Minutes of Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting – July 18, 2023

ATTENDEES:  Jeff Anderson, JR Bogert, Steve Cafasso, Dave DeClue, Randy Janinda, Mike Kauffman, Bruce Kellogg, Lori McGraw, Dolores Nabinger, John Payne, Armando Petruccelli, Tim Ryan, Teri Schunk, Chris Smith, Phil Wade

1. Meeting called to order by Chamber President, John Payne, at 7:33 am.
2. Secretary’s Report:  motion to accept by Dolores, second by JR, carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report:  motion by JR to table the report until the August meeting since Barb was not present to answer questions, second by Bruce, carried.
4. Jeff Anderson attended the meeting to make a request for the Bainbridge Community Foundation. The walking trail at General Clinton Park is in need of repair – repaving and grading. The cheapest quote came in from Stone Kote from Greene at $12,500. The Community Foundation applied for a grant through Chenango County Water & Soil based on a recommendation by Dolores and were awarded $5,000 of the $8,500 that they applied for. They requested $8,500 with the intent of putting $4,000 toward the project themselves of donations that had been made. Jeff made a request for $3,500 which is the amount they are short. The grant requires that the project needs to be completed by the end of December. Dolores advised that the Highway Department will help with the grading. The request was discussed. I made a motion to donate the additional $3,500 needed considering the Regatta did very well this year and this would be an opportunity to give back to the park. Motion seconded by Dolores, carried.
5. Jeff also advised that they have received enough in donations to purchase the equipment needed for Disc Golf at General Clinton Park. This will be a 9-Hole Course that will be set up along the walking trail. The equipment can be removed if events are taking place at the park, and it can be easily removed for mowing. The Community Foundation will be seeking sponsors for the holes and will set up a couple of holes out front, so people have a better understanding of the sport.
6. Jeff also advised that their Summer Concert Series starts tonight at 6:30 pm at General Clinton Park with Mopar Cams. The series will continue through August 15^th with the following line up – July 25^th – Aric McKown/Elvis Tribute, August 1^st – Big Tussle, August 8^th – Fetish Lane, August 15^th – Woodshed Prophets.
7. John announced that the Bainbridge Community Foundation is this year’s honoree as Service Organization of the Year. Dolores Nabinger – Citizen of the Year, Heller’s Farm – Business of the Year and Sal’s Pizzeria – Business of Distinction.
8. Phil provided a Village Report. He is working on the CBDG Grant. It is important that residents complete the survey that you received in the mail even if you do not plan on making any improvements. The CBDG grant is income based. Phil is also working with NYSEG on John Payne’s solar project. The original proposal from NYSEG was to put another set of poles on E. Main Street which Phil advised would not be feasible with the residents, so they are now planning to bury the lines. This project could represent $100,000 in annual income for the Village. Phil also spoke about the Housing Summit that he attended as a part of 4Towns Forward. The summit addressed homelessness and looking for solutions. There are no simple solutions. What’s needed is affordable housing and some of our communities already have a lack of housing. The meeting was attended by Catholic Charities, the United Way, and other organizations. 4 County Homeless Coalition is also actively involved in coming up with solutions to this issue.
9. Phil also advised that 9 Evans Street will be going up for tax sale on August 6^th. There are (2) other properties in Bainbridge and the complete list is available at the Town Hall.
10. The Old Time Band Concerts begin this Friday night in the Village Park and will continue throughout the Summer on the following dates @ 7:00 pm – August 4^th, and August 18^th.
11. Dolores provided a Town Report. There’s a record number of kids who signed up for swimming lessons. The cost is $25 for Bainbridge residents and $50 for non-residents. Each session is 3 weeks. There are also a lot of kids participating in the playground program. The Town has money left from their CBDG Grant – for (1) more homeowner. They are having trouble getting the word out.
12. Tim provided a school report. Summer school is in full swing. The band cleaned up in Class B at the Sherburne Pageant of Bands. The band has not participated in 20+ years. Next year will be the 75^th anniversary of the Pageant and they are already planning to participate again. The school has figured out a schedule for band members to practice plus still be able to participate in sports which is why the band has such a large # of participants. Graduation ended up being held in doors this year. There will be a new staff orientation in the 3^rd week of August. Not a lot of new staff this year. They do still have openings for bus drivers and substitutes. Fall sports will also be starting in the middle of August. Marek Rajner was a member of the Board of Education as a student in a non-voting role but has now been voted in as a voting member upon his graduation.
13. Teri reported on 4Towns Forward. The music festival was a complete success. They estimated that between 2,400 – 2,500 people attended. There were no issues, everything was very organized. No negative feedback but always room for improvements. There will be a recap meeting tomorrow as the survey results have been received. They expect that it will be an annual event. The airport provided the perfect venue. The date will not be determined until November once the artists have been chosen and know when they will be passing through. Dolores/Roy did a great job with collecting the recyclables. There will be (3) thank you receptions coming up at Awestruck for sponsors, volunteers, EMS, etc. The final number of sponsorships was $130,000. The event provided a very family friendly environment. GREAT JOB ALL!!
14. Dolores advised that spackling is complete at the Community Center. The vendor originally quoted $3,400 but only invoiced $3,000. The plumber will be on site next week and Tim Harmon will be doing the ceiling. Dolores is confident that the Center will be ready to hold the Commitment to Community Dinner there this year. The Dinner will be held at the end of October.
15. Round Table – Dave – The Jericho is moving along nicely. Teri – the Unadilla House has been sold to the Historical Society. Bruce – Sidney Library is offering technical computer training. Also, their 2^nd crop will be ready in 2 weeks. Lori – will Bainbridge Days take place this year? Randy – BG Football just attended a 1 week camp. They will be raising money for new uniforms, etc. They will be selling discount cards. Also, complete programs will be given out at this year’s games. Sponsors can advertise, you can purchase space to send a player message, etc. Randy has forms available. Armando – Come out and support the Farmer’s Market on Mondays. The market is FREE for vendors. Phil – The JAC is putting together their Fall schedule.
16. Our next Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 1^st and the next General Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 15^th at the back of Bob’s Diner @ 7:30 am.
17. Motion to adjourn by Phil, second by Bruce, carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 am.

Respectfully Submitted: 

Christine Smith, Secretary