Attendees: Dan Heath, Press Republican, Lynn Devins, Lake Champlain Weekly, Tom Lavin, Adirondack Regional Theater, Pat Loughan, Kent Delord House, Kate Besaw, BOPCC, John Brady, Coffee Camp, Chris Dominianni, Great Adirondack Soup Company, Ed Miller, PSUNY, Almeada Cadieux, Taco Loco, Maureen Bradish, Greater Plattsburgh Interfaith Hospitality Network, Tim Merrick, Living Well Chiropractic, Lindamarie Hill, Trinity Point Holistic Center, Alison Guerin, PSUNY

The meeting was hosted by the new owner of Taco Loco, Almeida Cadieux, who treated us to breakfast tacos. Thank you!

The Minutes from the April 12, 2007 meeting were accepted by John Brady with Lynn Devins seconding the motion.

Kate Besaw, Lynn Devins and Pat Loughan mentioned that they were not receiving the minutes in the mail. Many attendees said they would like to get the minute by email.

DISCUSSION:

Ed Miller, a Chemistry Professor at Plattsburgh State was the guest speaker. He updated the PDA on the College/City Commission that has been meeting for the past two years. The commission is composed of four members from the college, four community members, City Councilman Bill Provost, and student representatives.

In July the results of these meetings and recommendations will go to the President of the college. Members of the PDA were asked to contribute suggestions for improving student / community relations.

Other cities have had success with programs addressing the drinking and vandalism issues. Members of the commission have attended conferences and seen remarkable results.

All people involved have a part in correcting the situation. Tavern owners need to be responsible and accountable for the underage drinking. Police, Building Inspectors, Landlords and judges are all a part of the solution process.

Some issues include underage drinking, purchasing alcohol, destruction of property, noise violations, big parties. Alison Guerin said this is a huge problem and a big part of what prompted her to create the college/community concert.

Alison reported on the outcome of the concert. Alison thanked the PDA for its support. It was a great success, with a wonderful response. There were old and young people dancing and talking, people from the ARC, children finger painting and playing. The Student Association has fund to sponsor other events like this.

Time Merrick mentioned that a big part of the problem with the students is a lack of enforcement and said that more community involvement would help.

Ed Miller continued to talk about violations, mandatory fines and adjournment rather than being fined, according to Chief of Police Desi Racicot

The Commission meets Monday evenings through July. Lindamarie Hill said she would attend to represent the PDA.

Miller wants to see the media get more involved. With elections coming up in November it is a good time to bring the problem to the front burner. Further issues are zoning regulations, ambiguous citations, and having the Fire Department involved in inspections.

Miller encouraged people to email him, Millerej@Plattsburgh.edu. Also talk to people about yours concerns and ideas, the Mayor, the College President, John Ettling, and the Councilmen.

The Summer Concert Series will begin Saturday July 13, 2007 with Blind Pig and Lucid - two father/son groups. The rest of the schedule is being finalized.

Next meeting is June 14, 2007.