January 1, 2009

December 2008 Minutes

Annabelle Morgan called the meeting to order & Dr. Watts gave the invocation.

The November minutes were approved as read.

Annabelle gave an updated bank balance of $4,681.75

Reports
Oakboro Police Department—Chief Joe Lowder gave a report that the department responded to 157 calls in November including 6 felonies. Chief Lowder mentioned counterfeit $5 bills being circulated and advised everyone to be on the lookout for those. Also, so far there have been 3 golf carts registered under the new town ordinance. Anyone interested in registering a golf cart is advised to contact the Oakboro Police Department.

Chamber of Commerce---Libby Phillips announced that the new Stanly Co. maps sponsored by the chamber are available as well as the new Scenes magazines.

CVB---Chris Lambert mentioned several area Christmas parades that are upcoming and mentioned the CVB working on a wine festival/golf tournament for April 18, 2009.

Tree Lighting Ceremony---Mayor Joyce Little reminded everyone that this will take place at 6:30 pm at the Main Street Park. Anabel Speight mentioned the storefront Christmas decorating “contest” and expressed appreciation for the participation level the Main Street businesses have shown.

Cruise-In Committee --- Bob Barbee gave and update that this committee continues to meet and is focusing on the upcoming, 2009 primary season. The next meeting for this committee will be held on Monday, December 8th at Penny’s in Oakboro.

New Business/Discussion
Larry Branch read a resolution in support of the Town of Oakboro seeking funds for Phase Four of the District Park. Mr. Branch explained what the next phase is for and that the town is in the process of applying for a grant to cover ½ of the total cost which is approximately $307,000. The resolution was presented seeking the support of GOBA. Ron Crawley made a motion to support the resolution with a second from Pat Allen. A unanimous vote by the members present passed the resolution.

Revision of By-Laws – Annabelle Morgan presented changes made to the existing GOBA By-Laws with a motion to pass coming from Becky Rowell and a 2nd from Jane Barnhardt. A unanimous vote by members present passed the motion.

Discussion of Non-profit status – open discussion was held regarding the “status” of our organization with the statement that currently we have no legal status. The proposal was made to research incorporating GOBA and then seeking non-profit status. The motion to explore this further was made by Jim Cameron and was seconded by Joyce Little. A unanimous vote by members present passed the motion.

Lisa Watts stated there would be a New Year’s Eve show at the Music Hall with the “Legends” group performing. This event will go from 8pm to 1am

Jane Barnhardt reminded everyone that the Oakboro Lion’s Club is selling luminaries that will be on display from December 19th through the 21st.

Announcements
The January meeting date was moved to January 8, 2009 with a motion from Becky Rowell and second from Jim Cameron. A unanimous vote by members present passed the motion.

Nominating Committee Report – Pat Allen, chairperson, announced the proposed 2009 officers for GOBA as follows:

President: Jim Cameron
Vice-President: Ryan Story
Treasurer: Becky Rowell
Secretary: Leslie Mullikin & Bethany Ross

Pat Allen brought this as a motion from the nominating committee and a second was made by Ron Crawley. A unanimous vote by members present passed the motion.

Annabelle Morgan declared the meeting adjourned.

December 1, 2008

November 2008 Minutes

Jim Cameron called the meeting to order and gave the invocation.
The October minutes were approved with a motion from Ron Crawley and second from Bruce Rowell.
Jim gave an updated bank balance of $xxxxx.

Reports
Town of Oakboro---Larry Branch reported that the current project at the park was the amphitheater which is approximately 30% done and expected to be complete in the next week or so.

Oakboro Police Department—Chief Joe Lowder gave a report that the department responded to 240 calls in October and has cleared numerous cases including the 2 bank robberies. Chief Lowder also made mention that training continues to go on with all officers now being taser trained and certified. Chief Lowder reported that the department will be applying for a couple of grants in 2009 with one being a grant for park surveillance and the other being school safety for riding bikes/walking to school

Chamber of Commerce---Libby Phillips announced that the 2009 Chamber Planning Conference will be held on November 21st

CVB---Chris Lambert introduced Meredith Parker as the new assistant for the CVB and reminded everyone of the numerous Christmas events/parades upcoming

Tree Lighting Ceremony---Mayor Joyce Little announced the tentative schedule for December 4th. 6pm will be music in the mini-park on Main Street provided by DJ Gerald Lee. At 6:15pm the FBC Choir will perform on the steps of the church. At 6:30 pm the tree lighting ceremony will take place at the mini-park. Lisa Watts also mentioned that the Oakboro Music Hall/Fountain Grill will host Santa starting at 5pm that evening and after the parade as well.

West Stanly Players---Wes Tucker promoted the upcoming Mystery Dinner Theatre that the West Stanly Players will be putting on at the Music Hall on November 21st and 22nd and encouraged everyone to attend. Tickets to the event are $25 per person and include the full dinner theatre experience. A preview performance will be held on Thursday the 20th for a reduced price and will not include a dinner.

New Business/Discussion

The GOBA nominating committee for 2009 will consist of the following:

Pat Allen, Chair
Bob Barbee, member
Jim Cameron, member
Annabelle Morgan, member

Announcements

Anabel Speight discussed activities that will be available on the day of the Christmas Parade (December 4th). These activities will include train rides for the kids, hay rides down Main Street, and a Business “Dress Up” Competition. All Main Street businesses are encouraged to join the Christmas spirit and decorate their windows. A small “contest” will be done to determine 3 winners.

Jim Cameron declared the meeting adjourned.

November 1, 2008

October 2008 Minutes

Annabelle Morgan called the meeting to order and Jim Cameron gave the invocation
The September minutes were approved as read.
Annabelle gave an update on the balance in the bank account of $xxxxxx as of 9/30/2008

Reports

Town of Oakboro---Mayor Joyce Little announced that on October 15th at 1:30pm in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church, Congressman Robin Hayes and representatives from the USDA will be on hand to present a ceremonial check to the Town of Oakboro to represent a grant and the awarding of a loan to the town from the USDA.

Oakboro Police Department—Annabelle relayed a report from Chief Lowder with statistics from the last two months. In August the department responded to 136 calls and that number increased in September to 221 calls. The department cleared 8 felony cases last month and continues to experience numerous cases of metal theft and fraud.

Chamber of Commerce---CaShaun Miller introduced Libby Phillips as the new Chamber representative for the Western Stanly County market.

New Business/Discussion

Judith Williams, Operations Committee for the RR Museum, expressed the need for volunteers to help maintain the hours of operation for the museum itself.

Speakers
Janet Sistare, Executive Director of the Stanly County United Way was on hand to give information on her organization. Janet mentioned a couple of new projects they are looking into which are a non-emergency information service, 211, and a “charity tracker” which would monitor who is receiving care through the organization.

Charles Collini, Candidate for Superior Court Judge spoke about the judicial structure of NC and our district.

Vivian Bridges was on hand to speak for Kevin Bridges, Candidate for Superior Court Judge

Announcements

Bob Barbee spoke to the group about the status of the Music Hall and Fountain Grill (Big John’s) and reiterated the commitment that he and Terry Whitley have to the town in respect to the property. Bob mentioned that Lisa Watts is helping to keep the space “occupied” for special occasions and the music hall used as often as possible for various events.

Annabelle Morgan declared the meeting adjourned.

7pm Meeting – no attendees were present at the meeting offered at 7pm.