News and Updates

Downtown Shelby Vision and Implementation Team – Meeting Summary

Date: October 17, 2025 

Time: 9:00 AM 

Location: Shelby Village Hall 

Next Meeting: January 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM 

Attendees: Tracy Blamer, Andy Carter, Shelley Comstock, Damian Omness, Amanda Mazur, Kim Merten, Pete Kurzer, Dave Rakosky, Richard Raffaelli, Phil Morse 

Unable to attend: Deanna Fox, Steve Crothers, Veronica Parker, Michelle Haggerty, Malcolm Carey 

Welcome and Purpose 

• The meeting was opened by Village Administrator Phil Morse. 

• The team revisited its core purpose: 

• • To implement initiatives that elevate the aesthetic appeal of downtown Shelby, attract local businesses, entrepreneurs, and visitors, foster community pride, and enhance connectivity among community members. 

• • The primary focus of this meeting was funding activities for 2026. 

Reports from Emphasis Groups 

Downtown Refurbish / Aesthetics 

• First draft of design drawings shared. 

• Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with minor suggestions:  

• • Archway concept well-received; two archways preferred. 

• • Add an additional handicap parking space on the west side near Deb’s. 

• • Remove bump-out in front of the pharmacy. 

• • Ensure benches and fences are removable. 

• • Retain the slogan: “Where the Fine Fruit Grows.” 

• • Consult with the Disability Network for accessibility input. 

• Estimated Budget: $1.6 to $1.8 million 

Events / Marketing 

• Three planning meetings held. 

• Hosted two movie events. 

• Preparing for the Halloween Trunk or Treat and Spooktacular events 

• Proposed 2026 events and associated costs:  

• • CarvePrize: $25,000 

• • Chainsaw Carving Festival: $5,000 

• • Tamale Festival: $5,000 

• • Christmas in the Village: $750 

• • June Movie + Cookout: $800 

• • July Movie: $300 

• • August Movie: $300 

• • Couples Movie Night: $300 

• • Spanish Language Movie Night: $300 

• Total Budget Request: $43,750 

Development 

• Focus narrowed to business attraction and retention. 

• A comprehensive inventory of downtown buildings has been compiled, including:  

• • Current uses 

• • Ownership 

• • Availability 

• Budget Discussion: Not addressed 

Fundraising 

• No updates at this time. 

• A planning meeting will be scheduled to develop a fundraising strategy. 

Cross-Team Collaboration 

• Inter-group support was discussed informally throughout the meeting. 

• No formal action items are recorded. 

First Impressions Tourism Assessment 

• After viewing the program video and discussion, the team agreed to apply for an assessment. 

Adjournment 

• Meeting adjourned. 

• Next Meeting: January 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM