

[1:19:21] meet the beginning of December, people can submit before then and then at least

[1:19:25] then the whole month of December, people can go enjoy those submittals, right?

[1:19:28] They're going to be on the thing. Cameron is looking at me just with the

[1:19:31] grid. >> Hate to interconnect back here, but

[1:19:36] maybe it's a something that we have to look into on our side to see can we move

[1:19:41] your December meeting where y'all don't meet on the first of the month, the

[1:19:45] first Monday of the month. Well, >> because we did change it. I think that's

[1:19:47] where >> Yeah, we changed it for

[1:19:50] second. I apologize. I'm just trying to

[1:19:54] » No, you maybe in December. >> Definitely the thought I guess that may

[1:19:58] go through y'all's heads potentially. I don't know if it's possible. We anything

[1:20:03] it have to be a special meeting because it's already kind of laid out or if

[1:20:06] there's some action that we can take at the next meeting to set y'all's December

[1:20:10] meeting for this specific date. I don't know the details, but that's really the

[1:20:13] only way to combat this kind of timeline frame of it is trying to schedule your

[1:20:16] December meeting.

[1:20:21] » Yeah, I agree with that. And and we were also looking at possibly even moving the

[1:20:26] meeting back to the original Monday. Um we had

[1:20:31] » we moved it for >> altered the date for Cheryl's schedule,

[1:20:37] but now Cheryl doesn't have that schedule.

[1:20:39] But the first the Monday first Monday of December this year is the seventh.

[1:20:44] » It can't get any better than that. Um and if Dave where we were um

[1:20:49] » I don't know. >> Yeah.

[1:20:51] » What do you think? You're the expert. >> Me?

[1:20:53] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[1:20:54] » Um the specialist >> I as far as public relations specialists

[1:21:00] go, I don't think that we have a formed opinion on when y'all should meet. Um, I

[1:21:07] I think that as far as the December goes, it would be great if you could do

[1:21:12] it later cuz we did post um I'm pulling it up now. It looks like we posted one,

[1:21:18] two, three times starting on November 12th asking people to submit. And we

[1:21:26] still only had two submitts for that, but like people hadn't been used to

[1:21:31] seeing it. and it was only on Facebook and Instagram. And so that was another

[1:21:37] thing I wanted to bring up is maybe having ways that y'all could use some of

[1:21:41] your contacts being Graham residents, getting it out. Um, like if there's

[1:21:46] neighborhoods with newsletters, putting it there, um, and just finding some more

[1:21:51] creative solutions to reaching the residents of Graham,

[1:21:55] » the city, I know I think the police department does next door, but do

[1:21:59] » I was looking into it. We don't have one right now. Um I would have to see about

[1:22:05] purchasing it cuz it would be more of an ads um account. So from the government

[1:22:11] side and they might I need to look into it further and see what kind of cost

[1:22:17] there is for government cuz sometimes like nonprofits and governments would be

[1:22:22] given a it for free or >> and I don't know if the police I'm sure

[1:22:26] there's a community service thing and I'm not quite sure I'm not huge into

[1:22:30] social media. I'm too old. But I think um I know that like I set up my

[1:22:37] communities next door and Cameron loves my community

[1:22:42] and I know I get alerts every time something like that's posted from an

[1:22:46] official person. Yeah. Like I get those like and I don't get alerts for

[1:22:50] everything but I'm like oh City of Graham posted or so. So it may be really

[1:22:54] well worth it because it goes you can tag the communities and it goes to those

[1:22:58] that are in there utilizing it. Um it's got a lot of band like a lot of

[1:23:02] bandwidth over the years when it used to be so small. Now it's

[1:23:05] » huge. >> Yeah. And I think um another opportunity

[1:23:09] that we could use is maybe coming up with some flyers or like little cards to

[1:23:13] give out at things like the pumpkin bash for this award. So then the people that

[1:23:18] way people know. >> I wonder if the I mean this is

[1:23:22] embarrassing but what if they can be recognized at a city council meeting?

