Attendees: Chris Dominianni, Lindamarie Hill, Sandy Walker, Malini Basu, Francesca Hartnett, Tom Lavin, Barbette Dupree, Terri Smith, Maureen Bradish, Chris Rotella, Dan Heath, John Brady

Meeting called to order by President Chris Dominianni – 8:45 am.

Minutes from October accepted.
Motion by: S. Walker Seconded by: B. Dupree

Modified treasurer’s report given by Chris Dominianni. Balance of $851.00. There are outstanding checks for the prizes from the beautification project.

Rick Perry, scheduled speaker, was unable to attend but will be contacted for another time.

Chris Dominianni brought up the Tree Lighting Ceremony that will be held on December 7, 2006.

a. It will be called the Downtown Holiday Kickoff
b. John Pomerance is to be contacted for equipment.
c. Tom Lavin arranged for the Peru High School choir to sing carols.
d. Refreshment table will be provided at the Coffee Camp along with Santa Claus.
e. Channel 5 will be contacted for coverage.
f. A Barbershop and Sweet Adeline’s will be contacted to participate.
g. A suggestion to have ornaments made by students was proffered. However, this was suggested to be organized next year due to time constraints.

6. T. Lavin brought posters advertising downtown business honoring Cardinal Cash.

7. “Cabin Fever” event will replace the snow sculpting workshop held in February that will not be held this year due to the anticipated warm winter. An attempt will be made to organize a collegiate-level snow sculpting team for competition. Suggestions for the Cabin Fever event include storytelling, bonfire, hayrides, and drumming circles.

8. Chris Rotella of the Office of Community Development brought news of grant monies awarded to the city for downtown development.

2006 Restore NY grant awarded for $900,000 destined for nine pre-approved downtown buildings.

2006 NY Main St. grant awarded for $200,000 that includes $50,000 for the Strand, $80,000 for façade renovation, $45,000 for apartment rehabilitation, and $25,000 for the 7-Point Hub construction at Bridge, Durkee, Margaret, Protection, Clinton and City Hall Place. A 2004 Main St. grant was received for $200,000 that included $100,000 for the Strand, $30,000 for façade renovation, $45,000 for apartment rehabilitation and $25,000 for the 7-Point Hub.

2006 NYS Governor’s Office for Small Cities (GOSC) awarded a $335,000 grant that includes $35,000 for the Strand theater and $300,000 for downtown apartment rehabilitation. A 2004 GOSC grant for $450,000 assisted commercial business and building owners with renovating their apartments/commercial space. It also included $80,000 for downtown infrastructure improvements.

9. Chris Rotella explained that the Government Building must be vacated first before it can be acquired under a Public Benefit Transfer. At that time it will be made available to the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts.

10. Other Items of Discussion:

Downtown Kiosk is a work in progress. A College Corner, Special Events section and a Community Corner are planned.

Protection Avenue: Maureen Bradish stated that it may be whitewashed to spruce it up. It was then suggested that a mural contest be held for Protection Avenue during the Cabin Fever event. The objective is to make Protection Avenue a point of interest, rather than an eyesore.

11. No further business, a motion to close was made by Terry Smith and seconded by Sandy Walker.

12. Next meeting December 14, 2006.