Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce July Membership Meeting Minutes

Date:  July 16, 2008

Time:  6:30 PM

Place:  Exchange Hotel

Kevin Brady opened the meeting

Sue LeBlanc presented the Parking Meter and Violation Proposal

Meters would rise as follows:

$.05 to..25 per ½ hr

$.10 to .50 per 1 hour

$.20 to 1.00 per 2 hrs

Meter period would be form 9 am – 6pm

Parking violations would increase to $20

The cost of implementation would be approx $1000 however revenue would increase form $8500 to $17,000

Motion:  Office Kimble motioned to accept the offer

Second:  Richard Frisbee

Kevin Brady introduced Theresa McCarthy of Inside Out Magazine

Inside Out is a free magazine with approx 15,000 copies in circulation in Ulster, Greene, and Columbia Counties

20% discount is available to Chamber members

Kevin Brady discussed the rising price of fuel and the chambers intention to secure discount pricing this year if available.

Josepha Gutelius volunteered to investigate savings potential.  She has contacted several vendors to date and was awaiting replies.  Many were refusing to participate in a plan this year.

Heritage was requiring prepayment at $4.69 per gallon

Bob Cranston announced an arrangement with Parco for Natural Gas

Parco was willing to offer chamber members rate of $2.41

Susan Blitzer of the spoke and informed the membership that the Town/Village was trying to impose a fee or permit for kayakers.  The conservancy is in disagreement with this action as it would deter from tourism and business.

The conservancy is asking for a ban on jet skis.  A public hearing will be held.  Date to be announced.

Heather Plonchak encouraged members to write their Congressman about he new pharmacy bill that could potentially harm small pharmacies.

Kevin Brady announced the grand opening of Hudson Valley Dessert Company.

Kevin Brady closed the meeting.

Respectfully submitted:  Miriam Adams