Meeting date: July 25, 2018, 1:30 p.m.

Meeting location: Grantsburg Public Library

Meeting called by: Kristina Kelley-Johnson

Type of meeting: Town Renewal Committee Discussion

Notetaker: Kristina Kelley-Johnson

Attendees: Larry Ebersold, Cathy McCabe, Kelly Gerber, Kristina Kelley-Johnson, Dale Bistram, Chris Bartlett

Minutes

Agenda Item: Review of committee members’ goals

Discussion: Questioned if the Renewal Committee should add enhancements to Olson Drive to their agendas. The Design Team weekend suggested Olson Drive as a more attractive approach to the downtown area. Suggestions to that area from the group were; improvements to the existing Grantsburg sign-including advertising local resources, the addition of a stop light, light posts, light post banners, Crex Meadows geese silhouettes painted on the road. Chris will ask Crex Meadows staff about paying for the cost of the geese. We appreciate the wildflower plantings that have been started there now.

Suggestions that we ask the Friends of Crex Meadows to discuss with us how we can assist Crex direct visitors to their visitor center and how we can encourage their visitors to come into the downtown area.

The topic of a community gateway was discussed. There were a few concepts discussed, but it was determined that a theme or look for the downtown needs to be determined. The committee will bring this topic up at the August GRO meeting.

Dale suggested that down the road we look at putting a brochure map of Grantsburg together. This could be available to hand-out to visitors.

Agenda Item: Update on street benches and light posts

Presenter: Kelly, Cathy

Discussion: Cathy and Kelly suggested a bench design for the downtown area from Treetop products. The Northgate Arched Back runs about $750. We’ll put this before the GRO on August 6 to see what they think.

Agenda item: Light post banners

Discussion: There are approximately 30 light posts within the Village that we might want to put banners on. We discussed using the different images from the Grantsburg logo to create three banner designs. Cathy will contact Terry Siebenthal to see if he can come up with a concept. Once we have a concept the committee will approach area businesses and residents to sponsor a banner. The cost for one banner and bracket set would be around $100.

Agenda item: Community Center enhancements update

Presenter: Kristina

Discussion: Kristina met with the family willing to donated for Community Center enhancements on July 24. They seemed to be in favor of funding a picnic table, an awning, trees, a garbage can and a sign for the gymnastics program. We’re hopeful that the work can begin soon.

Agenda Item: Campground expansion

Presenter: Dale and Larry

Discussion: Dale and Larry attended the Village property meeting. A new committee was formed. Committee members are Dale (chair), Larry, Mike Janke, Jeff Finch, Goob Coy, Pam Davies, Chuck Justice and Natalie Doornick. Their first meeting will be Tuesday, July 31st at Grantsburg Public Library. Dale will meet with Village staff to find information on grants.

Agenda item: Holiday decorating

Presenter: Kelly and Cathy

Discussion: Kelly is looking for people or organizations interested in helping to decorate the downtown area with seasonal displays. Ideas for a decorating competition were discussed.

Agenda item: Connect Communities Program update

Presenter: Kristina

Discussion: Nicki was unable to attend the meeting but has been working on the Connect Communities grant. Patty Bjorklund and Kristina have also been gathering information. They have nearly everything they’ll need to meet the October application deadline.

Next meeting date is 1:30 p.m., August 29 at Grantsburg Public Library.