MEETING MINUTES
Canajoharie Palatine Chamber of Commerce
October 11, 2011
Call to Order, Attendance:
Dolores Jacksland called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The following persons were present: Dolores Jacksland, Susan Barker, Ron Barker, Amy Kretser, Jim Gallo, Michele McGlone, Sheryl Neal, Harry Barse, Janine Nelson, Donald LaComb, Gail Coppernoll, and Merrill Rockwell.
Approval of Minutes:
The Secretary’s minutes were presented by email. Donald LaComb made the motion to approve the minutes of September 13, 2011, seconded by Harry Barse. All in favor.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s report was not available; however, Dolores mentioned that there was about $10,000.00 on hand.
Miscellaneous Items:
The Welcome Packages are coming along nicely per Dolores. The plans for the 5K run are progressing. Richardson Brands will be sponsoring the event, to be called the Rock Candy Run; date is Monday May 31, 2012, Memorial Day. The chamber will sponsor some aspect of the event.
Nominating Committee:
Harry Barse and Sue Barker are the nominating committee, elections will be at the November meeting and will be written ballots.
Bike Tour:
Janine noted that she had a meeting with Richard Rose, a representative from the bike group and Francis Avery regarding next year’s Bike Tour. Richard Rose felt that the school may have to charge the bike group for the use of the facilities. Suggestions were made about moving the campers down to the Library and Art Gallery berm, providing portable toilets and showers. Perhaps the chicken BBQ could also be moved downtown and Music on Main Street that week could be held on Friday instead of Tuesday to provide entertainment for them. A representative from the bike group expressed concerns over the “noise” at the berm site due to trains, thruway traffic and street traffic. The group will meet again on October 18th.
Web Master:
Michele McGlone interviewed three candidates-Anthony Palmatier, Brian Spates and Joanna Bateman. All three proposed different rates of payment and descriptions of the work they would perform. The only thing really needed is someone to enter the information passed along by Michelle. Harry Barse made the motion to have Michele re-interview the candidates and make the final decision, seconded by Sheryl Neal. All in Favor.
October Street Fest:
October 15th a street fest will be held on Little Mohawk Street between 3 and 6 pm. The street will be closed to traffic and 11 local vendors will be selling food for $2.00. There will also be musical entertainment by “The Second Time Around” band in the Village Green Park from 6-8 pm. A “Silent Auction” will also be held in Loretta’s Hot Dog Stand. Items will be on display in Jim Sancho’s store, and at Jim Gallo’s. A raffle will be held for some wine.
Old Business:
Janine Nelson noted that a finished holiday decoration has been erected on the light pole on the property of NBT Bank. The decoration was designed and built by “The Experience” of Schenectady. The committee had looked at catalogs of decorations and was not impressed by them. A visit to the store resulted in the quest to design and build a sample. Pictures were taken of the street light poles and a personal visit was completed by the store owner. The committee felt that this design indicated that the Village was progressive in its outlook. The decoration is unique to the Village, and will not cost taxpayers any money, as donations are being accepted for the purchase of them. At this time the owners have said they could have at least six ready for Christmas display. The maximum weight allowed by NIMO is 20 pounds. These decorations weigh 18. Suggestions were made that greenery be added to the poles, or lights added to the decorations. Durability of the decorations was questioned as well as storage of them. Janine Nelson will find out how durable they are, and noted that they consist of 2 parts fastened together around the pole. They can be stored in a prone position, possibly wrapped in bubble wrap. There have been positive as well as negative comments regarding the decorations. It was noted that before committing to the purchase of the decorations, permission has to be given by the Village Board. It was suggested that written comments be sought as well as internet comments. Results will be presented to the Village Board on October 17th. When questioned as to who will install them and store them, it was stated that in the past, the DPW used a boom truck provided by Don’s Electric to install the decorations on the poles and they were stored at the DPW. A discussion followed about storing them in one of the vacant shops down town. Don LaComb volunteered the use of his storage garage on Mill Street for this season and he will install them on the poles this season. It was also noted that these proposed decorations cannot be used in Palatine Bridge because the street poles are wooden. Janine will contact everyone before the funds are committed to the purchase of six decorations, if approved by the Village Board.
Christmas Season Highlights:
There will not be a Holiday Decorating contest this season, unless someone volunteers to handle the details.
November 30th - volunteers are needed to clean up and decorate the Village Green for Christmas.
NBT Bank will host their annual Christmas Open House on December 1st from 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm.
December 2nd Elves Night Out will be held beginning at 4 pm, with Santa being at the Post Office until 5 pm. The tree lighting will take place at 6 pm, with the Mayors of Canajoharie and Palatine Bridge officiating. The Canajoharie Central School Jazz Band will perform at the Library. Michele McGlone, Dolores Jacksland and Jim Gallo are the organizers for this event.
There will be holiday treats at the December meeting.
Adjournment:
Harry Barse made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Michele McGlone. All were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.