Free Hold Center

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES 2008

Freehold Center Partnership

Minutes Archives: 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Semi-Annual Meeting

November 14, 2007

In Attendance: Jayne Carr, Charlie Wilder, David Singer, Loretta Kuhnert, Carol Milazzo, Dave Sautters, Lillie H. Hendry, Bernice Garfield-Szita, Bill Haluska, Rob Kash, Mike Page, Andrew Calvo, Allen Jenkins, Daniel Bach, Natalie Kober-Dallenbach, Nick Campanella and Michael Federici.

Mike Page, Chairman of the Board let the meeting in a salute to the flag.

The minutes of the Annual Meeting held on May 9, 2007 were approved as presented.

Charlie Wilder, Treasurer provided the newest updated version of the budget. After an overview of the data Charlie opened the floor to any questions pertaining to the budget. Hearing none the budget was approved as presented.

Each Committee Chair presented an overview of the Partnership’s accomplishments over the past six months.

Committee Chairs:

· Cultural Arts – Bernice Garfield-Szita

· Planning, Coordination & Design – William Mehr

· Restaurants – Michael Federici

· Communications – Elias Abilheira

· Business Development – William Haluska

· Marketing – Rob Kash

· Executive – Rob Kash

The following is an outlined version of the respective reports:

Committee Reports for Semi-Annual Meeting

Covering May to November 2007

PLANNING, COORDINATION & DESIGN

· DOWNTOWN PLANTING – VOLUNTEERS INCLUDED LOCAL BUSINESS OPERATORS, FREEHOLD MASTER GARDENERS, FREEHOLD BEAUTIFUL AND LOCAL CITIZENS

· INSTALLED AND PLANTED NEW PLANTER BOXES AT THE GAZEBO

· NEW BANNER POLES & COLLARS

· DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF FREEHOLDER NAROZANICK’S DEDICATION PLAQUE

· PLANNING WITH COUNTY FOR STREET SIGN REPLACEMENT

· CONTINUATION OF ADOPT A PARK PROGRAM

- ALONG RAILROAD TRACK NEXT TO EL MESON

- WALKWAY ON THROCKMORTON STREET NEAR MUSTER ZONE

- FINALIZED APPROVED WROUGHT IRON SIGN DESIGN

· REVIEWED AND INCREASED SCHEDULE FOR BILLYGOAT SWEEPING PROGRAM

· DESIGN OF “GOOD NEIGHBOR” AWARD PROGRAM

· NEW BANNER DESIGN

· WORKED WITH LOCAL ARTIST, MARY CARUSO-ALBERT OT CREATE STREETSCAPE PAINTING OF MAIN STREET

· BUSINESS DIRECTORY IN PRODUCTION

· ENLISTED VOLUNTEERS TO UPDATE FULL DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DATABASE

· PLANNING WAR MEMORIAL AT PARK ACROSS FROM ST. PETER’S

MARKETING

· PRESS RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA INCLUDING DATABASE CREATED BY WEB SITE

· FREEHOLD IDOL

· CONCERTS - KOOTZ BAND, DEL VIKINGS, SOUL CURISERS

· OPEN MIKE ON THURSDAYS AT THE GAZEBO

· KRUISE NITE

· ANTIQUE FESTS

· SAN GENERO

· FARMERS MARKET

- WORKED WITH TERI O’CONNOR AND FREEHOLDER CLIFTON TO MOVE TO NEW LOCATION

· DINE AROUND

· BANNER PROGRAM AND SPONSORSHIPS

COMMUNICATIONS

· TOTAL REDESIGN OF WEB PAGE WWW.FREEHOLDCENTER.COM

· NEWSLETTER

· MEMBERSHIP NOTIFICATION OF SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING

· CONTRACTED TOBI TESORIO TO CREATE PRESS RELEASES AND PR DISTRIBUTION DATABASE

· CONTRACTED SUZANNE PEASE TO CREATE GRAPHIC FOR PR MATERIALS

· DISTRIBUTED ALL PR MATERIALS – BORO WATER BILLS, COUNTY PAYROLL, MC TOURISM, BATTLEGROUND INFORMATION KIOSK, HEPBURN HOUSE, FREEHOLD GARDENS, LOCAL BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS, ETC.

