Attendees: Chris Dominianni, Lindamarie Hill, David and Lisa Boise, Mallini Basu, Suzette Nephew (Key Bank), Tom Lavin, Barbette Dupree, Dan Heath, Christine Rotella, Pam Miller, Adam Whitbeck, Donna Feguson, Joe Kovacs, Sherry King, Bill Holzer, Fred Keil, Patty Waldron, Rick Perry, Louise Loveland

1. Minutes accepted by Suzette Nephew.

2. Tom Lavin opened the meeting at 8:35 am.

1. Tom introduced Mayor Kasprzak, who opened the floor for questions regarding the Mayor's Cup event. The Mayor mentioned meeting with Bruce Carlin of Media Central and that the enormous overtime costs were a contributing factor to the money issues surrounding the event. The City contributes $75,000 to the event, and they are looking to address overtime issues to cut City budget costs. The City Council has designated $13,900 for concerts.
   
   It is important to know what the economic impact is for downtown merchants. Patty Waldron mentioned it helps business, but wants to see it shorter.
   
   Mayor Kasprzak stated that the City will discuss the Mayor's Cup and the overtime issues. Out of the $75,000 contributed to the event, $22,000 goes to overtime costs. Several people mentioned ways to offset the costs of the Mayor's Cup; more volunteers, community service, and school service organizations.
   
   
2. The Mayor was asked the status of the hotel. He commented on the lights being turned off, and a meeting with Mr. Monahan. He noted a strong need for a first class hotel and feels better about it now. He has a meeting scheduled with Mr. Monahan, the hotel developer. He also commented that the parking lot lights on Dock St. have been turned off as a conservation measure. The hotel project needs to be successful he said, as well as the Durkee Street "Gateway" project. He continued by saying that the Plattsburgh Downtown Association and the Community Development Office have put a lot of effort into downtown, and he would like people to bring their ideas to him. However, he stated that "the city needs to move ahead quickly, but cautiously."
   
   
3. A question was asked about privatization of City businesses to increase tax revenue. Mayor Kasprzak commented that if some of the tax exempt properties paid there would be no problem.
   
   
4. Another question was about increasing sales tax to increase revenue.
   
   
5. The Mayor was asked what his long term vision was for Plattsburgh. He replied that his main concern was.the budget. Also the special assessment district needs to be addressed. It takes three to four years to turn things around.
   
   
6. Rick Perry addressed the issue of signage for downtown businesses. He said there was not a consensus from the Common Council, but that signs should have specific dimensions, especially the signs projecting over the sidewalks. Uniformity is a concern and Fred Keil spoke on design standards and numbers or signs, and keeping with the historical architectural designs.
   
   Any existing or preexisting signs are alright, but new constructio:i must comply if the ordinance chanoes.
   
   
7. Chris Rotella spoke about the facade rehabilitation that has already occurred and that that had been a component of some of the grant monies that had been distributed in the past, Plattsburgh has been designated as a Quality Community and that includes wider sidewalks, the arts corridor, the Durkee Street parking lot, color schemes, open comers, the acquisition of the old courthouse building, the-7 Point Hub (gateway-at the beginning of Bridge Street) to help circulation. New signage ordinances are a part of the packet that will benefit the community.
   
   
8. The next project of the PDA is Cabin Fever 2007. There will be a Chili cookoff with over a dozen restaurants participating. It will be February 10, 2007 at the Great Adirondack Soup Company and the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts. Entertainment is still being organized. A $5.00 button will provide access to all events.
   
   
9. It was mentioned that City Hall Community Room was available for events.
   
   
10. Pam Miller reported on the status of the Farmers Market and said that there may be a food vendor this year. The lady who does the Happy Tails dog treats is looking into getting certified to be a vendor.

3. The meeting was adjourned by Chris Dominianni.

4. Next meeting will be held on February 8, 2007 at 8:30 am at "Olive Ridley's" on Court St.

---

BOARD MEMBERS: Chris Dominianni, President 516-6408 • Tom Lavin, Vice President • Linda Marie Hill, Secretary • Suzette Nephew, Treasurer