Boonville Tourism Grant--We requested $6000 toward the Hannah Cole sculpture. Originally, in the presentation to the city, we included a handout on how we expected to raise the $25,000 city match. We had proposed in that document $4000 from the Boonville Tourism Commission. As the cost of the sculpture is much higher than the original $50,000 projection, we raised the amount requested of the tourism commission to $6000 from $4000 as a challenge grant. At the commission hearing it was noted that two city council members would be opposed. They were not named. Several people suggested the names of the two. I contacted both of them. One said he is not opposed. The other is opposed. The council has eight ward representatives and mayor. The request was tabled and not brought to the City Council. I hope the request will be resurrected. But I do not know what the status is at this time.

This last $12,000 will be very tough to raise. But we are looking at as many possibilities as possible to continue to move forward. I don't think any of us want to consider having to secure a loan and raise funds after the statue is in place.

Cole Reunion--Gary Nauman has contacted Dr. Greg Gettings of the Boonville School District and the district will make the Laura Speed Elliott Commons available to the family. The gym could be used for overflow. We might also use the gymnasium for a poster signing by family members attending. He reported the school superintendent said the commons area could seat 200 to 2500 people. Gary stressed it was important to try to have a count on those planning to attend week before June 6.

It seems to me that under Gary Nauman's direction of the Parks and Recreation Department the city and school district have moved forward as collaborators. This major request is one sign of that positive relationship.

Art Schneider noted that an invitational mailing to family members will be funded through the Boonslick Tourism Commission. Carolyn said Pat Todd, Cole Descendants president, is planning a newsletter for March. Art suggested that if Pat brought the newsletter beforehand to Red Painter, her father, that it could be inserted with the invitation. Art also noted he would need an updated family mailing list. Carolyn will contact Pat.

Plaque--Gary Nauman noted that if the Hannah Cole and donor plaques are installed on the wall north of the park, there are several issues. The wall is owned by the Palace Restaurant. The Palace could be approached to grant permission. While it might grant this, the question becomes what happens if the property is sold? Unless this permission was recorded as part of the deed covenant, a future owner could direct the plaques be removed. This also may take some time.

The city administrator has indicated the city would not finance the cost of attorneys or the recording fees.

Much discussion was given to several plaque possibilities. Gary suggested a pedestal with a 45 degree support base for two plaques. He noted a steel frame one-quarter inch smaller than the plaques could be the support. The frame would be supported by 4 inch square tubing. He suggested that a hole could be drilled through the frame and self-locking bolts used.

Bob Dyer mentioned signs in Fort Leavenworth that have a push button that activates a recording. Gary noted interpretive signs such as that mentioned by Bob are very "hot" in the tourism industry. Bob also mentioned that he had provided the mayor with some materials on this and she seemed quite impressed with the interpretive sign concept.

Gary noted the display mounts at Cobblestone Park are another possibility. The information signs there have faded and there is some weather damage to the casing. He said newer models have some improvements.

Carolyn Eichelberger emphasized the importance of permanency that bronze provides. There was some concurrence that a pedestal supporting a bronze plaque as a preference with the possibility of integrating a push button "talking" unit.

Gary will bring some sign information to the next meeting.

Walter Williams Plaque--A second plaque was required for the Walter Williams bust pedestal at City Hall. The replacement plaque cost $441.71. Art Schneider asked the group to consider accepting the plaque as a donation from Sabra Tull Meyer. After discussion, the group consensus was to accept the replacement plaque at cost of $441.71 as a donation from Sabra.

Boonville Streets and Alleys Board--Art Schneider met November 26 with the board. It did not have a quorum. The board members present were very supportive of naming the alleyway west of the park at Morgan and Main Streets Hannah Cole Court. There are no current addresses that would be affected. The board chair said this would be brought to the next board meeting, but that he expected it would be supported. I do not know if it would need t go to the City Council for approval.

Art Schneider, per the November meeting, also requested the board consider encouraging developers to name future streets for historic figures. M. l. Cauthon, public works director, had provided the board with list of potential names that had been drawn up by Bob Dyer. The board chair and M. L. said that the city has not suggested potential street names to developers, but that this is something he thought would be welcomed by developers.

M. L. said that platting comes under the advisory authority of the Boonville Planning and Zoning Commission. The city administrator serves as the staff representative to that commission. M. L. said he would bring naming streets after historic figures to the attention of the administrator and commission.

Plates and Cups--Winky Friedrichs was unable to attend. She had sent an e-mail earlier in the day to Art.

At this time she has not received the cost estimate from the two companies contacted for putting the art work she designed on ceramic decals The plates come with a gold rim (8 1/4" porcelain plates) and are $1.65 each- ballpark total of completed plates would be $5 each, which includes a description on the reverse side. Decals for the plates are costly. She said "Small orders (under 500) are always more expensive." Winky will be reimbursed for the costs of materials for this project. There was some discussion of outlets. The Chamber and Friends were among possible outlets discussed.

Hannah Cole Maquette raffle--Ticket sales continue, but there are still well over 100 unsold tickets. The raffle has been delayed until all 500 tickets are sold.

Missouri Victory poster--The Missouri Victor poster sales have been brisk and have eaten into a lot of volunteer time. Art said he could not provide a figure yet on funds raised through the sale. He said at least $1250 has been raised. There will be some cost, such as damaged posters and long distance charges to the Friends, that will need to be absorbed. Volunteers have staffed the Friends office the weeks of December 8 and 15 continue sales. More than 60 volunteer hours were donated to meet the need.

J. Milton Turner Bust/Pedestal--Art Schneider said he has written Terrence Crook, CCBC president, as a follow-up to the November meeting with CCBC. Terrence said he would have the bust/pedestal on the agenda at the December 16 CCBC board meeting. Art had not heard from Terrence since the meeting. (After the Outdoor Arts Project Art contacted Terrence. Terrence aid he would send a letter of approval from the board next week. In turn, the Outdoor Arts project and CCBC will send a letter to the city and the county seeking partial assistance on the bronze bust/pedestal). The estimated cost is $8500. Fundraising efforts for this will not begin until august 2004.

Questions were raised about the Frederick T. Kemper bust/pedestal. Art said he talked with Sarah Gallagher earlier in December and Sarah said she would be in contact with the Kemper Foundation on this. Art has not received any follow-up.

Next meeting: Tentatively Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Cooper County Courthouse Annex.