Hot Springs, Arkansas - Hwy 70 East -  Bypass

The fifth regular meeting of the Scenic Gateway Steering Committee was held Tuesday, August 13, 2002, at the Shanghai Restaurant, Grand Ave. Committee members or representatives in attendance were (in alphab. order): Anita Barrett, Vickie Bernie, David Campbell, Cliff Caughman/David Chittum, Lynn Cole, Randy Cox, Carl Hughes, Tom Lucek, Peggy Maruthur, Carl McChesney, Ted Mullenix, Kent Myers, Bob Wheeler, Gerald Wheeler & Evan Yother. Not present: Laurence Adkins, Steve Arrison*, Mike Bush, Jay Chesshir, Wyley Elliott*, David French, Jerry Raetz, Steve Teague*, Ken Wheatley, & Larry Williams. Members and guests introduced themselves by name and association. *Non-voting members. [Please note: Minutes will be more concise due to my time restraint. I will keep my hand-written notes from each meeting should any questions arise as to discussions/decisions.]

Our guest speaker was Mr. Ed Hart, Owner and President of Magic Springs. Mr. Hart opened with a discussion on tourism as relates to Hot Springs proper and, specifically, the 70E Scenic Gateway. Questions he posed to our Steering Committee were: Is an unsightly corridor on 70E good for Hot Springs? Who legislates a Scenic Corridor? Mr. Hart spoke on American’s protective viewpoint of their individual property rights.

He shared with us the investment in dollars as well as careful planning with a view to the future development of Magic Springs. Because of the unique history of ‘MS’ and Arkansans’ past experiences with the park from the late 70’s, early 80’s, the current owners feel it will require continued efforts to build a solid Arkansas-customer base; and, he expressed confidence in meeting this challenge. MS will start ‘return free next-day passes’ in ’03, plus a gold pass and free parking + he feels MS needs some ‘attraction’ closer to 70E Hwy or instant curb appeal.

While he feels we can’t go against the flow of the American family (i.e., demographics in AR market are too small), Hart sees the future of Hot Springs/G.C. and MS growth is tied to Little Rock people. MS is working w/Steve Arrison at A&P on packages and ‘out markets.’ MS marketing research shows attracting older pp without children as a possibility. He feels the tourism industry has been significantly hurt by 9/11 and that we are in a recession. The park is even with last year in spite of circumstances.

As 26% of visitors to HS come because of MS, a hotel/motel near MS would be a good thing, per Mr. Hart. If 100% filled in the summer, they would average nicely the rest of the year w/conventions. The pieces are there and should come together if we don’t make bad decisions…are patient re personal and commercial benefits…they will come, according to Hart.

Magic Springs has confidence in Hot Springs’ efforts to expand. Mr. Hart hopes to encourage their neighbors to enhance the Scenic Corridor…that property owners will do the right things and invest in attractions and "ride the hospitality surge." Landscaping and being unique - but maintaining integrity - were key issues discussed re the S/G. He feels H.S would be remiss to try to copy Branson and Pigeon Forge. Branson went a little ‘wacky,’ but Pigeon Forge has done tremendous, and he recommends our SC explore PF. He would prefer H.S., Bath House Row and our ‘niche’ be the theme/ look (re S/G). The SC generally supported playing up our difference and uniqueness. (Thank you Mr. Ed Hart for your time and support of our efforts.)

Minutes of the July 11 2002, meeting were not reviewed and will be discussed at a future meeting. No other Committees are presently necessary but will be added when appropriate. Committees will set up their accountability to the SC. We passed a motion that Committees work on their own and get approval of SC on recommendations for action. (Ted made Motion: Anita seconded.) Kent recommended Lynn set up meetings with all Committees and chair the first meeting, & the Committee members will chose their Chair. Lynn agreed to this.

Kent led discussion re fewer SC meetings (note: we have held monthly meetings as agreed by the SC members – plus, the meeting in Branson - since April 18, 2002). Most of the work will be done at sub-committee levels (as 25 members (in SC) is too large to accomplish much). Hopefully, we will be able to hold the Steering Committee meetings every 2 – 3 months once we get beyond this initial phase. Some discussion centered on reaction at tonight’s property owners meeting: for instance, what if they don’t want us doing anything? We decided to address this after the p/o meeting. Lynn cited our vision and purpose; that we are moving forward through newly acquired knowledge, concrete and timely actions of our SC and exploring our visions.

Discussion re forming a POA in 70E S/G followed: pros and cons…marketing/selling S/G through efforts of S/G SC and possibly a POA…planned development with utilities offered, etc. vs. letting free enterprise run its course over time. Basically, it’s about planned development with p/o participation or unplanned development without p/o participation. A POA has strength in numbers…an organized group can help develop betterment of the S/G. (The August 13^th P/O meeting will tell us a lot.) A POA may be informal, yet have power in numbers and get as involved as they feel led: micro managing or monitoring needs and act when necessary.

We voted to adopt the following tentative Mission Statement re the Scenic Gateway Steering Committee (which was presented to the S/G property owners August 13th):

Anita gave a report to the Steering Committee on the Agenda re P/O meeting at 7:00 p.m. (8.13.02) Several members will be covering various topics re recent S/G SC actions, including Vickie Bernie presenting Mr. Hart’s comments in his presentation at the SC meeting (8.13).

Carl McChesney brought us up to date re the interchange/Bridge concept as determined at the Friday, July 22^nd meeting (attended by Kent Myers, Jean Wallace, Ron Koellre (sp?), Jerry Raetz, AR Hwy. reps., Carl and Lynn) + a subsequent meeting w/fewer attendees. Steve Teague had briefed and prepared the AR Hwy. Dept. staff re our S/G interchange. There will be 3 levels with one 1600 foot flyover bridge/ramp. Railings will have a panel or sweeping shadow lines with colors (using H.S. blue and teal colors); and, the concrete will be a light sand color. There will be an abutment with stone. Re landscaping: it will be discussed in the near future with the MPO (asking them to approve and the City and County to install nice esthetically-appealing landscaping). Jean Wallace (Director, HS Parks and Recreation) went on record w/AR Hwy. Dept. that all vegetation be preserved, if possible; and, the State agreed with this during this meeting. They agreed to give us a set of the construction plans. There will be no signs allowed on State property or easement. We discussed possibly using privately owned property for signage. Note: S/G SC acted quickly to secure this level of improvement and resulting positive changesJ

Respectfully Submitted:

Lynn D. Cole, Coordinator/Facilitator