· NOTIFICATION OF UTILITY REBATE PROGRAM

· NOTIFICATION OF CO-STAR FREE LISTING BENEFITS

· POST CARD

CULTURAL ARTS

· NOMINATED NEW CHAIR – BERNICE GARFIELD-SZITA

· WORKING WITH CENTER PLAYERS TO DEVELOP BUSINESS PLAN

· WESTERN MONMOUTH MULTI-CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL IN PRODUCTION FOR 2008

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

· WORKING WITH BOROUGH AND CONSULTING FIRM TO IMPLEMENT NEW DOWNTOWN PLAN

· WORKING WITH REMAX TO CREATE PERMANENT DOWNTOWN LOCATION FOR POST OFFICE

· CONTINUED TO MEET WITH EXISTING AND NEW BUSINESSES

· WORKING WITH LOCAL REALTORS TO IDENTIFY AND MARKET VACANT AND VACATING SPACE DOWNTOWN

RESTAURANTS

· RESTAURANT DIRECTORY REPRINT IS AT THE PRINTER

· WORKED WITH LOCAL ARTIST, MARY CARUSO-ALBERT FOR WATER COLOR STREETSCAPE TO BE USED ON THE FRONT COVER OF THE DIRECTORY

· CO-OP GARBAGE DUMPSTER

· WORKED WITH BOROUGH TO PLAN KRUISE NITE AND ABATE COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES

· SAN GENNERO FESTIVAL

· WORKED WITH MARKETING TO DEVELOP HOLIDAY EVENT SCHEDULE

· REVIEWED NEW FOOD HANDLING REGULATIONS AND AVAILABLE TRAINING BEFORE IMPENDING INFORCEMENT

EXECUTIVE BOARD

· WORKED WITH BOROUGH REPRESENTATIVES TO DRAFT AND CREATE REHABILITATION DESIGNATION.

· HIRED DON SMARTT TO CONSULT ON THE REORGANIZATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP

· WORKED WITH BOROUGH AND CONSULTING PLANNER TO DEVELOP REORGANIZATION

· WORKING TOWARDS STRENGTHENING THE BOARD AND ENCOURAGING WIDER PARTICIPATION AND COMMITMENT

· MADE RECOMMENDATION TO TERMINATE CONTRACT WITH MARKETING FIRM

· WORKING ON NEW JOB DESCRIPTIONS

· WORKING ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ONE OR TWO NEW PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

· REVIEWING FINANCES AND DEVELOPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDIRECTING OF RESOURCES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

· ASSUMED ALL DUTIES INCLUDING MARKETING & EVENTS WHEN ALLEN CONSULTING LEFT IN JULY

· CREATED AND UPDATED DATABASE FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY REPRINT

· SUPPORT SERVICE FO THE FB HISTORIC ADVISORY’S HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR

· WORKED WITH ROB KASH IN DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF NAROZANICK’S DEDICATION PLAQUE AT THE GAZEBO

· CREATED AND UPDATED DATABASE AND PHOTOS FOR RESTAURANT DIRECTORY REPRINT

· WORKED TO ENGAGE AND ORGANIZE VOLUNTEERS TO ASSUME ANY TASKS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE WOULD REQUIRE PAID STAFF

· MADE RECOMMENDATION FOR HIRING LORI COOKE AS PART TIME ASSISTANT

· ALL SUPPORT MATERIALS, RESEARCH AND DATA FOR EXECUTIVE BOARD

· WORKED WITH EXECUTIVE BOARD TO IDENTIFY LATINO LEADERSHIP

· CORRESPONDANCE, SUPPORT MATERIALS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL COMMITTEE PROJECTS

· WORKED WITH RICH CAVANAUGH TO DEVELOP OPERATION DVD INCLUDING FULL SPONSORSHIP OF THE PROJECT

· $20,000 RAISED IN SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDING DCH, REPLACING FREEHOLD FORD AS KRUISE NITE SPONSOR

