The Town of Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority met on Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. in a special meeting. Present were Chairperson Bernard Keele, Vice-Chair Kent Tarbutton, Authority members Phil Pickett and Keith Tester, and Ex-officio members Scott Hildebran and Margaret Pierce. Authority Member Lynn Drury was out of town.

Chairperson Keele called the meeting to order and welcomed the Authority members. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss various matters and year-end FY 2004-05 Budget issues.

Upon motion of Vice-Chair Tarbutton and second by Member Pickett, the Authority convened at 3:05 p.m. in closed session pursuant to - N.C.G.S. 143.318.11 (a)(6) for discussion of personnel issues.

At the conclusion of the discussions, the closed session was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Finance Director Margaret Pierce reviewed a proposed budget amendment with the Authority to make end of fiscal year budget adjustments to various line-items, including salaries, FICA, retirement, postage, telephone, materials/supplies, travel/dues/subscriptions, loan/renovation costs and advertisement.

Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and second by Member Pickett to approve the year-end FY 2004-05 budget amendment (Attachment #1). Unanimously approved.

Finance Director Pierce then discussed a proposed insurance agreement modification with the North Carolina League of Municipalities regarding the TDA property/liability and workers compensation insurance. After a short discussion, Motion by Vice-Chair Tarbutton and second by Member Tester to approve the NCLM Property/Liability and Workers Compensation insurance agreement modification and resolution (Attachment #2). Unanimously approved.

The Authority briefly reviewed the proposed sign for Blowing Rock Art and History Museum to be located at the rear downtown entrance to the Visitor Center. All Authority members were satisfied with the rendering of sign.

The Authority then discussed the importance of events to the marketing of Blowing Rock. Member Tester commented that the Authority cannot commit funding for proposed events without some basic details of the event. Members discussed various possible events such as an Auction, Wine Festival, Mitford Days, Road Race, and the Celtic Festival and the need for community group involvement. It was the consensus of the Authority to schedule a workshop with key leaders of groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Arts Center, Blowing Rock Rotary and the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, etc. to continue discussion on a future event strategy.

Upon motion of Member Pickett and second by Member Tester, the Authority recessed the meeting until Friday, July 1, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. Motion unanimously approved

With no further business, Chairperson Keele recessed the meeting at 4:15 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2005.

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Bernard Keele, Chairperson

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Scott E. Hildebran, Secretary