[1:23:26] You know what I mean? Like I don't know. I just think about how do you get how do

[1:23:29] you get the programming in front of the mass audiences right maybe we don't

[1:23:32] start with that because that's a little intimidating but

[1:23:35] » I don't know how many how what the if that would be really an incentive most

[1:23:41] » but council me but

[1:23:47] » depends on what's on the agenda Megan

[1:23:57] We could also um put it I think especially if we're going to do this

[1:24:04] layout um the city this works well for the city Graham schedule as well.

[1:24:10] » Cheryl, I think I would um y'all have friends in presumably all of y'all take

[1:24:17] three of your friends and have them submit somebody and it's just going to

[1:24:22] be a snowball. word of mouth. Word of mouth and like this actually is an award

[1:24:28] and it's actually >> meaningful for our community and pride

[1:24:32] is doing something. >> Yeah, I think it's got to be worth

[1:24:35] » and I and I that does make me think about like the incentive to do it. I

[1:24:40] heard y'all talking about the prizes and things for

[1:24:44] um the Arbor Day in Graham. So, I don't know if this is another opportunity for

[1:24:48] us to partner with downtown businesses and kind of offer some sort of coupon or

[1:24:54] gift card um for the winners cuz I I love to participate but sometimes I like

[1:24:59] to participate more if there's a gift. So, um just keeping that in mind as well

[1:25:04] » a month from market or Steve's or >> avail

[1:25:10] time.

[1:25:14] Hey. Hey. I like that.

[1:25:20] » Um, so I think that's um mostly what I had to say about this. If y'all had

[1:25:26] other ideas or wants or needs from me, you say, Jonathan, did you say business

[1:25:32] award too or just residential? >> Yeah. Well, so I guess when we were

[1:25:35] discussing it last week, we didn't really make a huge distinguishing. we

[1:25:39] didn't really distinguish the residential appearance award or the

[1:25:41] business appearance award. Um, and the business appearance award is also a

[1:25:45] thing. So, you know, we're talking about doing, you know, implementing a rolling

[1:25:48] schedule for the appearance award. You know, obviously I think it's implied

[1:25:52] we're talking about the residential appearance word, but are we also

[1:25:54] including the business award in this? And do we want to bring that back as

[1:25:58] well? Especially, you know, with all this conversation about local business

[1:26:01] engagement and get getting the commission involved with that stuff. Um,

[1:26:05] is that something you guys have interest in? And is that a conversation we'd like

[1:26:08] to have tonight as well? Kind of piggybacking off of this.

[1:26:12] » I I just remember I think I brought this business, it really dropped because I

[1:26:16] think the last one we had was Wendy's um a long time ago um when they remodeled

[1:26:21] and so I feel like that is a way to also kind of recognize what Renee brought

[1:26:26] forward earlier. It's a chance to recognize and spotlight a business

[1:26:30] downtown or within the um ETJ. I think it's within the ETJ is what it said. Um,

[1:26:37] I'm all I'm all supportive of if the rest of this board would be I mean

[1:26:40] there's they're separate, right? They're and I don't think that was done

[1:26:43] seasonally. I think it might have been just once a year. I don't know.

[1:26:47] » Yeah. Well, that's kind of the question I guess if we're since we're deciding

[1:26:50] when we want to do the residential appearance award, do we want the

[1:26:53] business award to be kind of co like to kind of coincide with that? like do you

[1:26:57] guys when we meet to decide on the residential award applicants, do we want

[1:27:02] to be deciding on the business award applicants at the same at the same

[1:27:04] meeting essentially? Um I feel like that could make it easier to kind of make

[1:27:09] those rolling schedules kind of align that way. We don't have them mismatched

[1:27:13] and it gets complicated. But >> well, if the downtown's looking at doing

[1:27:18] like a June July, you could coordinate that with the residential in June.

[1:27:26] Yeah. Right. >> Well, time to shine the windows.

[1:27:33] » Like the business. >> Thank.