· MET WITH LATINO LEADERSHIP TO START ORGANIZATION OF 2008 LATINO FEST DOWNTOWN

· WORKED WITH BRUCE BRICKMAN TO DEVELOP A REGIONALLY REPRESENTED STEERING COMMITTEE TO ORGANIZE A MULTI CULTURAL FEST

· WORKING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD TO REVIEW ALL EVENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2008 EVENT SCHEDULE

· CONDUCTED COMPLETE INVENTORY AND CREATED PHOTO AND ELECTRONIC DATABASE OF LOCATIONS AND THEIR SPONSORS

· IDENTIFIED UNREADABLE BANNERS AND HAD THEM REMADE AND REINSTALLED

· SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF FCP:

- WMCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

- WMCC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

- WMCC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

- FREEHOLD BOROUGH COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

- DNJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

- MAYOR’S ARTS COUNCIL OF MANALAPAN

- VP OF BATTLEGROUND HISTORIC SOCIETY

It was discussed that there is a need to reform the Marketing/Communications Committee and there is also a need too recruit new membership and participation to the committee. David Singer and Carol Milazzo volunteered to step up and address this meeting. They will coordinate with Jayne a regularly scheduled meeting time and suggestions of those to invite to participate.

Nick Campanella voiced his concerns over loitering and the need for additional police presence both on the street and at our meetings. He also volunteered to become a member of the Business Development Committee.

Rob Kash reported the ongoing work and recommendations of the Executive Board and their work on the restructuring of the organization. The committee is working with Don Smartt on a consulting basis and looking at how the resources are currently being used and looking at the best structure for redirecting them toward more business development activities.

The contract with Allen Consulting ended and the intent is to keep the events, their planning and implementation as well as the raising of sponsorship funds to pay for them in house.

The committee is looking to strengthen the Board and specifically is reviewing and identifying who the Latino leadership is and finding ways to have them work with us. The Executive Board is working closely with the Borough and also hopes to add Samantha Daesner, the secretary to the Planning Board for the Borough to the committee as the Borough’s liaison.

Don Smartt was hired as a temporary consultant to the Executive Board at the rate of $3,000.00 per month. Bernice Garfield asked how long Don Smartt had been hired to work. Mike reported that their goals will be structured by the end of the year and so Don will be only here until the end of the year.

The Executive Committee recommended and received Board approval to hire Jayne an assistant and that is in process.

The committee has been working with Shorr-DePalma and the Borough on the ten-year plan that was funded through the $25,000 State grant. The accomplishments of the plan so far are the establishment and adoption of a rehabilitation zone, which encompasses the entire SID and the some small additional contiguous properties. They are also working on the parking study and recommendations for a parking garage. The initial proposal from Shorr-DePalma promised a packaged plan for engaging a developer and enticing selected businesses to town. The rehabilitation zoning will also allow and disallow identified business types to the most productive layout and market plan.

The goals of the Executive Committee for 2008 are:

· Staffing

· Set Goals

· Events

· Committee Structure

Without further business the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m

AUGUST 8 , 2007

In Attendance: Jayne Carr, Charlie Wilder, Teri O’Connor, David Singer, Rob Kash, Natalie Dallenbach, Mark Lamhut, Jack Gravatt, Carl N. Steinberg, Michael Federici and Daniel Bach.

The minutes of the meeting held July 11, 2007 were approved as presented.

Charlie Wilder submitted a written report with the bottom line showing that we have $59,400 available to us. The Sun Bank cd has come to its term on the 15^th of this month. Charlie will meet with Natalie to see which way to reinvest that will meet our purposes and have the best return. Charlie said we have to check with the Freehold Savings and Loan because he has not received a statement since June.

Kevin Kane reported that Steve Goldberg, the new owner of the American Hotel did a small presentation and press release last week. The plans look great and it appears that Steve is looking to work to keep the historic character of the building in the process. The interior demolition is in progress.

