February 8, 2006
Held at the Giovanni's Trattoria
Present: Chris Dominianni, Tom Lavin, Jody Leavens, Leisa Boise, Rod Conant, Pam Miller, Barbara Gallagher, Bill Holzer, Diana Aguglia, Julie Layne, Jennifer Meschinelli, Kristen Neverett-Brown, Rick Dodge, Bruce Carlin, Susan Daul, Laura Reiter, David Boise, David Merkel, Cathy Bonadies-Morrow & Rosemarie Schoonmaker.
Meeting called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Chris Dominianni.
Motion to accept minutes by Bill Holzer, seconded by Pam Miller
OLD BUSINESS
Chris gave a summary of the Snow Sculpting Workshop and Chili Cook-off. He talked about the turnout of both and how the weather affected the turnout for the snow sculpting. He said we will try to expand the amount of events in 2007. He also said that the date will be pushed into February. 'This is so that the weather will hopefully be more cooperative and PSUC students will be around to participate.
Chris passed out a brochure concerning fund-raising for the summer arts program. It featured many sponsorship levels with description of the events that could be sponsored. Tom Lavin said that the Adirondack Regional Theatre will be putting on Cinderella and The Pantasticks.
G VEST SPEAKERS
The floor was then given to Bruce Carlin and Rick Dodge from Media Central. They spoke about the upcoming Mayor's Cup festival and the changes that will take place. The event will start on 7/4/06 for the 4th of July celebration and then continue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (7/6/06 through 7/8/06) with no events on Sunday. Some of the points made were:
- Events will start at 5:00 p.m.
- There might be no streets closed; however, Bridge St. might be closed for a concert if affordable. . The theme of the 4th of July parade will be "America the Melting Pot."
- There will be less food vendors in the park. They are hoping to have more diverse food choices. . No lunch time events this year.
- Beer tent will be down below.
- If there are any rides for children, they will of!ly be on. Saturday.
A question and answer period followed. There were questions regarding having beer near children's events, signage regarding s.treet closure located just outside of downtown to route traffic, ~aving more retail or crafts vendors, etc: They said that in the past they have tried to get a craft fair included but there was no interest. The same holds for retail booths. Chris suggested that the PDArnight coordinate a retail booth.
When asked what the PDA could do to help, they said volunteer, plan and run added activities and donate money. Rick said he would like to see us sponsor a horse-drawn touring carriage of some sort.
Treasurer's report was then given by Leisa Boise. She said that there was some activity this past month with donations coming in for the Snow Sculpting Workshop with subsequent payments to Friends of Sculpting, Inc. There were $1100 in donations. We had to put in $600 from our general fund leaving a current balance of $400.
Chris suggested that we eventually form a committee of volunteers to handle P.R. and fundraising of events.
NEW BUSINESS
The next topic discussed was Beautification of Downtown. We talked about the possibility of working to enhance the appearances of the streets in downtown. Chris suggested that we contact the Clinton St. property owners whose backs are on Protection Ave. I-Ie suggested we write a letter expressing our concerns. Rosemarie asked that we work to coordinate this with the efforts of her office.
Rod asked Rosemarie if there are standards or regulations in place to combat the occasional homemade signage that some businesses put up. She said that the Building Inspectors deal with that. She also said that the City has engaged Fred Keil to help create some standards.
There was some discussion regarding a mural project. Chris suggested that we form a committee to come up with plans and/or information to get this started. He asked for volunteers to which there was no response. Idea was tabled.
There was discussion regarding the increase in parking fines to $15 per ticket. Some in attendance were concerned that the increase was too drastic. There were a couple of people who said that the $5 was too low and felt the increased fee will keep some spots open.
Meeting adjourned at 9:42
BOARD MEMBERS: Chris Dominianni, President 516-6408 • Tom Lavin, Vice President • Linda Marie Hill, Secretary • Suzette Nephew, Treasurer
