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Demorest DDA discusses $10,000 training, readies Music Monday and possible June 8 fundraiser
Summary
The Demorest Downtown Development Authority discussed hiring an outside advisor at an estimated cost of $10,000, set a tentative June 5 training date, and finalized logistics for Music Monday (June 2) while exploring a Holden Oversoul fundraising event for June 8; an executive session on property and lease issues was held.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) met May 7 in Demorest and discussed inviting consultant Jessie Owensby to provide advisory services to the board at an estimated cost of $10,000. Chairman Jim Welborn said he will contact Owensby about attending a future meeting, and a training session was tentatively scheduled for June 5; Rebecca Brantley indicated she will attend. The minutes note the training cost may be funded by the City of Demorest but record no formal vote to commit funds.
Why it matters: The board framed the training as capacity-building for DDA work; whether the City will cover the estimated $10,000 was left open, making any expenditure contingent on future confirmation.
Members also discussed branding and materials: Welborn reported he is working with a printer on a banner estimated at $62, and logo development remains in progress with no final choice recorded.
The DDA worked through event logistics for Music Monday, scheduled for June 2. Organizers agreed to place a portable toilet next to Sweet Breads and to close and mark the parking lot at 3:00 PM with vendor setup at 3:30 PM. The board designated a handicap parking space in front of the Post Office (space #5) to be kept clear. Volunteers and staffing for the DDA information table were assigned in one-hour shifts: Christy Ryals 4:00–5:00 PM, Rebecca Brantley 5:00–6:00 PM, and Shawn Allen and Jim Welborn 6:00–7:00 PM. Brantley will handle public relations and outreach; Davis and Welborn coordinated with Casey on scheduling.
Shawn Allen presented ideas for a downtown walking tour, citing Dahlonega’s “Bears on the Square” and Cornelia’s story-trail as models. He mentioned potential grants for cityscape and lighting improvements and stated approvals would begin in 2030 as discussed; no funding decisions were made at the meeting.
Allen also outlined a possible Holden Oversoul event, which could partner with the local museum and Piedmont and might be coordinated with Jamie Allred. The board discussed an alternate version involving the Farmhouse and DDA. A potential fundraising event on June 8 could use Post Office space for playground equipment, with an Art Truck positioned in front of Holden Oversoul; local press coverage was expected. These plans were described as exploratory and not finalized.
Procedural actions recorded in the minutes included a motion by Shawn Allen, seconded by Jamie Allred, to approve the agenda (motion passed); a motion by Allen, seconded by Rebecca Brantley, to enter executive session at 5:18 PM to discuss property and lease matters; a subsequent motion by Allen, seconded by Christy Ryals, to exit executive session; and a motion by Allen, seconded by Allred, to adjourn at 5:42 PM. The minutes do not disclose outcomes from the executive session.
What’s next: Welborn is to contact Owensby about attending a future meeting and Megan is to schedule the June 5 training; event volunteers and PR tasks for Music Monday are assigned. The board did not record any final approvals of funding during this meeting.
