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Main Street updates, MOU renewal and downtown mural funding approved by EDTA
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Summary
Main Street Executive Director Bridget Nichols reported on façade reimbursements, awning orders, volunteer needs for the Graham Community Building demolition, marketing/branding work and a downtown cleanup. Trustees discussed MOU renewal and approved $3,100 from a marketing grant for a downtown mural with community painting involvement.
Bridget Nichols, executive director of Pryor Creek Main Street, briefed the EDTA on ongoing downtown activities ahead of an MOU renewal due in June and asked trustees for input on renewal terms.
Nichols reported that facade-grant projects are wrapping up, awnings have been ordered with installation estimated at six to eight weeks, and a container and dumpster have been lined up to clear the Graham Community Building so it can be demolished. She also described marketing and branding work — including a planned bid for a marketing firm to develop campaign materials for downtown and the larger Pryor Creek area — and said Main Street submitted a funding request "to Google" for permanent downtown LED lighting tied to a soundscape for seasonal programming and emergency announcements.
Nichols noted Main Street’s outreach: two mobile workshops tied to a national conference in Tulsa (bringing about 4,000 attendees), a downtown cleanup scheduled for the 20th, and Main Street Day at the Capitol on May 4. Trustees discussed MOU structure: moving from a steady monthly allocation ($5,000/month under past arrangements) toward reviewing projects individually and ensuring compatibility with bond and fund restrictions. Chair said a draft MOU should be ready for the May meeting so the council can act by June or July to avoid funding lapses.
Trustees also approved an amended motion to fund a downtown mural (west side of the city-owned parking lot on Graham Avenue) for up to $3,100, with the funding source changed from fund 68 to the marketing/community partnership grant. The design will be revised for cohesion with city branding, include diverse representation and incorporate community painting opportunities tied to Earth Day activities.
"We're also looking at... downtown permanent LED lighting to go all throughout downtown," Nichols said when describing the larger branding effort. Trustees praised volunteer and artist involvement and asked staff to align the mural aesthetic with the broader streetscape-branding work.
The EDTA did not take formal action on the MOU terms at this meeting but directed staff to prepare a draft for May; the mural expenditure passed on a roll-call vote authorizing use of the marketing grant for supplies and labor.
