April Membership Meeting Minutes

Date:    April 23, 2008

Time:    6:30 PM

Place:   The Kiersted House

Kevin Brady Opened the meeting and introduced Rickie Tamayo who represented The Saugerties Farmers Market.

Rickie announced that the Farmers market would be moving to the parking lot next to the Kiersted House.  The market would continue to be held June through October.  The move would allow the market to expand and encompass additional vendors.

Barbara Budik and a representative of the Historical Society introduced the “Dick Smith Exhibit” which was being displayed at the Kiersted House.  Dick Smith was the founder of the original village business association and the successful owner of Smith’s Hardware.  The Historical Society is publishing a commemorative brochure in honor of Dick Smith.  Space is available for anyone interested in placing an add.  Heather Plonchak would be the point of contact.

Kevin Brady introduced Jessica Serrano, Director of the Saugerties Public Library.

Jessica introduced the proposed $6.99 million renovation and expansion of the Library.

The project, if approved by voters, will add 8,365 square feet to the Washington Avenue library, bringing its total space to 13,162 square feet. The expanded facility would be handicapped accessible, offer a new street-level entrance on the main floor, a public meeting space that can seat 90 people, an expanded media collection and a teen area with collection space and computer stations, among other amenities.

The project would be financed with a 25-year bond, costing the average library district property owner $67 a year for a home assessed at $200,000.

The project would renovate the existing building and expand the facilities while preserving the library's historical integrity.

The expansion will help the library meet an increased demand for services, allow it to expand its collection of books, compact discs and DVDs and enable the library to have its summer reading program on site.

The library is working with the village to turn Division Street into a one-way street, which will allow for additional on-street parking for patrons.

The referendum is scheduled for May 7 at the library. The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m.

Barbara Budik revealed the ECD/Saugerties Chamber brochure.  Barbara asked to have the chamber allocate additional funds to purchase an increased supply.  The printer was willing to print additional copies at the 10,000 copy price per brochure.

Nancy Campbell motioned to support Barbara’s suggestion

Mark Smith seconded the motion

All present were in favor

Kevin Brady closed the meeting and announced the June meeting to be held at The Renwick Clifton House B&B on Tuesday June 24^th.  Key speaker will be Lance Matteson of Ulster Tomorrow.

Respectfully submitted: Miriam Adams