By Linda Gray

Silver City's Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday October 23, 2012, at 6 p.m.

Reports: Julie Minicucci, Tourism Director for the Silver City Arts & Cultural District, presented its quarterly report to the Council. Minicucci showed slides of ads running in over 20 publications/websites. The ads promote our wilderness, use local people as models, and have quirky pictures and captions. More print ads and online ads are scheduled. The ads are done with the approval of the State Cooperative Marketing program which brings a consistency to tourism advertising within New Mexico.

She reported that the new website has launched www.silvercitytourism.org with positive feedback. In an effort to promote the exceptional culinary scene in Silver City, the website is spotlighting local restaurants on a rotating basis with a feature article by Jean Eisenhower, photos by Wick Beavers, and a YouTube slideshow produced by Tyler Bingham www.silvercitytourism.org/savor-silver-city/
Minicucci read a letter from Cabinet Secretary Monique Jacobson written to Mayor James Marshall. Jacobson wrote, "The ads have followed the guidelines we set forth on how to create effective ad yet the ads have gracefully captured the authentic feel that Silver City owns. Great job!"

Cissy McAndrew, director of the SWNM Green Chamber which runs the Visitors Center was next to give its quarterly report. Overall the number of visitors remains flat, consistent with the State reports. They are seeing a large percentage of visitors coming from Tucson, Phoenix and El Paso. Visitors respond that they hear about Silver City from AAA, Sunset Magazine, and Travel 50 & Beyond. The Visitors Center now has new 2012 comprehensive Dining and Lodging Guides, which the volunteers share with visitors. Volunteers put in 220 hours per month. The solar parking structure brings in $50 per month. The Town fixed the water drainage problems around the Billy The Kid Cabin and alongside the Big Ditch.

McAndrew went on to report that the British Automobile Owners Association Show was a great success and the club intends on returning to Silver City. Plans for the Tamal Fiesta are in full swing and this year's festival will include arts and crafts and more entertainment. The SWNM Green Chamber will provide training for Realtors® and for the hospitality/service community in Silver City to help promote the town.

Public Hearings: Ronald Anthony Quintano, owner of Q's Southern Bistro, made a request to the Council to approve a Liquor License Application for a Small Brewers Liquor License. This would allow them to make and sell their own product and give greater flexibility to events contracting with them for a Picnic License. The Council approved the request.

New Business:
1. Nancy Gordon requested an approval supporting an application for an EPS Brownfields/Cleanup Grant for the historic Silver City Waterworks Building. "I think we have a good chance of getting this grant because of the support from the community, and because EPA representatives came by last year right in the middle of our masonry repair project when we had all kinds of volunteers working up on the scaffolding." Mayor Marshall commented that he had been given a tour of the building and described it as a "magnificent building." Councilwoman Cynthia Bettison noted that should they receive the grant it would bring jobs to Silver City. The Council approved the request.
2. The Council appointed Elizabeth Owen and John Warner to the Museum Board.