Minutes of Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting – March 15th, 2022

Minutes of Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting – March 15^th, 2022

ATTENDEES:  Roger Barnhart,Jr Bogert,Jay Campbell,Dave DeClue, Mary Drachler, Steve Eisenberg, Matt Germond, Kerri Green, John & Judy Hinman, Ally, Heather & Randy Janinda, Bruce Kellogg, Brianna Miner, Barb Mulkins, Dolores Nabinger, Armando Petruccelli, Teri Schunk, Chris Smith, Phil Wade, June White

1. Meeting called to order by Chamber Vice President, June White, at 7:33 AM.
2. Secretary’s Report:  motion to accept by Roger, second by Bruce, carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report:  motion to accept by Phil, second by Roger, carried.
4. The Cabin Fever Bowling Tournament brought in a $2,071 profit.
5. Jay also reported that 88 invoices have gone out to members for renewal of membership dues and so far, 48 have been returned with membership renewal.
6. Phil provided a Village Report. There is an election today from Noon – 9:00 pm at the Town Hall. There are (2) trustee positions open. The budget is being presented tonight at the monthly board meeting at 6:30 at the Village Offices. All are welcome to attend. The sewar study was completed. Unfortunately, grants were denied for the culvert on Kirby Street and for the charging stations. There are 5 – 6 properties within the village that will be going up for auction and additional properties in the town. The auction will be held on April 2^nd at 9:00 am at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. If you want to bid on any of the properties, you will need to go to http://www.co.chenango.ny.us/  There is a link for delinquent tax page and if you click on that link it will take you to a page listing all of the properties and current taxes due and a link to request the bid packet.
7. Phil also spoke about the Theater. It has reopened and all the new theater seats have been installed but they are still in need of 1” pipe – about 150’ to be used for railings for safety purposes.
8. Dolores provided a Town Report. They will be receiving a delivery today of the new equipment for the pump house at the pool. They are also accepting bids to redo the pool bathrooms. Anyone interested in bidding is invited to look at what needs to be done on Tuesday, March 22^nd at 9:00 am. Bathrooms will be open for review. New cameras have been installed at the Town Hall; cameras purchased with money received through the Cares Act. Finally, the Town Workers are out sweeping the roads today as they believe Spring has arrived!!
9. Ally, Heather & Randy Janinda attended the meeting. They bought Sipple’s Farm 2 years ago which has been in their family for 45 years and been a farm for 100 years. They do Christmas trees but have also opened a Country Store & Gift Shop that is currently open every Saturday. In addition, Ally does goat products and Randy will be opening a brewery – Broke Goat. They had a brewery when they lived in CA, and it will take about 1 ½ years to open here.
10. June spoke about Bainbridge Days which will be held on Friday, September 2^nd. Last year Short Change Band played, and she advised that their schedule is booking up fast for this year. $260 for the band to play from 6 – 8 pm. Motion made by Barb, second by Phil, carried to get them booked for this year’s event.
11. Kerri attended and provided some updates. The Hansman’s building currently owned by the IDA will be up for lease or sale once some maintenance is done. The building is quite dilapidated as it has set vacant for many years. Cascun Farm had planned to open an extension to their business there but have now terminated the pilot to do so. The IDA has purchased the old Annette’s Building on Walnut Street and will be leasing it to Everything Bagelry who will be moving their business there soon. Kerri also spoke about the Tourism Promotion Grant Program.  The purpose of the grant – funds raised through the occupancy tax will be utilized to support the implementation of programs designed to promote and increase tourism in Chenango County. Grant awards are made on the recommendation of the Tourism Grant Committee. Applications for this grant are due 4/1. For more information, contact Audrey Robinson 607-334-1429 or email arobinson@chenangony.org. Commerce Chenango will be hosting the 2022 Chenango County Wine, Beer & Food Festival July 30^th 11:00 am – 7:00 pm @ the Chenango County Fairgrounds. This inaugural event is presented by Commerce Chenango Tourism. If you are a winery, brewery, distillery, food truck, or food vendor, we want you! For more information on securing your spot as a vendor or sponsor, or purchasing a ticket, visit the event website at www.chenangowbffest.com. 
12. Teri spoke about 4TownsForward. There is a meeting next Tuesday @ 8:00 am at the back of Bob’s. All are welcome to attend. The Community Garage Sale is scheduled for April 23^rd from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. We will be securing a permit for the Municipal Parking Lot for anyone that would like to set up and have “Junk in Your Trunk” vs a garage sale at your home. Also, we encourage businesses to do Sidewalk Sales that day.
13. Teri also spoke about the Sidney Community Center. Their Spring Concert Series continues Saturday with Will & Friends. She also wanted to remind everyone that they are planning Sidney’s 250 Year Celebration on June 10^th & 11^th.
14. The next Bainbridge Connects will be going out in April. If you have an article that you would like to include, please contact June White, Mary Drachler, Violet Wade or Cookie Witham ASAP. There are (13) businesses who have taken advantage of the 4 ads for the price of 3 at $150.00 per year in Bainbridge Connects.
15. Matt provided an update on the Community Center. The furnace is being installed now by C & H. Roy Nabinger is in the process of finalizing the plan for electric. Roger advised that the Executive Committee met yesterday to complete an updated operating budget. Roger has sent out (10) letters to obtain a propane supplier and has only received (2) quotes so far. Roger also met with Nick Mayo to discuss sporting equipment since the Lion’s Club provided a $4,000 donation for that purpose.
16. Dave DeClue made a proposal to put a plaque up in the Community Center recognizing John Payne for all his hard work that he has put into it. Plaque to read – “This Building is Dedicated to John W. Payne in Recognition of all he has done for our community and also to the many volunteers who made it possible 2022”.  Jay made a motion to accept this proposal, second by Bruce, carried. Roger will take this to the Scout House Committee for final approval.
17. John and Judy Hinman attended. Their Captain and Crew Golf Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, June 11^th at the Afton Golf Course. Registration at noon with a shot gun start @ 1:00 pm. Non-Golf Club Members $75.00 per person ($300 per team) – $70.00 is paid by June 3^rd ($280 per team) Golf Club Members $65.00 per person ($260 per team) – $60.00 is paid by June 3^rd ($240 per team). For more information contact Judy Hinman @ 607-765-6507. The Afton Arts & Crafts Festival is scheduled for August 20^th & 21^st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Afton Fairgrounds.  In addition, to the festival, their will be a “Classics Cruise-In”. They also advised that Dan Isabell has opened an Antique Store – Merchants on Main.  Many of the vendors from Annette’s have moved to this location with Annette’s closing. Afton now only has 1 more open store front – the old Vincent’s location. It is currently being renovated.
18. The Bainbridge Historical Society Corn Beef Dinner is scheduled for March 17^th and will be take out only. Cost is $15.00 per person starting at 4:00 pm until gone.
19. Motion to adjourn by Barb second by Roger, carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 am.

Our next Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5th and the next General Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19^th at the back of Bob’s Diner @ 7:30 am.

Respectfully Submitted:  Christine Smith, Secretary