Gray’s Downtown Development Authority members agreed to work on simplifying design guidelines and performing safety repairs for a downtown parking lot.
Chairman Sherri Rollins called the April 11 meeting to order.
The finance report was given by Main Street Gray Director Ashley Roberson. She said the account balance was $57,032. Roberson said they have received the annual check from the city and a $1,500 wedding deposit.
Roberson also gave the marketing report for Butler Hall. She said five events have been scheduled this month, including three weddings and a fundraiser.
Rollins talked about the need to repair the parking lot, following the demolition of the bus shop in the area near Butler Hall.
“I think we need to make sure the parking lot is safer,” she said.
The chairman said DDA member and Councilman David Tufts suggested the city might be able to take care of connecting a drainage pipe in the lot. She said the next step is getting quotes.
“The most expensive part will be the rock. We’ll need four or five loads,” Rollins said.
She estimated the repairs at a cost of $10,000, and the funds are available. The chairman said the DDA might need a called meeting or have an email vote in order to get the project done as soon as possible.
DDA member Rick Childs asked about the lighting in the parking lot. Rollins said there were at least two existing lights but there could be a need for a third.
DDA member Bert King asked about the insurance coverage for the parking lot. Rollins said the parking lot is covered under the city’s policy.
The chairman said electrical repairs had been completed at Butler Hall. She said the parts were covered under warranty, but an invoice was received for the labor.
“Mike Greene’s retirement reception was a nice event. People attended who had not been in Butler Hall since its renovation,” she said.
Rollins brought up the question of Gray’s Design Guidelines. She said the DDA spent a lot of time working on the guidelines that were completed in 2016.
“The guidelines were pulled from different communities, but as the city grows, we are seeing there needs to be amendments,” she said.
The chairman said she had spoken with consultants who recommended the guidelines not be over 12 pages long. Gray’s are just short of 50 pages. She said she was unsure who should tackle the issue, the DDA or the Design Review Board.
“We always need to learn,” she said.
Tufts, who also sits on the Design Review Board, said it would help if the guidelines were condensed. He also said Zoning Officer Tim Pitrowski should be involved.
DDA member Vicki Ethridge said Jack’s Restaurant did a great job with its sign and landscaping.
Rollins agreed and noted the guidelines had a lot to do with that.
“It’s very important what people see as they are coming into Gray. That’s why it’s so critical what is allowed,” she said.
Rollins said she would like to have the updated guidelines in place by year-end.
“For instance, we have rules about neon signs, but there is no more neon. Everything is LED,” she said.
DDA members agreed by consensus to work with the Design Review Committee and Pitrowski to update the guidelines.
Roberson was asked about Main Street training for DDA members who were now also the DDA Advisory Board. The director said the training is available online and is broken down into four categories.
She said she was beginning the training and would let the members know about the timeline and requirements for the test.
Roberson went on to report about Main Street events. She said an Easter Egg Hunt was scheduled at Gray First Baptist Church Saturday as was the Turkey Fest. She said the Chamber continued to take the lead for the festival this year.
The director said there had been a discussion about the possibility of changing the name of the festival next year, which would once again be a Main Street event. She said she would like to have a downtown Christmas Festival this year, possibly closing the street for vendors.
Rollins said Jack’s Restaurant is open and busy, and the construction of Taco Bell is underway.
