The Devine Chamber of Commerce is electing board members, reviewing 2019 and 2020 bank statements, and discussing recent decisions made by President Marcus Buckner at its meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, January 12.
Anyone interested in running for a board position should notify Secretary Bonnie Manning at 210-718-6301 or bonnie.manning36@gmail.com by Monday, Jan. 11.
Current Board members are Buckner, Manning, Vice President Jennifer Schott, Treasurer Denise Unger, and member-at-large Sandy Herrera.
In addition to reviewing the 2019 and 2020 bank statements, debit card purchases for the last two years will also be discussed, as will Buckner’s November 24, 2020 request for $6,650 from the City of Devine for his business, Marken Media Co., to rent and design a billboard on IH-35 to advertise local businesses, print t-shirts with the Chamber’s “Think Local” slogan, and redesign and manage the Chamber website (see “Council disburses funds to Chamber to promote city,” in the December 9, 2020 edition of the News).
The Devine City Council approved Buckner’s full $6,650 request in a 3-2 vote.
Manning addressed Council during its Dec. 15 meeting and stated that Buckner’s request had not been reviewed or approved by the Board prior to its presentation to and approval by Council, and that after the City funds were disbursed, a $6,650 check was written from the Chamber to Marken Media Co. Manning had the check stopped, and recommended that Council revoke its approval of the funding, which it did in a 5-0 vote (see “Council rescinds Chamber funds after allegations” in Dec. 23, 2020 edition of the News).
The Chamber later refunded the $6,650 to the City.
The complete agenda is as follows:
1. Call to order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Visitor and member forum
4. Acknowledgement of “Let it Glow” business light decorating contest participants
5. Presentation of 2019 and 2020 bank statement review.
6. Discuss and consider the debit card purchases in 2019 and 2020 fiscal years reflected in the bank statements.
7. Discuss and consider the letter presented on behalf of Board President Marcus Buckner by Mayor Thompson to City Council on November 24, 2020.
8. Discuss and consider the $6,650 check written from the Chamber bank account to Marken Media.
9. Discuss and consider the actions taken by Board President Marcus Buckner in regards to a billboard on I-35.
10. Election of Board Members.
11. Adjourn.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer
