The Hinesville Downtown Development Authority held its first meeting of 2022 on Jan. 26. The HDDA board discussed pushing back the opening of this year’s Farmers Market to allow the COVID surge to slow and also seeing if they can move the market back to Bradwell Park once renovations are completed.

HDDA Executive Director Michelle Ricketson said the HDDA has struggled to get produce vendors. She said they should consider rebranding the market to better define all the other vendors they have. Board member John Baker said he would be in favor of rebranding. Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown added that he still would like to see some produce and vegetables offered at the market as they move forward.

During the meeting, it was reported the Bradwell Park renovations may not be completed until the first of April.

The board reviewed other upcoming events, noting that they may need to cancel some of them if COVID numbers remain high. They also pointed out that the City of Hinesville put a freeze on issuing new permits due to COVID, so the Small World Festival and Easter Egg Roll may need to be cancelled. Board Chairman Marcus Sack said he would be open to cancelling Small World if needed. He said the HDDA is currently short-staffed and COVID numbers are still high, and he questioned whether the HDDA would be able to deliver a meaningful experience for the community. Ricketson said she would be OK taking this year off.

Sack said it would be a good idea to start planning now for 2023 and asked Ricketson to create an event calendar that only displays HDDA events so they can see how many staff hours are needed for each.

Ricketson reported that Main Street Event Manager Kevin Remillard has resigned to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity. She said they’re actively seeking to fill his position and have received 15 applications.

The HDDA reviewed a proposed standard operation procedure for their events that include alcohol consumption. According to the proposed operating procedures, when the HDDA hosts an event where on-premises consumption of alcohol may occur, the HDDA will do the following steps to ensure a safe event:

 1. Notify HDDA board of potential event and seek board approval before moving forward.

2. Offer alternative beverages such as sodas and water.

3. Provide food to help slow the absorption of alcohol.

4. Set up a monitored area for alcohol consumption.

5. Establish procedures for checking IDs.

• Identify legal drinkers with a non-transferable wristband.

6. Ban participants from bringing personal alcoholic beverages.

7. Prohibit drinking by servers.

8. Make alcohol identifiable with easily distinguishable cups.

9. Limit servings to one per person at a time.

10. Never use city funds to purchase alcohol or alcohol- related items.

• Only sponsorship funds will be used to purchase alcohol and/or pay for related fees.

Ricketson pointed out that in order to serve or sell alcohol, the HDDA must obtain both a city and state special event license. Under a new state law effective this year, these special events must have an alcohol license special event permit issued by the State of Georgia. For each event (not to exceed three days), the cost is $25 for a nonprofit, or $50 for malt beverage, $50 for wine and $100 for distilled spirits.

Ricketson said the goal for HDDA would be to coordinate three express events per year where HDDA will find a sponsor to fund beverages and food. HDDA also plans to coordinate three block parties per year where the HDDA will find a partner to provide alcohol.

The board will review the proposed procedure and place it as an action item for a vote at a later date. Sack addressed the board, saying he wants the HDDA to focus on their return on investments when partnering with other entities for future events.

Ricketson said Super Museum Sunday is on Feb. 6, and the Historic Preservation Commission plans to host a history and architecture tour from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Ricketson said the Selfie Museum is set to open soon, and HDDA staff are working with the owners for possible partnership opportunities.

Sack said the memorandum of understanding between the City of Hinesville and the HDDA still needs to be done. Per the minutes of their last meeting in October 2021, City Manager Kenneth Howard and Ricketson were supposed to meet to discuss the MOU but have not yet been able to do so.

City of Hinesville Assistant City Manager Ryan Arnold gave an update on the small business incubator, saying bids came in 75% higher than last year, so they are working on negotiating work bids. He said the city has a new Community Development Director, who will focus on finishing the Azalea Street project.