CBTC talks brochures, Welcome Center video
<p dir="ltr"><span>Monday's meeting of the Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission was productive, to say the least.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Among the multitude of topics discussed, the commission members debated changes to the city's tourism brochures and updating the video at the Chester Welcome Center.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>In regard to the video, Chester Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Sympson said the video is part of a permanent system that's wired into the Welcome Center itself.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"It's not something you take out and put back in," Sympson said, referring to a DVD. "It would be a major expense."</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The commission is wanting to update the video because it includes outdated areas of interest, specifically the closed Chester Municipal Pool.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"They spend several days filming in Chester," Sympson said.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Commissioner Sandra Starr asked if it would be cheaper to replace the system with a TV and a DVD player playing the video on a loop. The commissioners agreed to examine their options and report back at the CBTC's September meeting.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Commission Chairwoman Brenda Owen reported on progress to hire a consultant for submitting properties to the National Register of Historic Places.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Owen noted that she has received a proposal from one consultant and is waiting on another. Total fee for a consultant is $8,000.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Owen said River City Renewal, which is partnering with the CBTC on this endeavor, has agreed to be the agent making the contract between the consultant and the commission.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The commissioners discussed making a donation to River City Renewal to help pay for the consultant, but no specific amount was discussed.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Norma Baughman, chairwoman for the CBTC's Riverboat Programming Committee, reported on an initiative to change the City of Chester tourism brochure.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Baughman recommended removing the pool and Chester Skateland, which has recently been sold to Flex-Line Automation, from the brochure, changing "Halloween Party" to "Fall Festival" and changing the "Evergreen Cemetery Comes Alive Tour" to read the first Sunday in October in odd-numbered years.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The commission members decided to pursue planning on the changes and get an estimate.</span>
<p dir="ltr">Roundup
<p dir="ltr"><span>- The CBTC completed its organization of its structural chart, assigning Cynthia Lawder as chairwoman of the Illinois Bicentennial Committee.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>- Noma Baughman spoke on updating the Randolph County Tourism brochures and noted that she was told money was not available. She was advised to go to the county commissioners to see if they could be of assistance.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>- The commission agreed to spend an amount not to exceed $100 to purchase two signs for the Popeye Picnic parade.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>- The commission discussed "swag lighting" at Cole Memorial Park during Christmas on the Christmas on the River Celebration. Vice Chairman Tom Sauer said cost for the 40-foot string, which is similar to the one that hangs in front of the Gazebo in Chester Square, is $1,688 after a 20 percent discount.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"The goal here is to get businesses to put lighted items in the park," said Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Sauer noted that approval would have to go to the Chester City Council as it involves city labor.</span>
<p dir="ltr"><span>- The next meeting of the commission is set for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at Chester City Hall.</span>