ROUTE 206 ASSOCIATION

Minutes: General Meeting, November 21, 2002

Walton High School Library

The meeting was called to order by Bob Terry at 7:03PM. Directors present were Robert Terry, Bob Lambrigger, Jan O’Shea and Ken Schrider. Also attending were John Markle, Ron Healt (Oquaga Creek State park), Larry Schaefer and Eric Archer (Schaefer Logging), Tom Decker(Central Testing & Engineering), Maureen Wacha(Walton C of C), Jamie O’Donnell(Delaware Co. Econ. Dev), Art Siegel, Carl Vogel(Walton Village Mayor), Shelly Johnson(Del. Cty Planning), Ruth Ransel, Viola Ransel and Joel Robinson(NYSDOT Regional Landscape Architect).

Minutes from the last meeting were approved as amended. The amendment was to Item #6 to the effect that Art Siegel’s anti prison group supports the promotion of Rte 106 and they will provide assistance to the 206 Assoc. to that end.

Treasurer’s report showed a total current balance of $2312.33. Please see attached sheet for particulars. Motion to approve by John Markle, second by Bob L, passed unanimously.

The bike tour was tentatively set for May 17 and 18, 2003. This will be announced in the 206 Guide. A committee of Bob Terry and Helen Hernandez was appointed to promote this tour.

Jan O’Shea and Ken Schrider will continue their work in looking into the possibility of a glossy, folded map of the 206 Corridor for distribution.

A nominating committee was appointed. It will be Bob Terry and Perry Shelton.

A nominating committee was appointed to draw up a slate for Directors and Officers for 2003. The committee will consist of Bob Terry and Perry Shelton.

Discussion centered around three or four topics including retail opportunities along 206, the retention of "Main Street" in the villages, local vs. visitor shoppers and the need to attract both, some "magnet" attractions and sources of support available to accomplish these things.

Jamie O’Donnell of the Delaware County Economic Development Council explained their Micro Lending Program that works in partnership with some county banks to lend money in the form of grants to foster growth in "main street" projects, micro-agribusiness, tourism, etc. He stressed the Federal requirements necessary for these grants, which include low to moderate income, job expansion opportunity and a business plan.

Bob Lambrigger spoke of the lucrative second home possibilities that exist in the area and the need for "friendly service" to keep people coming here. This means the need to make new jobs and then to keep those jobs. This led to a motion by Bob L., second by John M, to form a Marketing Committee to formulate a Corridor Economic Development Strategy. This was passed unanimously.

Joel Robinson of the DOT discussed the scenic byway designation re: industry (bluestone), agriculture and the retail business. His belief is that such a designation could only have a positive effect on such businesses.

Tom Decker of Central Testing and Engineering countered with his and the bluestone industry’s concern that a scenic byway designation would create a heightened awareness of the bluestone industry and would bring about negative environmental impact statements that could be detrimental to the industry’s regulatory policies vis-à-vis the State of New York.

Larry Schaefer of Schaefer Logging, etc presented his ideas for promoting the area. His thought that it might be better to think in terms of a "center" from which to send visitors throughout the area rather than a "corridor". This idea would be more regional than confined to a corridor along 206.

There was general consensus overall that everyone had had a chance to express his or her individual ideas and concerns throughout the meeting. The need for a generic ‘environmental impact study" was suggested and favorably received.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40PM.