West Central Reporter

City of Greenville Tourism Committee met July. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. ROLL CALL 

Committee Members Present: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins

Committee Members Absent: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

Staff Present Tourism Director Jes Adam, Deputy City Clerk Jody Weiss Public Present: Craig Boyd, Kyle Littlefield, Anne Intravaia, Thaddeus Intravaia, Molly Boudouris, Caitlin Gomez, Sarah Littlefield, Adam Boudouris, Dave Doll, Jo Vonder Haar, Cheryl Marchello, Jen Baird, Michael Weston, Peggy Maupin, Denise Potthast, Katie Kelley, Brenna Garnett-Hopkins, Tara D'Arcy, Abby White, Alyssa White

2. CITIZEN INPUT / COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM OR OTHERWISE 

2.1. At the opening of the meeting, Tourism Director Jes Adam explained to those in attendance how the Tourism funding is handled. It is funded through taxes collected from hotel/motels. The tax is 5%. For those wanting to have assistance in funding, a request must be filled out. The request can only be reimbursed for marketing after all receipts have been turned in. Funds cannot be used for entertainment, t-shirts, etc. Once the actual request is recommended by the Tourism Committee, it is then forwarded to the City Council for approval. It is only a recommendation. The City Council can choose to deny, approve or even give more or less money for the marketing.

Craig Boyd said Pridefest is not approved by the City, but police have been asked to block off Second Street from Main to College. This may or may not bring people to Greenville. He stated folks are upset and thinks this event is harmful. There is a difference between being offensive and what is harmful. He gave an example of having a car show, there being scantilly clad women in attendance. Is it harmful? No, just offensive to some individuals. If you do not like the event, do not go.

Tim Thompson said there is no permit needed. If you want to use the Courthouse lawn, the County Board decides if you can or cannot use it.

Michael Westcot lives in Salem now, but grew up here and is supportive of the LGBTQIplus community. He wants young people to know they are loved and supported.

Dave Doll asked about permission to use the Courthouse grounds, and Jen Baird said they have been given permission. He said the Christian Community perspective, along with the Bond County Ministerial Alliance is against this event, especially having a "kids corner".

Boyd responded and said this is a Constitution County, and the Constitution says they can assemble.

Doll asked how many motel rooms will be utilized, and Baird said they really do not know. The Drag Queens have their own following, so the committee does not have a good idea how many to expect. However, there is a lot of buzz in the St. Louis and Springfield area about this, and pieces have been written to promote it.

Abby White read her statement that said the youth in this community need to know that Pride is a celebration that shows love and diversity, and is paramount that we recognize how far they have come. Her daughter has been discriminated against since she came out. She has been met with violence and has been shunned and rejected. With the bullying, youth have experienced depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Pride helps them with their emotions and feelings. This event is not just a party, but a way of saying you are worthy of love and acceptance.

Sarah Littlefield stated that Mr. Doll does not speak for all Christians in the County.

3. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 MINUTES 

3.1. Motion by Laura Wall, seconded by Om Jogi, Motion to approve the September 28, 2023 minutes. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Laura Wall SECONDER: Om Jogi AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

4. MATTERS OF CONSIDERATION 

4.1. Pridefest Request in the amount of $600.00

Jen Baird said the event will be on Saturday, September 20 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. It is a one day event. She is unsure of the amount of hotels/motels that will be used. There are people coming from two hours away to attend. There will be vendors and food trucks. She stated people are excited about the Drag Show. They are asking those in attendance to bring canned goods or dog/cat toys that will be given back to the community. Brewer asked where the event will be, and Baird said at Second Street between College and Main.

Motion by Kathy Brewer, seconded by JoEllen Vohlken, to approve $400 request for advertising for the Greenville Pridefest

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kathy Brewer SECONDER: JoEllen Vohlken AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

4.2. Fit for Life Request in the amount of $750.

Adam explained that this event has already happened and the BoCo Fit for Life committee has already turned in their receipts for reimbursement. This was of no fault of the requestor.

Motion by JoEllen Vohlken, seconded by Laura Wall, to approve for recommendation the request from the Bond County Fit for Life for a total of $750.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: JoEllen Vohlken SECONDER: Laura Wall AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

4.3. Airstravaganza Request in the amount of $1,250. (this is budgeted for $1000)

The original request of $750 was approved by the City Council at the July 8, 2025 meeting. The request coming to the Tourism Committee is for an additional $500 for fuel for the helicopters.

Motion by Kathy Brewer, seconded by JoEllen Vohlken, deny the additional funding request for gas for the helicopters.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Kathy Brewer SECONDER: JoEllen Vohlken ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

The committee does not see how fuel can have the City logo on it. Funds are for marketing that must have the City logo on it.

5. OLD BUSINESS 

6. NEW BUSINESS 

6.1. Brainstorm ways that the committee can bring tourism to Greenville.

Motion by Katie Perkins, seconded by Laura Wall, Motion to table the discussion of ways that the committee can bring tourism to Greenville. 

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Katie Perkins SECONDER: Laura Wall AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

7. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Laura Wall, seconded by Katie Perkins, to adjourn the Tourism Meeting at 5:50 p.m.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Laura Wall SECONDER: Katie Perkins AYES: Kathy Brewer, Laura Wall, Om Jogi, Sachin Patel, JoEllen Vohlken, and Katie Perkins ABSENT: Bobbi Smith and Morgan Gilmore

https://greenvilleillinois.civicweb.net/document/85696/