[1:27:43] So, just to kind of summarize and make sure we're kind of making a motion or a

[1:27:48] decision here, do you guys agree or thumbs uping the um the self-submitt or

[1:27:54] the self-nomination idea we've presented? And you guys have established

[1:27:58] the months of just just to make sure January and June,

[1:28:03] » December and June. >> December and June

[1:28:06] » or December and July. December and July, >> which

[1:28:11] it's it's where y'all will vote. I mean, I heard about planting. I do not have a

[1:28:15] green thumb in the slightest, so I don't know about that kind of thing, but I

[1:28:21] heard comment about that as well. So, that's I mean, typically, yeah, if it's

[1:28:26] early, if it's submitted in June, I mean, people are still watering. After

[1:28:31] that, they're like, "Yeah, we're done." >> Yeah. The heat hasn't hit. Things are

[1:28:34] filled in. So vote on it at your June meeting or

[1:28:38] » June or July, whatever. >> That's

[1:28:40] » December and July. I think that's what we we're here.

[1:28:45] » Our lost call. >> We said we said June and we originally

[1:28:50] said June and December. >> Okay,

[1:28:52] » let's just stick with it. June and evaluate at a later date.

[1:28:55] » We'll stick with June and December. >> That's when y'all will vote because that

[1:28:59] just helps me work from work backward. Yeah, because July also, I mean, it's

[1:29:06] around the Fourth of July, so I don't know if we'll even have a meeting,

[1:29:09] » December. Okay, >> June and December.

[1:29:12] » That's when y'all will vote. And then I'll base my social media planning off

[1:29:17] of those dates. >> Okay.

[1:29:18] » And also, just to confirm, we want the business award to also be in December

[1:29:22] and June as well. >> Yes, sir.

[1:29:24] » Perfect. And another question about the business award before we wrap up here.

[1:29:30] Um, I guess the way that award was done in the past is the commission would kind

[1:29:34] of like you guys were saying, you guys would go around and select businesses

[1:29:36] that you liked and kind of appoint them yourself or nominate them yourselves.

[1:29:40] Guess you guys also allowed for um or the board allowed also for people to

[1:29:44] email in submissions. So, do we just kind of want to do something similar

[1:29:48] that to what we discussed with the residential?

[1:29:50] » Yes, that's the middle. I think >> the middle. Yeah. and I can work with um

[1:29:55] Renee Ward about getting her sunshine list of uh business.

[1:30:00] » Yeah, Seth and then that way you know they're engaged and this is something

[1:30:04] that they you know want to participate in and it your safness. Thank you so

[1:30:09] much for considering that because many of days we were like out there like we

[1:30:14] were just taking pictures, you know, and it's kind of scary um to do that. So

[1:30:19] yeah, I agree 100% self-submittable. Yeah.

[1:30:25] But how would the December one relate into the downtown window decoration

[1:30:29] contest? Like if you're already doing that one for the downtown businesses,

[1:30:34] what are we thinking about? >> We do a lot downtown. We don't do a lot

[1:30:38] of businesses outside right now. >> That's correct. That's why I'm just

[1:30:41] trying to make sure that there's a distinction between the two that y'all

[1:30:44] understand. >> You kind Miss Ray kind of mentioned it.

[1:30:46] I think we would want the business award to be for all the whole city, not just

[1:30:50] the downtown. Does um does the sunshine list include all?

[1:30:55] » Um no, not that I'm aware of. I'm not sure how far it reaches. Cameron, do you

[1:31:00] know about that? >> I say the sunshine list really is just

[1:31:03] for interested people and what's going on inside the city. It's not necessarily

[1:31:08] the downtown people themselves, but Miss Renee does have a email list of downtown

[1:31:14] businesses, I think, because we have to send it out whenever we send out our COA

[1:31:18] or facade grant applications. I think they're all sent out by mail to

[1:31:23] » business. So, we have downtown business, >> but we're needing to So, that's

[1:31:28] something that um it sounds like the city could improve upon getting a little

[1:31:33] bit of a more robust and comprehensive list of businesses, not just downtown.

[1:31:39] I'll see I'll do some digging and see what um we have access to at the moment.

[1:31:46] great to see where Main Street and Harden, you know, get involved.

[1:31:52] » Um, that still doesn't necessarily

[1:31:56] address Cameron's point of the two different.

[1:32:00] » Yeah. >> So, I think that would be

[1:32:02] » about that. Sure.

