09-27-1994 Joint MeetingJoint Meeting
Downtown Development Task Force/Authority
September 27, 1994
A joint meeting with the Downtown Development Task Force, Downtown Development
Authority, and Mayor and Council was held September 27, 1994 at the Community Center. The
meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor A. Max Bacon.
Present was:
Task Force:
Elsie Rape
Charyn Darby
Andrea Blustein
Pinky Gilbert
Ken Nix
Nancy Hancock
Don Porch
Jimmy Smith
Ralph Templeton
Peter Stelling
Mark Curtis
Murray Glass
R. T. Pinyan
Larry Freeman
Randy Sauder
Pam Feazel
Chuck Madison
DDA:
Willouise Spivey
Doug Stoner
City
John Patrick
Wade Lnenicka
Pete Wood
Bill Scoggins
Jack Cramer
Ron Newcomb
Jim Hawkins
Kathy Barton
Mayor Bacon thanked everyone for attending the meeting, called to discuss strategy for
promoting the referendum November 8th. Mayor Bacon said he felt the Police Department
should take a lead role and distributed a draft letter from Chief Hook to the residents, which will
be mailed before the election. We also have been working on post cards that the Task Force
members could sign and mail to residents of their wards, urging them to vote and support the
new public safety facility. Bumper stickers are being printed that will be placed on city vehicles
and small signs have been suggested to be placed near the polls on election day. Task Force
members agreed on the sample post card with the addition of "no tax increase. "
Wade Lnenicka said that he and Chief Hook will be doing a 30 minute walking tour interview
on Inside Smyrna which will be shown several different times. Kathy Barton is also working
with Chief Hook about promotional spots where some of our officers will be featured, giving
their reasons for why the new facility should be built. Chuck Madison said that a taped
interview is planned for October 5th with himself and two other members of the Task Force.
Chuck Madison also recommended that we tie in voter registration sites and deadlines with the
promotional spots.
After discussion, agreement was reached on the following items:
1. Letter from Chief Hook to residents too wordy and should be edited. Emphasis
should be placed on crime statistics, a broader description of 911 system, and
other items which affect safety of community. Letter will be mailed to registered
voters.
2. Post card (sample B) also too wordy and should include NO TAX INCREASE
in first paragraph. Post cards will be mailed to registered voters, with Task
Force members names printed by ward.
3. Newspaper ad will be run Thursday before election (reprint of post card) which
will include names of all Task Force members.
4. Two hundred yard signs will be ordered and placed near polls on election day and
several in each ward.
5. Bumper stickers on order - to be placed on city vehicles.
6. Promotional spots will be used to encourage voter registration and advertise town
hall meeting on October 18th. Stanley Thomas, Barry Teague, Gordon Mortin,
and Sizemore -Floyd will be invited to town hall meeting to discuss their role in
development. Handouts will be prepared and circulated by Task Force members
during the meeting. If possible, handouts will include site plans. Kathy Barton
will also have brief slide presentation of existing facilities.
Mayor Bacon updated members on property acquisition. Appraisals are being conducted on the
VFW property and the Second Baptist Church property. A sales price has been negotiated on
the Sally Mae Adams property on Bank Street and we are in the process of closing on the sale.
Kathy Barton stated she is preparing exhibits to be displayed at banks and other public places
which will include photographs of the police station. Also, we are working on establishing a
telephone committee.
Jimmy Smith suggested that we also obtain figures on what it will cost to remodel the police
station and jail to meet Federal and State standards.
With no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.