Springport Area Growth Association
www.springportmi.com
General Meeting Minutes for July 15, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Lisa Mitchell at 7:04 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Members and guests present included: Megan Merrill, Jeff Mitchell, Jackie and Dan Merritt, Bill Russell, Tim and Linda Griffith, Wiley C. Partz, Chuck and Sue Arntz, Gordon Webb, Joe Schmidt, and Cindy Russell.

Motion by Bill Russell and seconded by Megan to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Lisa to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Jeff.  Motion carried.

Samantha Thacker, Treasurer was absent, her report was read by Lisa.  The report regarded that SAGA has a balance of $1,521.65 as of 6/17/09.  Income consisted of merchandise, donations, 3K Run, Quilt raffle, and spotlight; while expenses included mulch, horse-pulls, dash plaques, and balloons.  Motion by Bill and seconded by Megan to accept the treasurer’s report per audit.  Motion carried. 

Gordon Webb, Village Council President presented a resolution to recognize and acknowledge SAGA for all of the work that SAGA does for the community.

Guest, Joe Schmidt presented his plans for his Eagle Scout project.  His project entails building a pavilion over the concrete slab at Syke’s Park downtown (he has taken into consideration building the structure so that it will be sustainable and “pest” resistant (birds, bees, etc.)).  The project is scheduled to begin at the end of July.  Joe is seeking funding and has asked the Springport Village, DDA, and SAGA; he is also seeking personal donations.  Joe chose the project to add to the function-ability of the park (providing shade/cover). Motion by Megan and donated by Bill Russell to donate $150.00 toward Joe Schmidt’s Eagle Scout project.  Motion carried.

Under committee reports, the Events committee discussed the 2009 8-80 Days evaluation, suggestions for 2010 included:

  • Planning events in the afternoon (in light of the races not going on)
  • 204 runners in the Awesome 3K Run – event was successful and suggested for next year
  • Organize a men’s fast-pitch softball tournament (possible event organizer: Matt Overweg)
  • Kid’s field day events with relay races
  • Craft and/or Flea market show on school grounds or behind the Baptist Church
  • SAGA needs more volunteers to help organize events for next year – PLEASE DONATE YOUR TIME
  • Mail sponsor letters early (like February) or mail a yearly newsletter in September with planning ideas for the 2010 year
  • Vendor policy (discloses location and possible fee to setup for the event)
  • Catalog how the event is run – for anyone to be able to pick it up and go with it – IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF SOMETHING PLEASE CREATE A PLANNING SHEET and submit it to SAGA or Tim Griffith also include results (number attended, etc.) – Please bring this in to the August meeting.

Please submit names of anyone who would like to receive a yearly newsletter that might be interested in getting involved in community events.

The Fundraising/Membership committee reported that we are still interested in doing a Poker tournament. 

The Media and Public Relations committee reported that a possible idea is to have a fall concert featuring local community bands downtown.  The Springport business brochure is being updated in cooperation with the DDA will print approximately 5,000 brochures for distribution and the first 50 businesses to respond in the Springport area can pay $10 to get their phone number or web address listed; please contact Lisa Mitchell at Homestead Bank for more information; SAGA will work on getting the letters out in August with a cut off in September to "make it in" the brochure.

The Townships Committee reported that the Jackson Ag Council met and reported that Jackson County will pay 30% of the listed premiums for this year.  There is no funding for the State Fair for next year.  Farmfest tour is near Horton the third Saturday in September.  STEP was contacted by the MEP Board to present in Springport on Wednesday August 19th to meet with the STEP committee.

The Youth Outreach Committee, didn't have anything to report.
Under Old Business, there were no items to report.
Under New Business, it was discussed to order more SAGA t-shirts... Megan will look into designs and costs for the September meeting.

Under Open Forum, it was suggested that due to Fairs in August that is may be a good time to postpone the meeting until September.  Motion by Bill, seconded by Megan to postpone all items until the September meeting.
The next SAGA meeting will be Wednesday SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Merrill, SAGA Secretary