[1:32:07] » Yeah. Cheryl, what I don't know, my brain hurts. Um, yeah, because the

[1:32:13] window contest we do already pick and recognize. Um, so it does seem like

[1:32:17] that's really a duplication of effort because I mean Cameron says no, not

[1:32:23] really. >> Well, I mean,

[1:32:26] the appearance award is for people outside of the downtown, but of course

[1:32:32] those are going to be running together. So, I think you just have to make sure

[1:32:34] that whatever you're getting on the business appearance side is not also

[1:32:39] something that you're getting from the downtown window decoration side

[1:32:42] » because the downtown window, we're going to still take the pictures of anyone

[1:32:46] that has put up a display in whatever theme it is. We're not going to ask for

[1:32:51] self-submitt for that. Is that right? We're not making because I know we

[1:32:55] usually don't >> I think we said I think we just sent

[1:32:59] that we were going to do self submitts for

[1:33:02] » for the window display >> for the um for the holiday window

[1:33:05] display usually like we would walk around or Cameron or Jonathan would walk

[1:33:09] around take pictures and then bring it up in the meeting that's separate from

[1:33:13] business appearance. >> Okay. So

[1:33:17] » So sorry if I can just interject. So, we've got

[1:33:22] the residential appearance award. Then we've got the business beautifification

[1:33:28] award separate from the grant, but the business beautifification award.

[1:33:32] » Business appearance. >> Business appearance award. Thank you,

[1:33:35] Jonathan. Um, and that would go to all of Graham. And then there's also this

[1:33:42] window >> competition.

[1:33:43] » Competition during the holidays. Is that correct?

[1:33:47] » Correct. >> Okay. Sorry, I was just making sure that

[1:33:49] we had that. And that one is just for downtown businesses.

[1:33:54] Okay. And then that one is not self-submitt. That is

[1:33:58] » we go and take the pictures. >> That's kind of like a special excursion

[1:34:03] enrichment for our appearance commission.

[1:34:09] I think we can keep it all the same date. Sounds lovely.

[1:34:14] » Yeah. So, did we still dis uh make a dis um a comment about how we're going to

[1:34:20] distinguish between the what are we going to

[1:34:22] » have different merits, different roles? >> The appearance

[1:34:27] help me out. The Graham the business appearance award.

[1:34:31] » Yeah, the business appearance award is a self-submitt.

[1:34:35] And so what do they get? What is their incentive to participate?

[1:34:40] » Get a sign. They get a sign. >> Have sign.

[1:34:42] » Okay. They have a

[1:34:44] » we will probably need new signs just because we have new branding and all of

[1:34:48] that. >> I think they get a sign, they get

[1:34:52] recognition, they get to be put on, you know, um the pride of

[1:34:56] » Definitely post. >> Yeah.

[1:34:59] » I I'm just asking for my clarification so that I know it's a post.

[1:35:03] » We don't have Sorry. >> I'm not inter interrogating.

[1:35:11] » Oh, sorry. I think also there's a big difference between the like a window

[1:35:15] display and like kind of beautifification outdoor landscaping

[1:35:19] type of thing that you would get with that.

[1:35:21] » So I think I think there is good multiple ways to distinguish it

[1:35:26] » but it's up to you guys. >> We're good.

[1:35:32] » Yeah.

[1:35:36] » All right. I like it. >> I like it.

[1:35:38] » All right. So >> thank you so much. Thank y'all.

[1:35:42] » Explore. >> All right. So, I guess to cap it off, um

[1:35:47] have the calendar pulled up here. Um I can change it based on the some of the

[1:35:51] conversations that we've had tonight and I send that out to you guys uh either

[1:35:56] tomorrow or next week. Um, but yeah, is there anything else regarding the

[1:36:01] upcoming year that y'all have any questions about or want to kind of

[1:36:04] figure out or want to plan ahead for aside from

[1:36:09] what we've already discussed today?

[1:36:15] » Are we able to come up with any new ideas that we're just going to stick to?

[1:36:19] » We have, but I mean, I think we're sticking to what we have. We can always

[1:36:24] adjust if we need to.

[1:36:30] We good? >> I think we're good. All right.

[1:36:34] » Okay. Um, so we had discussed opening up looking at new ideas, new possibilities.

[1:36:41] And what what I'm hearing tonight is that we're going to try to work on what

[1:36:45] we've discussed tonight and then maybe look at doing new ideas. Um,

[1:36:54] what what about our goals? Um, are we going to tie that into just the

[1:37:03] three categories that we just um discussed or are we going to look for

[1:37:08] trying to fund more projects for downtown?