Teri O’Connor reported that the requested street signs might not be able to be made through traffic safety at the County because they are very busy right now. The price for Sealy to do them is $45 to 65 a sign. Teri is not looking to move forward on the big overhead signs right now because that project would have to go through many channels for clearance. Teri needs specific and final specs from Carl to move forward on this.

Rob Kash reported that the Executive Committee has met with Don Smartt, Mayor Wilson, Joe Bellina, Hank Stryker, Councilman Kane and Derry Higgins. The Partnership reviewed the change in direction we are taking towards moving our resources into business development. The Borough is on Board to support this effort. Their request is that we are making a long-term commitment to this direction.

The Executive Board is working with Don to review our inward structure and participation. They are looking to strengthen the organization by building and expanding with emphasis on participation and engagement.

Carl Steinberg asked if there would be more accountability and enforcement of the bi-laws. Specifically he is concerned with attendance. Rob reported that Jayne has provided the committee with attendance schedules of all of the Board members over the past year and a half and they are reviewing this material.

Carl also expressed concern that whether it is business retention or marketing or any direction we may take that the focus be inclusive of all assessed and not just Main Street.

Jack Gravatt suggested that this committee should reach out to the publishing company in the old Broad Street School building, JAC Builders, and THF out of Neptune. He also suggested that we put together a “Welcome Aboard” package.

Jayne reported that Freehold Idol is scheduled for tonight and there are 10 participants signed up. The Del Vikings will be performing tomorrow night in the Hall of Records parking lot, the Dine Around is scheduled for August 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., San Gennaro is on September 16^th from 11 to 6 and the Farmers Market is every Tuesday through October 23^rd from 11 to 4.

Freeholder Narozanick’s dedication plaque is completed and has been installed at the East Main Street gazebo. Hank Goodsen made the frame and did the installation. Teri O’Connor will work with Jayne to arrange some type of reception/presentation.

Kruise Nite is August 30^th and Jayne has reached out to the Chamber for volunteers to assist her that night.

The next post card will include the information from JCP&L on their NJ Clean Energy Program. Jayne has already met with their representative along with the new owner of the hotel. Mike Page and a representative of the County. This is an underutilized program that could save money and energy for those doing a major rehab or a new building.

Jayne has completed the inventory of the banners. She has also taken pictures of those banners that cannot be read from the street and sent this off to Allen Consulting for correction before payment will be made.

We received a thank you letter from the Spooktacular Committee for our yearly sponsorship of this series of events.

Mike Page reported that the Restaurant Committee is working on the San Gennero Fest, the Dine Around and the finishing touches of the Restaurant Directory. They are also working on the last Kruise Nite of the 2007 season

Mike Page reported that the Business Development Committee met and the core of the meeting was to bring everyone there up to date on the new direction the Partnership is heading. The Business Development Committee will be a key player in this process. They also discussed identifying and working towards bringing the Latino business leadership into the process. It was suggested that smaller groups perhaps meet for coffee to make it a less informal initial conversation.

Bernice Garfield-Szita was welcomed as the new Chair of the Cultural Arts Committee. Bernice reported that the upcoming production of 6 Room ReVue would have its dress rehearsal on Kruise Nite. The next play will be Visiting Mr. Green and they are looking to produce Children of a Lesser God in the future.

The ultimate goal of the committee and Bernice personally is a cultural arts center for Western Monmouth County in downtown Freehold. Everyone agreed that a business plan is key for funding.

With no further business the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m.

JULY 11 , 2007

In Attendance: Jayne Carr, Charlie Wilder, Loretta Kuhnert, Natalie Dallenbach, Mark Lamhut, Rob Kash, Michael Federici, Marlene Rogala and Carol Milazzo.

The minutes from the meeting of June 13, 2007 were approved as presented

Charlie Wilder reported on the fiscal trial balance as of June 30, 2007. There is $57,000 in the checking account, $84,654 in the money market cd, 909. in the Gateway Fund and $500 in the Liberty Triumphant Fund. Currently there is 83,000 available. When the events checks are drawn down there will remain $39,000.

Kevin Kane reported that the Historic Sites Tour was a success.

