MEETING MINUTES
Canajoharie Palatine Chamber of Commerce
September 13, 2011
Call to Order, Attendance:
Dolores Jacksland called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The following persons were present: Dolores Jacksland, Diane Reilly, Barbara Spraker, Deb Eckler, Anne Norman, Larry Pinto, Susan Barker, Ron Barker, Tim Crosby, Richard Rose, Robert Buck, Laurie Weingart, Amy Kretser, Jim Gallo, Michele McGlone, James Sancho, Harry Barse, Janine Nelson, Phyllis Lapi, Josh Thomas, and John Loo, new owner of the Country Club.
Dolores Jacksland introduced John Loo, new owner of the Country Club Golf Course. Mr. Loo stated that he liked our community and will be doing some improvements to the golf course. He also provided brochures for the golf club.
Approval of Minutes:
The Secretary’s minutes were presented by email. Janine Nelson made the motion to approve the minutes of June14, 2011, seconded by Laurie Weingart. All in favor.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s report was presented and Phyllis Lapi made the motion to accept the report, seconded by James Gallo. All in favor.
Miscellaneous Items:
Dolores thanked Canajoharie Central School and the Village Department of Public Works for help in removing signs. She also thanked Mayor Avery for the advance notice regarding possible flooding due to Tropical Storm Irene. Many businesses’ were able to take preventive measures and avoided losses.
Laurie Weingart noted that progress has been made on the Welcome Package.” One side of the folders will contain information on the local businesses, and the other will contain brochures on other local attractions and a coupon book. A sample will be available for review in the near future.
Old Business:
The Garden Tour was very successful. Many visitors were from out of town and many comments were posted to the website Dolores thanked all of the homeowners’ and businesses that participated.
Janine Nelson noted that she did not have any new information on the proposed Christmas decorations.
The committee is looking into 3 possible dates for a 5-K run (Rock Candy Run.) Memorial Day, a Sunday in September or in October prior to Columbus Day.
Farmer’s Market:
Diane Riley noted that the Farmer’s Market is very busy and offers a lot of fresh vegetables and produce, as well as home-made items.
Bike Tour:
Janine noted that there were over 500 bikers that were on the tour. The oldest was 86 and the youngest was 6. She had ordered 50 tee-shirts with the slogan “I survived the Canajoharie Climb.” A $200 profit on the sale was donated to the chamber. All the shirts were sold and many more asked if they could be ordered. A lot of the bikers noted that this was the only site that offered any kind of souvenir for the trek. She also noted that many bikers arrive around noon, and there is no food available until the evening meal. A lot of them don’t wish to go back down the hill for refreshments. She read a letter from a biker complementing the village on this year’s event.
Richard Rose has suggested that perhaps a barbecue could be held downtown next year to encourage the bikers to visit downtown. He also wondered if the campsite could be moved downtown.
New Business:
The sign for the new computer store on Erie Blvd is not well liked. Laurie Weingart will speak to the owner to see if it can be changed. Michele noted that she had looked at the Village Sign Ordinance, which is very simple and does not address actual visual effects.
Michele McGlone asked if anyone knew of a web-designer. The current person doing the Chamber’s web site has resigned.
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 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.
October 23rd the Legend of Sleepy Hollow puppet show will be held at the Van Alstyne Home. Admittance will be $2.00 for children, $3.00 for adults.
The chamber will also sponsor a pumpkin decorating contest. Details will be announced at a later date.
Dolores thanked Jim Sancho for attending to the flower urns all summer long. She also noted that Fritz Traudt will be providing mums for the fall decorations at the Tourist Booth.
November 4th a Holiday Tea and craft show will be held at the VanALstyne Home from 1 to 3 pm. $10.00 for VanAlstyne Home members, $12.00 for non-members. Membership is $20.00. Contact Phyllis Lapi.
November 5th there will be a bus trip to the National Archives in NYC. There will be catered lunch included in the price of $60 for chamber members and $75 for non-members. Contact Phyllis Lapi.
November 30th volunteers are needed to clean up and decorate the Village Green for Christmas.
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.
Adjournment:
Janine Nelson made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Laurie Weingart. All were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Dolores Jacksland introduced State Assemblyman George Amedore.
Mr. Amedore thanked all the people involved in helping out during the recent storms and the tornado. He noted that Gov. Cuomo was pro-active in preparing for these events. The state was better prepared than for the 2006 flood. Mr. Amedore noted that things are changing in Albany. They are working to streamline the process for businesses to apply for licenses and funding applications. They are also working on “mandate relief” for local governments impacted by the new 2% cap on tax increases. The state has created Recharge NY a permanent energy program to help encourage new businesses to locate in NY. He also noted that the state is working on better ethic reforms. When asked about the plans for the former Beech-Nut plant on Church Street, Mr. Amedore replied that the state has been working with Beech-Nut to search out a buyer that will stand the test of time, one who can afford to renovate/upgrade/maintain the facility. He would not identify any companies that they may be working with. He also noted that his website has links to various sites that the general public may need.