[1:37:12] Um,

[1:37:16] going to stay where we are pretty much. >> I

[1:37:20] I hate to I hate to put Chelsea on the spot, which I called Megan earlier.

[1:37:23] Sorry, Megan. I'm sure she watches this. Um, I I think we need to hear from our

[1:37:28] city council and hear from what that perspective is and what their charge to

[1:37:32] us is for us to develop our goals. I don't know if that's what you all agree.

[1:37:40] » I I will answer that. Um, but I also wanted to Are y'all familiar with the

[1:37:45] New Leaf Society? >> Yes.

[1:37:49] » It's my understanding that we don't have any current projects with them. Okay.

[1:37:54] but they have projects in almost every other municipality in Alamance County.

[1:37:59] We don't necessarily have a I think this board is uh positioned well to

[1:38:06] be the one to explore what positions or what projects would look like. Um, so if

[1:38:12] you guys could take the charge and do that and even if even if the goal this

[1:38:17] year is to form that relationship and and propose new projects at the

[1:38:21] beginning of next year or if it's to propose fall projects for them um and

[1:38:25] get the ball rolling because I think that's where we're we're lacking. That's

[1:38:31] why things haven't been connected yet is the capacity piece. So, if you guys

[1:38:34] wanted to charge that and look around the city to be like, "Hey, we could

[1:38:38] really use hanging baskets in our downtown or or whatever it is and then

[1:38:44] come to them to be like, look, this is what we see. Is there anything that you

[1:38:49] guys really want your name on?" Um, I spoke with Marcy Green at Impact

[1:38:55] Alamance about um beautifification stuff and and park

[1:39:01] enhancement around Sesqua Centennial at its current location. Um,

[1:39:07] that all is is very much up in the air right now um just because of where

[1:39:12] council is trying to land on Cesco Centennial. Um, but I think there's a

[1:39:18] lot of inroads that we can make as far as appearance and and greenery and and

[1:39:23] community partnerships. So, that would kind of be my like vision and task for

[1:39:28] you guys is making those connections, having those people here, having those

[1:39:34] conversations, and then coming either to us as council or to Megan and Burke's

[1:39:40] going to have to be involved because of public works and watering and all of

[1:39:43] that. But but making those first asks would be awesome and it would

[1:39:50] leverage your impact because you're bringing together funding partners for

[1:39:55] the city. Um as far as what city council is charging you with. Um

[1:40:03] I'm unsure of that as a council. Um, I think once a decision is made about

[1:40:12] the park, y'all could be brought into that. I

[1:40:16] don't know. Um, I will say that there is a special meeting that was called for

[1:40:20] Tuesday. Um, Proim and uh, Whitaker called it to

[1:40:29] review the RFQS to for the park to move again. And so we're kind of still in

[1:40:34] that waffling back and forth. So I I don't know what to tell you as far as

[1:40:38] what council as a board is charging you for.

[1:40:43] Sorry. I wish I had a clearer answer for you. Um I will say in the meantime just

[1:40:49] pushing these they're going to feel smaller but you're

[1:40:53] working on community pride and that is huge and I understand that it is a soft

[1:40:58] and tangible but we appreciate your work. Um, so pushing New Leaf forward,

[1:41:04] pushing the the awards forward. Yes,

[1:41:08] » I think we have a a contact for the impact. Do we have a name for New Leaf

[1:41:15] Society? >> Her name's Katie. Yeah, Katie Snider.

[1:41:19] » Is it Smith or something? >> It was Katie Massie in that winner.

[1:41:23] » Brian Fawson and I sit on the New Leaf Society committee. Uh,

[1:41:28] » so know Katie and

[1:41:31] » what's Katie's last name? >> Snider.

[1:41:33] » Snider. Thank you, sir. Yeah, I couldn't. Oh, Smith or I couldn't

[1:41:37] remember. Okay. >> Yeah.

[1:41:38] » So, um I think we'll start working on some type

[1:41:43] of contact. Um maybe we can do something um written.

[1:41:49] um and maybe going over and inviting them over, maybe having a sit down with

[1:41:54] them. Um and maybe we could talk with the two together and trying to see how

[1:42:01] our involvement and their involvement how we could kind of join forces.

