December 4, 2000 Meeting Notes
Route 206 Scenic Byway Association, Inc.
Regular Meeting in Downsville, NY
In Attendance:
Ellen Adams, Greene Chamber; Bob Lambrigger, Roscoe NY; Candace Harrington, Greene; Glenn Nealis, Delaware County Department of Economic Development; Robert Terry, Downsville; Ken Schrider, Walton; Jerry Rennents, Downsville; Joyce Townsend, Downsville; Betty Nelson, Downsville; Walt Johnson, Downsville; Bob Augenstern, Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board, Binghamton; Helen Budrock, Catskill Center, Arkville; Fred Salvante, Downsville; Helen Hernandez, Bainbridge Chamber.
Reading and acceptance of minutes of 10/23.
Ellen Adams added corrections. Mr. Terry added corrections.
Helen Budrock from Catskill Center for Conservation and Development moved that minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Candace Harrington, and passed.
Moved and seconded to approve.
Treasurer's Report.
Ken reported $906.99 current balance. Outstanding debt of $611. he paid the sign payment from November. Mr. Terry stressed the importance of keeping designated funds separate. Candace Harrington moved to accept the Treasurer's report. Bob Lambrigger seconded. Passed.
Route 206 Scenic Byway Committee
Bob Augenstern's Southern Tier East Regional Planning Board (STERPB) received funding from the federal government to become more involved in transportation -- looking at relationship between the highway and economic development. The critical factor is local involvement. STERPB cannot be the leader in pursuing funds;. they have to be our consultant.
Nancy Alexander, head of Scenic Byway in Albany, ongoing process for applications, with no deadlines. STERPB has an October deadline, because that is when their contract ends. It is critical to identify attributes of our corridor and what we want to do.
STERBP will require topographic maps. They could do all the writing that would be needed. They would suggest a consultant for designing visitor's centers, etc.
Building local identification and local support is critical.
Helen Budrock, Catskill, will be reviewing nomination in Albany.
Byway designation opens door to DOT funds, also "I Love NY" and doesn't come with regulatory strings attached.
Bob Terry, Ken Schrider, Ellen Adams and Candace Harrington agreed to be the Scenic Byway Committee.
Mr. Augenstern made it clear that his Appalachian Regional Commission contract is not for highway design but for corridor development. They would not be directly concerned with developing public transportation.
Promotional aspects of group presentations was discussed.
Helen Hernandez wants poster and tri-fold displays for use at various events, and for Route 206 promotion at local meetings.
Bob Lambrigger feels that the Scenic Byway nomination is very important to the development of the entire geographic area.
Mr. Sands plans a June 9 "Great Stuff is Made Locally" conference. he wants a commemorative plaque, at Sidney Airport, of the Buffalo Soldiers. Route 206 Association supporting Mr. Sands' efforts at the June 9 conference.
Memberships
Two more have come in. We're now up to 23. Helen Hernandez solicits through the mailing list of interested people. We will develop a system for notifying people when their memberships is due.
February 15: Breakfast at Bob's Diner in Bainbridge. Public officials will be invited. We will try to generate support and enthusiasm. Both local and county officials will be invited. Bob's Diner will accommodate up to 60 people. Helen will make arrangements with Bob's.
Glenn Nealis, Director of Economic Development of Delaware County: They would be supportive of our efforts, and they would assist in any way they can.
501(c)3 designation (Andy Matviak of Vision 21, Bainbridge/Unadilla/Sidney -- they're trying to develop a masterplan -- focussing on enterprise and business).
Mr. Terry needs a couple of things for the 501(c)3 application. We have to set aside $150 for filing fee. We have to stay in C3 designation because donations are tax exempt from IRS. We need to emphasize educational and philantropic aspects of our organization. It will be submitted before January 1.
Candace Harrington moved to approve $150 fee. Ellen Adams seconded. Approved.
The sign is $320/month. We have signed a two-year lease. We're trying to make it attractive for local communities to pay for ads for specific events.
Route 206 Guide -- published every six months. 25,000 in Spring, and 25,000 in Fall.
Promotional Activities:
Helen wants a news article sent to all the local papers every time we have a meeting, or just occasionally to keep the local area updated. Oneonta Daily Star will do an article with photos, if we will write a 700 word article. Mr. Terry and Mr. Sands will write that.
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Director's meeting set for 12/13 -- Wednesday, 7:00 at MKL.Net in Bainbridge.
Annual Meeting for election of Board, January 15 at 7:00 in BOCES Masonville.
Ken moved to adjourn. Ellen seconded. Passed.