Teri O’Connor reported that the County is very pleased with the Farmer’s Market.

Rob Kash reported that the Executive Board had sent a letter rescinding the contract at Allen Consulting. The end date was written to be Oct 1, 2007. Sylvia responded that she would be done July 31^st. The Executive Board decided to accept this date although the contract was a mutual 60-day notification. All marketing events are being brought back in house. After the Board’s reorganization, recommendations will be made for any additional employees to be hired.

The banners have started to go up but many of the sponsors are not legible from the street. Jayne will inventory all of the banners and take photos to send to Sylvia of the unacceptable logos. The bill for the banners will not be paid until this process is complete and the solution is identified.

Jayne reported that the Idol competition would continue tonight. The contingency for rain is either in Federici’s or the Cornerstone Café.

The 4^th of July fireworks were well attended and a spectacular display.

The Party Dolls will be playing tomorrow night at the Hall of Records parking lot to kick off the summer concert series.

The Historic Site Tour survived many struggles but was very successful. Jayne reported that there were two and a half busloads of participants, the weather was perfect and everybody who came loved it.

Jayne reported that she has successfully completed the first module of the Downtown Manager certification program at Rutgers and will continue with module two.

Jayne has picked up the completed plaque for the dedication at the gazebo for Freeholder Narozanick. Once the metal work is complete for the plaque to stand on the dedication will be scheduled.

Between Carl, Rob, Mr. Fence and Jayne there has been much research on buying the planters at the gazebo with no decision made as yet. Mike Page instructed Jayne to go to Brock’s buy the materials and complete the job.

After meetings with the Borough about Kruise Nite it was determined that a volunteer committee should be formed for next year’s event. Suggested participants are: Police Department, Borough representatives, Chamber of Commerce, Freehold restaurant, Council, Emergency Management, residents, the Sheriff’s office and the schools. It was suggested that the committee meet with Freehold Mall security to see how they have handled some of the situations that have come up on Friday’s. From the Board, David Singer, Carol Milazzo, Mark Lamhut and Loretta Kuhnert volunteered to be on the committee.

Mike Federici reported that the Restaurant Committee does not meet in July. He remarked that the Freehold Idol has been successful. Also, it appears that the issues with the garbage dumpster have finally been resolved. Everybody thanked Mike Federici for all of his work on this project.

Jayne reported that she has met with Rich Pezzula our Webmaster and they have crafted a new design for the front page of our web site. Rich is now in the process of implementing the project so it can go up on line.

The PC&D Committee’s meeting was postponed until tomorrow because their regular date fell on the 4^th of July.

Bernice Garfield-Szita has taken over for Roz Karlan as the Chair of the Cultural Arts Committee since Roz has taken a full time job. Bernice will start attending our Board meetings next month.

With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

JUNE 13, 2007

In Attendance: Jayne Carr, Charlie Wilder, David Singer, Marlene Rogala, Natalie Dallenbach, Loretta Kuhnert, Margaret Valliere-Pszczolo, Michael Federici, Rob Kash, Teri O’Connor, Mel O’Neal and Allen Jenkins.

The minutes of the meeting of May 9, 2007 were approved as presented.

Margaret from, the Candy Bouquet and Allen from ReMax Realty were introduced and welcomed quest in attendance.

Charlie Wilder reported that as of the 11^th we have $82,000.00 in the checking account, $22,586. in the money market account, $409. in the Gateway funds and $500. in the Liberty Triumphant fund. This leaves us with $108,700.00 in available funds.

Teri O’Connor reported for the County. Teri inquired as to why there aren’t any vegetables at the market. Jayne responded that these products are just before season and you can expect to see them within the next couple of weeks.

Teri reported that the parking lot behind the Hall of Records should be ready for reopening next week after being closed for three years during the construction process.

Mel O’Neal reported on the various activities taking place at the Hudson Street YMCA. Summer camp in the Borough will be run for the 5 to 13 year olds between June 25^th and August 24^th.

Rob Kash reported for the Executive Committee. Ongoing discussions have taken place as to whether the Partnership takes the position of a maintenance organization or a development organization. The Committee is working towards restructuring to make us a development org. Maintenance will continue but the needs for development are being studied and will be addressed.

