MINUTES OF ROUTE 206 ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING -- JUNE 12 2001
At MKL.Net -- 28 North Main Street, Bainbridge, NY

Present: Timothy Barbeich (member).  Helen Hernandez, President.  Janice O’Shea.  George M. Sands.  Robert Terry.  guest Robert Augenstern, So. Tier Regional.  Kenneth Schrider, Treasurer. Brandon, guest.

President Hernandez opened the meeting at 7:15 PM. Robert Terry consented to serve as secretary pro tempore.
 

1. There being no minutes forthcoming, the reading of the minutes of the last meeting is omitted.  The President noted Ellen Adams wants to resign.


2. Discussion of federal prohibition of off-premise sign advertising on a designated scenic byway as revealed in minutes of the State Scenic Byways Advisory Committee (“SSBAC”) meeting held in Albany.

Robert Terry reported numerous phone calls representing Rte 206 to DOT in Albany and Binghamton and a personal visit to 44 Hawley Street Binghamton over 3 weeks of time failed to produce a definitive answer until Monday June llth.  Chuck Sheifer of DOT Real Estate Albany responded and said off-premise signage would be absolutely forbidden.

On Tuesday June 12 (day of meeting) Nancy Alexander of DOT Landscape Architecture faxed Robert Terry the federal statute.  It forbids applications for new off-premise signage on a national or state designated scenic byway.  States have option to allow such signage on certain “non-scenic” sections included in a Byway only for “contiguous reasons”, however this is a State option -- not local governments.

Robert Terry pointed out that DOT failed to inform us as nothing was mentioned in the Scenic Byways Nomination handbook or in any meetings about this federal/state prohibition.  Robert suggested so informing local governments.  At this point there still was no quorum but all others present objected to sharing the information with localities.

Mr. Augenstern pointed out we could pursue the steps toward Nomination of a Scenic Byway and develop a Corridor Management Plan which would contain a policy acceptable to us on off-premise outdoor advertising and should SSBAC reject our preliminary plan then make our own designation as a  “Scenic Trail” or “Scenic Parkway”.  This could cut us out of federal monies, signage, promotion, but at least would not prohibit local business and ourselves from new off premise road signs according to Lenny Tower of DOT Region 9 signage.


3. Kenneth Schrider and Brandon entered the meeting, making a quorum.  Ken gave the Treasurer’s report.  Balance on hand of $2,666.36 of which $2,451 is restricted to Scenic Byway nomination planning fees.  Account receivable of  $215 a special price given by Robert Terry to Bobcat Ski Center in February to keep the outdoor sign on Rte. 17 occupied.  If sum is not received immediately Mrs. Hernandez will put a collection agency on it.  I will also send a registered letter to Bobcat today to this effect, adding interest of $17.40, because I accepted this deal by phone and feel responsible.  Janice objected that the banner should not have been let for less than $300 without directors’ consent.

Painted Sign: $1,125 is currently owed Allees and billing for the June lease payment and $220 for Downsville Fireman’s banner to come.  Mrs. Hernandez is owed $820 lent to us to maintain lease payments + 68.50 postage and Robert Terry is owed $120 (Route 206 Guide funds now needed to complete distribution of flyer through August) and $42.40 in stamps for letters to multiple organization in trying to rent the banner space on the sign for $300.  Ken pointed out new memberships are coming from printed application in the Guide.

The numbers for continued support for the painted sign are under whelming.  Robert Terry made a motion to priority-mail all participating organizations (10 chambers + Whitney Pt.) and state the contribution for 2001-02 for the sign would have to be $750.  If they don’t respond drop the sign.  This would cover the back balance and future payments on the lease and to get with check or answer by end of month.  No second.

Robert Terry then proposed subletting half the sign (we have a sub-lessee lined up) where the only additional cost would be half the repaint fee or $200. Discussion: the half-sign in that position would not be as good the sublease might default.  A motion was then made and approved by all that Robert would telephone Allees and ask for a break.  (Did on June 13 and Ed and Gary are thinking it over.)  Meantime we are not accepting any funds for the sign.  But if we could here is lineup for banner: July - Greene Arts & Crafts, August - Delaware Co Fair, September - Greene Applefest, October our own History Tour -- this has now been funded by Delaware Heritage -- November possibly Music on the Delaware Catskill Symphony Walton, December vacant unless we use “Visit our 10 Christmas Villages” and charge each village $30, January maybe Whitney Point Crappie Derby, Dave Hughes said they’ll consider.

Whitney Point still owes us $500 and Walton owes us $100. Colchester owes the sign $150 which I will try to collect tonight. Members of Colchester Economic Development pledged $200 more, which we never received. I will try to get this PM.  Delaware Heritage will reserve banner for next spring until Bainbridge takes it, if there are no other takers.

Ken said the sign is taking up too much time and we should consider dropping it. Everyone agreed. Final decision will be made at a subsequent meeting or by phone.


4. Mr. Sands was then invited to “take the floor.”  He said individuals get nowhere calling government agencies and we’re wasting our time doing so.  Then he stated that 206 needs an integrated marketing package, emphasizing his own expertise in the field and adding that all we do is talk about it and he wants action.  Robert Terry conceded that we already have a remarkably successful marketing program.  Three attendees at the table were actively engaged in it and so far have printed and distributed some 165,000 flyers.  Mr. Sands proceeded to debate the subject saying he didn’t mention any names and was apparently discussing web site links.  He also introduced his connection with Phil. Metzger’s R F & P Norwich agency and agri-tourism, Tioga Co. and agri-clusters.

5. Mr. Augenstern said there seemed to be a lack of clarity on objectives and goals and offered to facilitate a meeting dedicated to clarifying the goals and the scenic highway–byway nomination plan.  The motion was made and seconded to accept Mr. Augenstern’s offer, and decision to hold the meeting July 10 at Masonville BOCES at 6PM.

6. Motion made and accepted to adjourn the meeting at approx. 9:30 PM.
 

Respectfully submitted, Robert Terry, Acting Secretary