Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gullah Geechee Festival topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Atlantic Beach council moves to codify Gullah Geechee Festival after $10,000 Santee Cooper grant
Summary
Council authorized the Town Manager to draft an ordinance to make the Gullah Geechee Festival an annual town event after organizers reported roughly $28,000 raised through sponsorships and a $10,000 grant from Santee Cooper.
Atlantic Beach Town Council on Sept. 8 authorized the Town Manager to work with the town attorney to draft an ordinance establishing the Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Festival as an annual Town event.
Mayor Pro Tem John David reported the recent festival included an economic development seminar with more than 60 participants and generated sponsorship and grant funding that covered event costs. He said Santee Cooper awarded a $10,000 economic development grant to equip a business development center at Town Hall, the Donald Foundation provided $5,000, and private donations and sponsorships brought total raised funds to approximately $28,000.
Councilmember Carla Taylor moved to authorize the Town Manager to begin drafting the ordinance; the motion included direction that the manager bring draft ordinance language back for Council review and post the draft publicly. The motion carried on a roll-call vote.
Town Manager Adrian Jones said the Santee Cooper funds will be used to purchase computers and screens for a business development center to provide residents, seniors and small businesses with online resources and assistance. Councilmembers thanked organizers and volunteers and discussed seeking to codify the festival to ensure it continues as a Town-sponsored event with consistent rules and oversight.
The manager estimated the ordinance draft could be ready for Council consideration by the next meeting; staff were directed to publish the draft once prepared.
