Chester Tourism Commission to approach city about funding
<span>The Chester Tourism Commission is looking for a piece of the pie.</span>
<span>During last Wednesday's regular meeting at Chester City Hall, the commission members discussed approaching Chester Mayor Tom Page about being included in the city's annual budget.</span>
<span>"If we are city-connected, shouldn't we be subsidized by the city that we're in?" asked Commission Secretary Brenda Owen.</span>
<span>According to Treasurer Linda Rader's report, the commission had a balance of $8,249.68 in its bank account as of Wednesday's meeting, with $118.86 in petty cash.</span>
<span>But the commission members feel that's not enough when considering larger projects.</span>
<span>"To do any major projects will take more money than we have," Owen said. "If there's something big, we nix it right away without talking about it."</span>
<span>The commission members also discussed the Chester Beautification Commission receiving a portion of the city's hotel/motel tax fund receipts, but not the Tourism Commission.</span>
<span>"If people are using our hotel and don't live in the county, that's the definition of tourist," Owen said.</span>
<span>According to Chester City Clerk Bethany Berner, the Chester Beautification Commission receives half of the city's hotel/motel tax proceeds, which varies every month. The Beautification Commission received a $3,053.86 contribution last week.</span>
<span>The commission's bylaws, revised with approval of the Chester City Council in 2011, state that "funding shall be provided by the City of Chester and approved fundraisers of the Commission."</span>
<span>Commission Chairwoman Sandra Starr stated that the commission would need to justify the amount it would ask for in the budget.</span>
<span>In other action, the commission voted to request a meeting with Page, Berner and Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter regarding a clear distinction in the responsibilities of the commission and the city's recreation department.</span>
<span>According to its bylaws, the commission's mission statement is "to encourage tourism and attract visitors to our community by informing the general public, both in Chester and surrounding areas, of coming events and area attractions.</span>
<span>"The Tourism Commission will also arrange for welcoming commissions and activities for members of traveling groups arriving in Chester."</span>
<span>In a group opinion, the commission feels it is getting cut out of the picture by the city's recreation department - especially in regard to Christmas Memorial Walk signs in Evergreen Cemetery.</span>
<span>Commission member Linda Sympson noted the commission does not receive a share of the proceeds from the event despite its efforts in organizing it.</span>
<span>"We need a clear definition of what is our responsibility and what is the responsibility of a city employee," Owen said. "I don't know."</span>
<span>Lastly, the commission hopes to rewrite its bylaws to add the position of vice-chairperson, formally separate the position of secretary/treasurer and state that it will not meet in December.</span>
<span>The bylaws currently state only two positions on the 10-member, mayor-approved commission - chairperson and secretary/treasurer - but they are already separated.</span>
<span>The commission plans to submit that proposal to the Chester City Council for discussion.</span>
Roundup
<span>The lone expense of the month went to Southern Illinois Scout Magazine for advertising in the amount of $225.</span>
<span>The commission approved spending an amount not to exceed $75 for 250 postcards and 50 thank you notes.</span>
<span>The commission tabled a request for a reorganization/re-election of officers until its March meeting. Starr stated she has been chairwoman of the commission since its founding in 2007 and it is time for a change.</span>
<span>The next meeting of the Tourism Commission is scheduled for March 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Chester City Hall.</span>