Main Street board approves grant extensions

The Vernon Main Street Advisory Board approved actions concerning previously-awarded grant project applications during a monthly business meeting Monday.
Directors approved six-month extensions on grant projects including those for an $8,325 roof project at Main Street Nails, Main and Pease; and a $1,994.24 awning project at Heavens Confections, 1605 Main.
A motion for a one-month extension on a $4,600 project to Vernon Parts Sports Bar and Grill was approved with the condition that the owner submit receipts for work done on windows and seals. The firm also will have the option to reapply for a grant toward a project to refurbish an exterior clock that was located on the front exterior of the building for many years.
No action was taken on new grant applications submitted by Billy and Carolyn Talbot of Talbot Carpet, 1509 Main, for projects to remove exterior trimmings; and a project for a proposed arcade in the former Talbot Shoe Store across the street to replace an awning. Board members requested that the Talbots obtain two estimates for their projects including a breakdown on cost of windows as before the application would be considered.
Tourism and Main Street Director Amanda Lehman reported that the Vernon Wine Walk is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. March 9 in the downtown area. The event will be led by local artisans and include free tastings of wine, beer, cheese and chocolates but for an admission fee of $10 per person. The wine and beer tastings will only be offered those of legal drinking age (21 and older) and participants will be “carded” and given specific bracelets to wear upon entering. Also, wine and beer tastings will be permitted only on-premises. Lehman said that 42 tickets for the event have been sold so far with seven business set to participate. She suggested that golf carts or other such vehicles be made available to transport elderly attendees of the event.
Board members will consider possible action on appointments of committee chairpersons for the design, promotion, organization and economic vitality committees. They also approved the purchase of card tickets, program financial statements and minutes of the Jan. 28 meeting.
During a discussion about existing projects and future goals and ideas for the program, board member Marvin Tate reported that the City of Vernon is looking into the development of an outdoor events venture in the downtown area. Lehman reported that the Texas Main Street Program wanted to meet with local Main Street officials for a one-day retreat that board members consented to schedule for 1-5 p.m. April 22.
Present at the meeting were Lehman, board chairman Meredith Wright and board members Tate, Jamie Chapman and Julie Brock. Also present were Billy and Carolyn Talbot.