Scott County commissioners unanimously appointed Jessica Collier, operations director at the Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn, to the county’s Visitor Commission on Oct. 8. The appointment came with a related presentation from the Visitor Commission proposing three initiatives for the courthouse square: a temporary 40-by-40 synthetic ice rink, a permanent amphitheater, and a community shuttle/bus program.

Visitor Commission members said the ice rink would be a movable, temporary attraction intended to increase downtown foot traffic during colder months and spur business for local merchants; commissioners noted the amphitheater would be a longer-term, permanent structure that would require architectural review and input from the State Historic Preservation Office. Commissioners asked that any permanent structure fit the courthouse square design and suggested brick construction to match the courthouse façade.

Commissioners asked staff to check insurance coverage and whether county policy would cover a temporary public amenity and events; they directed staff to consult the county’s carrier about riders and liability for temporary events. Commissioners also requested outreach to historic-preservation authorities and for the Visitor Commission to provide cost estimates and operational plans before any funding commitment. The board expressed general support for exploring the ideas and asked the Visitor Commission to return with a more detailed plan, including insurance arrangements and suggestions for how the shuttle might be funded or operated without county appropriation.

The Visitor Commission presentation emphasized it was not requesting county money at this time but seeking the county’s blessing to proceed with planning and due diligence. Commissioners approved Collier’s appointment and encouraged the Visitor Commission to continue development work and return with specific proposals for council consideration.