[1:42:13] So, um >> one more thing, sorry.

[1:42:16] » Oh, sorry. Um, as I was reading and getting myself acquainted with

[1:42:20] everything, um, it says that our boards, um, report annually to the city council.

[1:42:27] And I would love for you guys to come before city council and just report on

[1:42:31] on what you've done, what you are doing, what your vision is, because that would

[1:42:34] in turn um, be a really great platform for us to turn around and say we like

[1:42:40] that. Do more of this or whatever. and then kind of

[1:42:45] if you need funding then that's when that would come. Um

[1:42:50] so if you want to talk or look at your calendar to say hey this is a really

[1:42:55] great time for us to come present if it's right after you put some awards

[1:43:00] together or whatever. Um y'all let me know when you want to come before

[1:43:05] council and give your annual report. It can be five minutes, it can be 12

[1:43:09] minutes. I don't care. Um it can have pictures. you can just stand up here and

[1:43:12] talk. Um, but I would love to to hear from these boards and commissions

[1:43:17] because your work is meaningful and I think the board should hear from you

[1:43:22] guys. I give my reports but we should hear collectively.

[1:43:26] » So, but thank you for your work. >> Thank you.

[1:43:30] » It is budget season. So, what does that I know ta season lovely people like. So,

[1:43:36] what does that look like for this board? Or maybe that's for Jonathan to tell us

[1:43:40] like for submitting requests or we usually have this long conversation.

[1:43:45] Cameron's very familiar with it that we you know we submit up to what we would

[1:43:50] like um covered in um whatever small resources we have.

[1:43:57] I think that's going to be best. It's going to be under planning.

[1:44:02] » Okay. Right. It's going to be under your office or do they they don't have that

[1:44:05] own line item? >> No, they don't have their own The only

[1:44:08] thing that they have is something that's earmarked essentially. I think they get

[1:44:12] » Is it in planning though? >> Planning doesn't have a particular

[1:44:15] budget. It's through inspections kind of in that area. But I think their money

[1:44:21] comes from >> a general kind of

[1:44:24] » Do you put that request in or does Aaron put that into inspections?

[1:44:28] » Essentially what it would come down to is whatever they are requesting um

[1:44:33] however much funds we would find whichever item that we would slot in set

[1:44:37] budget. Okay. >> And place it there for request.

[1:44:39] » I am your liaison. I will be at all your meetings.

[1:44:42] » Okay. >> I will say the sooner that you have

[1:44:45] those requests in the better. Um staff has their personnel requests due the end

[1:44:53] of next week. And so like all the pieces are are coming into the budget very

[1:44:58] quickly. Um I know that your requests are a lot smaller than adding three new

[1:45:03] firefighters, but um to get it in now. Um so if there is any kind of report

[1:45:09] that you want to put together or whatever it is, go ahead and talk

[1:45:14] amongst yourselves, get it to these guys, but I will also be copied in on

[1:45:17] this and we'll be able to to hopefully petition for that.

[1:45:22] » And then for Sorry. No. So then for us to um like you know I hear I hear um

[1:45:28] Renee that was here earlier >> um and for us to advocate for wayfinding

[1:45:32] or banners or signage or things that really would make the city more

[1:45:37] attractive and all of that. >> What um what budget hearing should we

[1:45:43] come to if that is our um purpose if we want to advocate for those? What would

[1:45:49] you recommend from a from a board perspective?

[1:45:54] » Um,

[1:45:57] » before the fiscal year is July 1st, >> but we the board gets to see the budget

[1:46:04] in May. And so Megan's starting to put it together

[1:46:08] in the next couple of months. Um, I don't know if there's since I'm new to

[1:46:13] this, this is my first um I don't know if there's a downtown or if you just

[1:46:17] want to put together a document that says like these are the appearance

[1:46:20] commission's goals. Y'all can reach for this guy and be like we want to do

[1:46:24] wayfinding and you can work with Kaylee. I don't know. Um, have you pulled

[1:46:27] numbers for wayfinding yet? They're way more expensive than you think they are.

[1:46:31] » Um, >> I think that would have to do

[1:46:35] essentially maybe after like that main meeting where you meet with Renee.