Rob reported that the American Hotel has informal final plans. The owner is looking at a catering restaurant with a 22-room hotel.

Jayne reported that the first Freehold Idol auditions are scheduled for tonight at the gazebo from 7 to 9 p.m. We will be changing the finale for this event to August 15^th instead of the 23^rd to attract more of the college students who will be headed back to school before the 23^rd.

The 10 new banner poles were painted on Tuesday. The holes for the banner hardware will be drilled next week. Rob stated that he has found decorative collars for the poles that will cost $500.00 each. This is less than half of what most of the catalogs are listing them at.

Hauser Farms and the Lithuanian Bakery will be joining the Farmer’s Market next week.

Jayne is waiting for the final ok from the governing body of St. Peter’s Church for their representatives to adopt Gere Park. Carl Steinberg is working on an overall redevelopment of a veteran’s memorial park at this location but his project will take some time. Jayne has made recommendation to St. Peter’s that if they take on this park they should get recommendations for low maintenance plants that have an expected live span of 2 to 3 years.

Mike DeBennidetto is waiting for price quotes from his landscaper to replant the walkway between the barbershop and Copies Now. Barry Fisher as the property owner has agreed to foot the bill for this planting.

Jayne has met with Rich Pezzula, our web master for the Internet site and they have together come up with a redesign for our site. This new design will have a large capacity for downloading photos through a free program that has been installed called “Click It”. Rich is now in the process of putting the site together.

Jayne received a complaint from the First Aid that there was an additional hotdog vendor allowed at Kruise Nite. Jayne has had the vendor contacted and he will no longer bring the hotdogs. Jayne called Bob Fleischmann from DCH to see if they were satisfied with their sponsorship for Kruise Nite. Bob said that they were thrilled and they were excited that the crowds would actually increase as the season went on.

Jayne has completed the walk around for the business directory and has submitted her database to Paul/Mark Printing for preliminary set up and to Carl Steinberg for a final edit.

Jayne will complete the photos needed for the Restaurant Guide so this project will also be ready to move forward.

Mary-Caruso Albert is working with Rob Kash and Jayne on a façade rendering of what Main Street could look like. This drawing so far will serve to purposes; to be made into a cling on for empty or rehabbing storefront windows and as one of the marketing pieces for our upcoming business development drive. The unfinished prototype is in Jayne’s office for comments and recommendations.

Jayne has signed up for Rutgers new Business District Management Certification Course.

Jayne has been working with Mark SkeSavage and David Loring of the Historical Advisory Committee of the Borough on the upcoming Historic Site Tour.

Mike Federici, the new chair of the Restaurant Committee reported that the first Kruise Nite was seen as a great success for the restaurant community. There is a meeting scheduled for Tuesday with the Borough to address any concerns that may have come up.

Jayne is working with the Borough PD to have East Main Street closed for San Gennero this year. This would allow for expansion of the event, a lot of the restaurants to open directly in front of their establishments eliminate the need for many of the open gas grills and their fire hazards and many of the associated costs of this event. The main issue for the Borough at this point is traffic diversion.

Idol is scheduled to start tonight at the gazebo. The Restaurant Committee is anticipating a great success and crowd draw from this event.

There is a meeting scheduled with the Borough administrator for Friday the 2^nd to discuss the Market Yard dumpster, its issues and resolutions.

Bill Haluska reported that Business Development has not met recently. Bill is asking to have the meeting date changed to a day in the first 2 weeks of the month except for Tuesdays. This will complement his schedule at work and allow for the committee to start meeting regularly.

Both of our guests, Margaret and Al expressed interest in joining the Business Development Committee.

Jayne reported that the Communications Committee along with working on updating the web site continues to put out the bi-monthly post card. Teri O’Connor requested that Jayne check to make sure she is on this mailing. She has not been receiving the postcard.

PC&D has been working with Carl Steinberg on his designs for the Gere Park memorial. The walkway to the Muster Zone has been mowed, cleaned and planted by a landscaper that Carl is using. An adopt-a-park sign is in production for this area.

