Local business owner Laci Moffit spoke during both Public Comments and the agenda seeking marketing support for Heart of Eureka Springs Christmas activities at the Sept. 28 CAPC meeting. Moffit explained that marketing support was not the only item she wished to request and that there had been a larger budget that she wanted to submit in August that included downtown events, decorations, and regional advertising.
Moffit said she had been working with members of the community including business owners, Heart of Eureka Springs, Eureka Springs Parks Department, Chamber of Commerce, and the Basin Park and Crescent Hotels to plan a wider gamut of holiday “experiential” activities for visitors. She explained that the new request would be for $25,000, with $10,000 for Christmas decorations and revamping of Basin Park.
Devon Henderson of the Chamber spoke during Public Comments, saying that businesses in town were planning holiday events and that it was important that Eureka Springs show it was not closed in the winter.
When commissioner Patrick Burnett asked if any other business was providing sponsorship, Moffit explained that there are no sponsors, but that businesses were willing to run the various events. The main issues commissioners found with approving a larger budget were that it was not included in the agenda and that it was not clear whether or not the CAPC could fund art and music events outside of its own budget.
Chair Jeff Carter suggested Moffit see if she could get approval for the three items of marketing support which included Living Windows, Shop Small, and Ugly Sweater events, and to come back to the commission in a workshop to see what else could be done. Moffit agreed and the commission approved all three items for marketing support at $2,000 each. The commission also approved Marketing Support for Eureka Springs Jeep Jam Jeep Jinglin’ Parade, also represented by Moffit.
The rest of Public Comments included voices of support for Moffit’s work on the Christmas season with some scathing remarks toward the CAPC itself. Beau Satori took time to accuse Carol Wright of using her position as a A&P commissioner to her advantage, mentioning that city assets, referencing office materials, from the CAPC offices had been on sale through a booth at Hobbies & Homesteads owned by Wright. Satori claimed that the public had not been notified of the sale of city assets.
Another comment from Terry Yarborough asked that the CAPC listen to constituents and that retail business owners opinions still matter when it comes to advertising spending. It was said when retail is not open, there is nothing for guests to do.
Commission seats filled
After months of being pushed back, commission seats 2 and 7 of the CAPC were filled. For commission seat 2, previously occupied by James DeVito, a motion to nominate David Avanzino failed with no second at the table and instead went to Kyle Christopher, part owner of Eureka Live, with a 4-1 vote with commissioner Autumn Slane voting No and Carter voting the final Yes.
The same outcome in votes was in place for seat 7 which is the at-large position now occupied by Carol Wright. Commissioners approved Chris Clifton to the position, owner of Bear Mountain Log Cabins.
Keeping in theme with the Holidays
In her director’s report, Madison Dawson announced the CAPC website’s new name as visiteurekasprings.com and that Paradise is hoping to have work completed on it by the end of the year. Burnett told commissioners that it was industry standard for cities to use a “visit…” naming scheme for their tourism sites and that the new site would be able to keep up with new trends.
Dawson also said that work on the Home for the Holidays show was in production with some portions of the program already booked. She covered future interviews in Tulsa regional media to be aired in the 4th quarter, that will focus on holiday shopping.
Other Item
- The CAPC did approve second quarter financials after three months of no meetings.