Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown - Butler County Tourism Commission met on April 14, 2016 at the Eva Hawes Community Building. Minutes from the March 3, 2016 meeting were read and approved
Diane Dyer gave the treasurer's Report for April 14,2016 showing a balance of $9910.57. Both motels, Green River Lodge and Morgantown Inn, are current with monthly payments.  Becky Hankins made a motion to approve the Treasurer's Report.  Seconded by Brenda Longhofer.  The motion passed.
Chairman Roger Southerland discussed the motel tax concerning Bed and Breakfasts.  It was decided that a Bed and Breakfast in Rochester would not be considered because it is not located in the Morgantown city limits.
Jerrod Barks, representing the City of Morgantown, gave a presentation of the Renaissance Plan for Morgantown.   Barks requested $1,000for downtown signage and $4,500 for gateway aesthetic improvements. 
“We want to improve first impressions of the park and city,” said Barks.
Plans include landscaping around the Eva J. Hawes Building, fencing at the park entrance, and tree planting along the exits of the Natcher Parkway.  Diane Dyer made a motion to allot up to $3000.00 to the Morgantown Renaissance Plan.  Seconded by Brenda Longhofer.  The motion passed.

The commission discussed advertising in surrounding counties on electronic billboards for the 2016 Catfish Festival. Judge Fields made a motion to spend up to $750.00 to promote through advertising the 2016 Catfish Festival.  Seconded by Doug Odle.   The motion passed.

Doug Odle asked for funding to have one musical event at the mural during the summer for the community.  Brenda Longhofer made a motion to allot up to $800.00 for the Music on the Square event.   Seconded by Diane Dyer.  The motion passed.

Judge Fields made a motion to approve the 2016/2017 annual budget.  The budget must be electronically submitted to the state for special taxing districts.  Seconded by Becky Hankins.  The motion passed. Becky Hankins made a motion to reimburse Chairman Roger Southerland for the fee used for on-line registration with the Kentucky Department for Local Government.   Seconded by Doug Odle.   The motion passed.

Tommy Hines, representing the Green River Museum, submitted a proposal for expansion of the Green River Museum should the funds become available. No action was taken.