Carl is working with Teri O’Connor on replacing and redesigning the street signs throughout the SID. They are also looking at changing the color to blue and white.

Jayne and Mike have met with representatives of the committee for the ’08 Latino Festival. They are asking and the Borough has agreed to our supporting their efforts to bring the Festival outside to the Hall of Records parking lot in ’08.

Freehold Borough High School will be hosting a Battle of the Bands on Saturday, September 9, 2007

There was much debate on how revenue could be collected on Kruise Nite to offset our costs for police coverage.

With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

___________________________________________________

MAY 9, 2007

ANNUAL MEETING

In Attendance: Jayne Carr, Nick & John Campanella, Mark Lamhut, Karin & David Singer, Natalie Kober-Dallenbach, Mike Page, Michael Federici, Larry Sorcher, Teri O’Connor, Carol Millazo, David Sautters, Keith Lewis, Rob Kash, Elias Abilheira, Charlie Wilder, Loretta Kuhnert, and Roz Karlan.

After check in and voting Mike Page, Chairman of the Board called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.

Loretta Kuhnert presented the following election results to Mike Page:

Budget:

17 Yes / 3 No

Nominations to the Board:

Natalie Kober-Dallenbach, Business Operator        17 Yes     0 No

Carol Milazzo, Business Operator                              18 Yes     0 No

Marlene Rogala, Business Operator                         17 Yes     0 No

Roz Karlan, Business Operator                                  17 Yes     0 No

David Singer, Business Operator                               17 Yes     0 No

There were two abstention-voting ballots for the nominations to the Board.

There was one absentee ballot received.

Loretta Kuhnert, President of WMCC performed the swearing oath of the new Board members.

The minutes of the 2006 Semi-annual meeting were offered by Roz Karlan with a second from Rob Kash. Joe Boguslawski voted against approving the minutes with the rest who were in attendance voted for their approval.

Charlie Wilder, Treasurer distributed a full written report and gave the following oral synopsis:
Amboy checking account: $35,196.58, Money Market account: $2,258.61, Sun Bank CD: $10,000.00, Freehold S&L CD: $15,000.00, Freehold Gateway Dedicated Account: $490.90

Liberty Triumphant $500.00

The following committee reports were made for the 2006/2007-activity period:

CULTURAL ART COMMITTEE REPORT – Roz Karlan May 2006 to April 2007

Contributed to marketing the summer gazebo open mike event
Organized and ran the 1st chalk art contest at the Spring Antique Fest
Organized the art show portion of the Spring Antique Fest
Expanded participation in the upcoming art show at the Spring Antique Fest
Worked with the Center Players to bring play readings to Kruise Nite
Supported through budget requested a substantial sponsorship towards the Center Players operations
Kept Board informed and membership notified of all signature series productions at the theater
Membership and continued to liaison with the Monmouth County Arts Council
Continued liaison with the Manalapan’s Mayor’s Art Council
Actively reviewed sites and options for expansion of the theater in the future
Met with SCORE representative to review theater business plan, non-profit status and options for funding

