A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns about the Main Street Live event. Attendees discussed various strategies to enhance attendance and mitigate issues related to event logistics. Past events had suffered from low foot traffic, partly due to inadequate pre-event marketing. This time, the council plans extended promotions, including social media campaigns, flyer distributions, and email blasts to boost visibility.

Event noise levels emerged as a contentious issue, particularly affecting local businesses. A specific complaint came from a tenant linked to Amazonia, who reported losing reservations due to loud music funneling towards their restaurant. Suggestions to lower music volume and reposition speakers were made to address these concerns, balancing event enjoyment with business needs. The council also considered moving the stage to attract more passersby and maximize event exposure.

The council explored starting events earlier to accommodate families and reduce waiting times for main attractions. This adjustment, along with background music, aims to create a welcoming atmosphere without additional staffing costs. However, logistical challenges, such as speaker placement and sound management, were acknowledged, necessitating collaboration with cultural and event management departments.

Financial discussions spotlighted the Cultural Affairs Committee’s hesitation in committing to new events due to budget concerns. Despite support from the EDC and willingness to contribute promotional funds, the Cultural Affairs Committee expressed apprehension about the financial implications. The need for new accounts or budgets to manage event funds added to their reluctance, emphasizing that sponsorships should elevate, not be the primary funding source.

The EDC expressed interest in taking a more active role in event management to promote local business and community engagement. However, they must demonstrate self-sufficiency in managing events independently of sponsors, who should provide supplemental support.

The conversation turned towards defining success metrics for events, which currently include attendance and financial expenditure. Concerns were raised about the Cultural Affairs Committee’s capacity to handle additional events within budget constraints, particularly with ongoing concerts they manage. The committee’s history of organizing events annually was noted, highlighting a need for better communication and education among newer members unfamiliar with past financial processes.

Participants emphasized the need for clear direction from the council regarding budget allocations and aligning funding decisions with council guidelines. The EDC’s available budget could support discussed initiatives, though concerns about an underutilized software subscription were raised, urging the EDC to reassess expenditures.

The council also discussed the importance of early planning and securing sponsorships, with many businesses finalizing budgets in October. Participants stressed the necessity of community engagement and committed participants, drawing from past successful events.

The meeting concluded with an agreement on the need for a clear plan moving forward, recognizing that the Cultural Affairs Committee must confirm their willingness to take over events to ensure their continuation. The council acknowledged that the initial funding model was a trial, with next steps dependent on the committee’s decision to proceed. There was consensus on the importance of leveraging social media for event promotion.