Attendees: Tom Lavin, Donna Ferguson, Lynne Mackowski, Malini Basu, Barbette Dupree, Tod Costello, Maureen Bradish, Meg Alberry, Chris Dominianni, John Walker, Perri Smith, Francesca Hartnett, Stephen DuBray, Sherry King, Nancy Monette, Lindamarie Hili
1. Chris Dominianni introduced Malini Basu from Channel 5 and guest speaker, Nancy Monette.
Nancy Monette spoke of the evolution of her involvement with the students at Plattsburgh State. She mentioned her fears and those of the community in the deterioration of the neighborhood. She further explained the attempts of community members to remedy problems with students, with the Common Council, Fair, and the College Community Partnership. Monette mentioned the lack of results in reporting to the Common Council. As a member of the College Community Partnership, Monette feels that progress is finally being made through collaboration, with monthly meetings and reports on issues.
Monette shared the vision of campus community:
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Media Campaigns like Stop DWI
- Surveys
- Training of bar employees to curtail underage drinking
- Police patrols
- Entertainment
- FARE program to address the drinking issues
- Neighborhood partnerships
Monette shared her experiences at a recent conference in Colorado of Best practices. These include creating effective responsibility, networking relationships, building collaborative partnerships and having City Managers work with staff to encourage more effective handling of these issues.
Important Issues, according to Monette are:
- Acknowledging students in community
- Community liaison positions
- City and college working together
- Creation of a task force
- Create a shared vision
Some Ideas from the conference:
- Student interns to get students into the community
- Councilors involved in ward
- Enforce ordinances
- Example in Ohio-student pictures on signs
- Awards Ceremony with Fraternities and Sororities
- Fort Collins "party partners"
- Big fines and workshops for offenders
- Promote common vision
- Regular Round Table discussions
- Invite students to get involved
2. John Walker from Walker Funeral Home made some comments on past initiatives that had been stymied regarding the college/community relationship.
3. Meg Alberry spoke on her efforts to get downtown businesses to spruce up their windows. She and her daughter Katie are offering their services to clean and decorate windows.
4. President Chris Dominianni spoke on several ongoing projects:
- Encouragement of businesses to have night lights in the downtown area
- The Kiosk for advertising downtown businesses
- "Spring into Summer" contest awards
1st place-Livingoods
2nd place-Coffee Camp
3rd place-Matt's Italian Cafe
- Participants of the Press Republican Group advertising are encouraged to pay their balances and continue in the program.
- A mural for Protection Avenue was mentioned.
- Spring decorations were mentioned with possibility of participation from CV Tech and the Probation Department.
5. New Events to be discussed and planned further:
- Cabin Fever 2007
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Snow Sculpting Workshop in February
6. Guest speaker for the next meeting will be Rick Perry to discuss the Fishing Tournaments and revenue possibilities.
7. Francesca Hartnett announced a Thanksgiving Meal that is held annually at Tobin Hall at St. Mary's of the Lake Church on Cumberland Head. Seating is at 12:00- 2:00 and is a community meal for college students who do not go home for Thanksgiving.
BOARD MEMBERS: Chris Dominianni, President 516-6408 • Tom Lavin, Vice President • Linda Marie Hill, Secretary • Suzette Nephew, Treasurer