[1:46:38] » Yeah. Is determine maybe some areas in which you would like to place in or not

[1:46:44] even multiple downtown people inside of there. Where do you want to put these?

[1:46:47] » How many signs? >> How much they cost? Get that in a

[1:46:51] detailed report to us which would then be ported over to next probably fiscal

[1:46:55] year's budget whenever it is not next year for actual consideration awarding

[1:47:00] funds. That's my thoughts. I apologize for

[1:47:04] » No, you're good. I think and even if you don't wait till

[1:47:10] May, if you could put something together in the coming months that just say we

[1:47:14] want wayfinding and we want banners and we want this and you can get very very

[1:47:19] rough numbers, will they be included in this budget?

[1:47:23] But if you try now and you say this is the second time we've tried next year

[1:47:27] then but I also know that uh the council has

[1:47:33] wanted banners for a while. I I believe I don't it it depends on what day

[1:47:39] sometimes but I believe that that is something that they're consistent.

[1:47:42] » If I had a dollar for every time I said banner I could buy the weight

[1:47:48] » closer than they have been. Oh, look. Listen.

[1:47:50] » Are you still have do you still have in your plan with the council for the the

[1:47:54] flags? >> That's banners.

[1:47:56] » That's the banners. Is that one of the same? Yeah, that's what I was asking.

[1:47:59] » They're closer than they've ever >> But it's still in the works. We had

[1:48:03] picked a vendor and they had pricing. >> Seen any of that? But I will check on

[1:48:10] that. I know that >> it's through

[1:48:14] it talked about ago about it. >> Mus is good. these that we have down

[1:48:19] here, Sumbrella. They're so expensive. >> Um, but anyway, yes, there was quotes.

[1:48:24] They're going to have to be reququed. Those are too old. They're going to have

[1:48:28] to be redesigned, requ >> the staff has.

[1:48:33] » Yeah, the staff's working on that. Um, so I don't know if that's something that

[1:48:39] I would put on your list. I would dream bigger with wayfinding and and other

[1:48:44] stuff. >> Waveinding. Um,

[1:48:47] » but yeah, start pushing for stuff that you know that we need cuz somebody's got

[1:48:52] to. >> Okay.

[1:48:54] » Well, we can pull something together. Definitely.

[1:48:56] » Yeah. Um, ask for money all the time. >> Endless money.

[1:49:01] » Definitely. Red carpet. To the meeting. >> Okay. Yeah. So, um, okay. So, this has

[1:49:09] been very productive. Thank you for everybody's input. I mean this has

[1:49:12] really made things clearer and it made it um made me feel very um comfortable

[1:49:19] by knowing that you did just see the danger in some of the activities that we

[1:49:25] have been performing. um you know, so um I thank you for that and we look forward

[1:49:31] to working closer with you and and kind of getting that gap smaller um and just

[1:49:38] working on all of these new things and coming together and it's exciting.

[1:49:43] Cheryl likes to be busy and getting our numbers together. So, and we will

[1:49:48] definitely do a grid as well part of our presentation so we can be able to

[1:49:53] clearly look at it. We'll work closely with Mr. Buckley. Um, and maybe we just

[1:49:58] have to take some things off one of our agendas and just kind of get our report

[1:50:04] together and then we'll turn it back in to Mr. Buckley, have him over, you know,

[1:50:10] overlook it and see if there's any discrepancies or anything we shouldn't

[1:50:14] be saying. Um, and then we will make an appearance to the council with our

[1:50:21] report. >> Wonderful.

[1:50:23] » All right. >> Okay. Thank you.

[1:50:25] » All right. >> Okay. Um, so we've had the updates from

[1:50:28] the city uh other than staff updates. >> None on my part unless Cameron has

[1:50:35] anything. >> I was supposed to be

[1:50:39] » We love you. >> No, we love Yes. Thank you.

[1:50:43] » Stay engaged. Okay. Within >> motion to adjurnn.

[1:50:46] » I'll make a motion to start the meeting again. No. Motion to adjurnn.

[1:50:51] » Second. >> I second that.

[1:50:52] » All in favor? >> I. Thank you God so much. Great meeting.

City of Graham Appearance Commission - 2/12/2026

Transcript