PLANNING, COORDINATION & DESIGN COMMITTEE REPORT – Mike Page May 2006 to April 2007
Coordinated with the Public Works department for preparations to plant downtown.
Contracted with Taylor Landscaping to work with us getting the 100 planters downtown planted and maintained for the summer
Reviewed Historic District Ordinance, coordinated meeting with former Mayor Reed of Princeton to review their challenges and successes, made recommendation to the committee on how to accomplish commercial representation on the committee and supplied Mayor and Council with a list of candidate from the SID that met the ordinance criteria for voting member
Coordinated with the YMCA for a teen community service summer project picking up the trash in the pocket parks
Continued to solicit sponsors for the pocket park program, worked to press coverage, designed and had made signs at the parks advertising there adoption
Inventory, repair and maintenance of gateway signs into the Borough and the SID
Review and recommendations for signage at gazebo. When this became an additional information center brochure holder were purchased and installed.
Worked with Historic Advisory Committee on the development and marketing of the upcoming Historic Sites Tour
Worked with the Restaurant Committee to have ashtrays purchased and placed throughout downtown after indoor smoking ban went into effect
Did a review, take down, replacement and update of downtown business directory signs in the parking areas
Reviewed and updated vertical banner design. Directed a new banner sales campaign to begin.
Worked on expansion of the scope of the virtual tour to include all of the historic sites from Englishtown to Freehold
Made recommendations for the “Proud to be a Partner Award” given at the October Semi-Annual Meeting
Worked on recommendations for the redesign of the Market Yard parking lot and dumpster area.
Review of overall downtown parking needs.
Review of permit parking.
Completed the update and reprint of the Freehold Business Handbook. Sponsorships more than covered the cost of reprint
Committee worked towards combining the Business/Restaurant Directory
Committee worked with Ansorge to have them sell this directory and create the piece for us
Drafted and read letter of support for the new antique store that will be opening at 8 Throckmorton Street
Designed and ordered dedication plaque to placed at the gazebo for Freeholder Narozanick
Developed and received price quotes for new street signs within the SID
Working on updating of the businesses for the directory.
Started work on designs for a new award program to be given to those who contribute to the SID throughout the region; “The Good Neighbor” award.
Strong emphasis was placed on expansion of our marketing efforts with extra effort to Freehold Township and Manalapan
Worked towards getting additional media coverage for the adopt-a-park program to aid in finding landscapers to adopt the remaining parks
Review of Billygoat sweeping program, possible need to upgrade the equipment and possibility of adding snow removal to the contract
Worked on the installation of five new sets of banner poles at the gateways of the SID. Now working on the purchase and installation of decorative collars on the poles

RESTAURANT COMMITTEE REPORT – Keith Lewis May 2006 to April 2007
Appointment of new committee chair, Keith Lewis
Marketed ashtrays to be put in front of restaurants when indoor smoking ban started
Worked on development of Wednesday open mike program
Worked on development of the 1st annual Dine Around
Worked on new menu board design and Borough approval to have a uniform sign for the restaurants
Continued to work with the Borough and the garbage company to address issues at the Market Yard dumpster area. Working on plans for a new design and security system at this site. Set a rotating schedule between restaurant owners for weekly clean-ups at the dumpster
Worked towards addressing noise issues at Kruise Nite. As a result of addressing the issues Kruise Nite was saved. Continue to work with the Borough on the 2007 season
Worked on the update, photographs and sponsorship for the reprint of the Restaurant Directory
Hosted one of Downtown NJ’s Managers meetings at the Court Jester. Topic: The new round of COAH certification rules
Participated in the 2006 San Genero Festival
Participated in reviewing the parking lot redesign at the Market Yard
Hosted 1st photos with Santa at the gazebo
Hosted 1st breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny at the Cornerstone Café
Worked on new Shop/Dine/Discover co-op marketing plans
Working on development of new events added to the 2007 event schedule; Freehold Idol, holiday trolley ride, breakfast with Santa at Sweet Lew’s

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT – Elias Abiliheira May 2006 to April 2007
Reformed the committee with Elias Abilheira taking the Chairmanship
Switched the format from a quarterly newsletter to a bi-monthly postcard
Changed postcard size to large and upgraded paper stock
Created format that was to remain an informational piece for the membership
                     - 2 month event schedule
                     - Highlight of businesses
                       Existing – highlighted by category
                       New – Introduction
Worked to brand Shop/Dine/Discover
Following seasonal color scheme of the new banner program
Purchased use of downtown façade icon
Joined force with reformed Marketing Committee – Rob and Elias serving as co-chairs
Have scheduled session with web-master to do a total revamp of the web site (has had static design since its inception)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT, Jayne Carr for Bill Haluska May 2006 to April 2007
Committee reactivated in 2006
Bill Haluska, newly appointed committee Chair
Started weekly visitations with new and existing business owners
Met with potential business owners assisting in identifying appropriate available space
Set up appointments and walk through of possible relocation sites for the expansion of the Center Playhouse

MARKETIN