SOUTH MAIN PRESERVATION SOCIETY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 2011
LEWIS & CLARK BOATHOUSE

President Holly Haddox called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
with 16 in attendance:

Cindy & Gene Wood Jean Dryden Mini Jackson
Karen & Dan Satterfield Phyllis Muresan Steve Powell
Holly & Gary Haddox Karen House Venetia McEntire
Charlotte Schuman Michael Gatto Sharlotte Worthington
Kalen Ponche, editor of St. Charles Patch online newspaper

The minutes were approved from the September 15 meeting. (There was no
quorum for the October 20 meeting). Gene made motion, Cindy seconded. Motion carried.

Jean Dryden gave the treasurer’s report. Sharlotte made motion to approve,
Venetia seconded. Motion carried.

Holly expressed our excitement over the 7 page feature “A Main Street Christmas” in the Nov/Dec issue of Midwest Living Magazine and thanked
Steve & Venetia for hosting the writers at their Boone’s Colonial Inn. They
noted the ad value would be $405,000 and they had received hundreds of
phone calls for bookings at both inns.

The group then expressed concern about the City’s recent discussions of
changing the gaslights in the historic district to electric. A petition had been
prepared and circulated on the street that day with an overwhelming response in favor of maintaining the gas lights. The petition wording is as follows:

We the undersigned request the preservation of gas lighting on
South Main Street. The historical significance of these lights
dates back to 1871 when the first three gaslights were installed
on South Main. The gaslights are an integral part of the “brand”
and ambiance and have been a noticeable and marketable feature
in the Historic District for a very long time.

It was suggested that all groups affected by this be contacted to secure
their support…CVB, SBD, Landmarks. Venetia made a motion that the petition to preserve the gas lights be placed on facebook.com and change.org through SMPS. Karen S. seconded. Motion carried.

Holly stated that the South Main improvement project south of Boone’s Lick would start immediately with the curbs in front of the Conservatory but work in the intersection would not occur until May.

It was also noted that the sidewalk repair project along Riverside Drive was progressing from north to south with a completion date of mid January.

The widespread coverage of the firing of the Sugar Plum Fairy for this year’s Christmas Traditions was briefly discussed and it was generally agreed that SMPS did not want to comment since the details of the entire situation were unknown.

Gene & Cindy reported that they had met with the City and plans were proceeding for the the Fife & Drum Corps Freezer Jam in February.

Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Karen House, recording secretary