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8QGK low PACE 3 Ms. Hemphill described the workings of the Main Street program and how it relates to government and businesses to make it work The Main Street program, within a 3 -year period, successfully established downtown Stuart as the social and economic center of the county. She described how the State government views the partnership of the county and city in the Main Street program. She advised that Secretary of State Sandra Mortham has set down a mandate to designate at least 6 cities a year as Main Street cities, and has started a new program to bring on associate cities for one year. She described how the contribution from the County would be maximized in this program. She stressed the dedication of the members of the DVBA. What they need from the Board is the commitment to the partnership. It should be considered an investment, not a grant or subsidy. Commissioner Macht spoke in support of the DVBXs request for support on the Main Street designation. He stated that, as the Commissioners know, he is a 11P owner of a cooperative gallery, and has had a chance to observe what is going on downtown. Two or three years ago, downtown was a disaster area, but there has been a big turnaround already. It started with 3 galleries, then 7, now an e art gallery has been established. Other things that look very good are also happening. He credited Bob Brackett on the revitalization of the old Courthouse. He believed the downtown would become more than a social center. He felt it could be restored as the heart of the county. He believed the Main Street program would be the final ingredient in making it something that will really work. He noted that in his little gallery 40% of the guest book entries are from out of town. About 5% were from out of the country and 35% of the sales result from tourism. He felt this program was important for the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County now that we are having trouble with our beach and faced with the prospect of losing the Dodgers and deregulation of the electric. ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED BY Commissioner Macht, the Board unanimously instructed staff to draft a resolution supporting the DVBNs application for Main Street Designation, as requested. Commissioner Ginn wanted to point out that private dollars have done a wonderful job in restoring some downtown buildings and it has not taken tax dollars. She joined Commissioner Macht in support of this item. COPY OF PARTIALLY EXECUTED AGREEMENT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD 24 JULY 89 1997 M r M