HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-YB-2015-07-28
July 28, 2015
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: William Murphy, Talyse LaDora Hampton, Zoran Smiljanic,
Jason Hecht and Mark Vesci
Excused: Eric Nichols and Mary Kippel
Absent: Dave Warden, Caitlin Moss and George McGonigal
Staff: Liz Vance, Linda Cimakasky-Barr and Jody Hallett-Harris
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Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Talyse LaDora
Introduction of guest Linda Cimakasky-Barr who gave a presentation to the board of the College
Discovery Program.
The announcement of newly appointed board members, Mark Vesci, Jason Hecht and Mary Kippel was
made and members congratulated them. It was also advised that Mary Kippel will be unable to serve her
new appointment as she is expecting her first child. Jody will forward a copy of the resignation email to
Julie and Annie to have Mary removed from the board list. Zoran asked about the status of his application
as he had applied many months ago and was included in with all of the other newly appointed members.
Jody will follow up with the Clerk and Mayor’s office to check on the status of this appointment.
The Minutes from February 10, 2015, March 10, 2015 and April 14, 2015 were approved, Jason Hecht
made the motion and Talyse 2nd the motion, all were in favor.
Linda Cimakasky-Barr the Coordinator of the College Discovery Program (CDP) did a brief overview of
the CDP Program. Linda advised that she has worked for the IYB for approximately 17 years, 10 years
directly with CDP. She has two staff members, Johara Malcolm and Jobe Zulu. She passed around
Mentor Challenge bumper stickers for members. The CDP is a long term mentoring program from 5th
grade all the way through their first year of college. There are three ways to be involved in the CDP
either as a mentor, tutor or on the CDP Advisory Board. Mentors must commit to 2 hours a week for one
full year, tutors must commit to one semester and the Advisory Board meets three times a year. The
program has their own mission statement and logo (Reach for the Stars). Each child gets a mentor, a
tutor, academic monitoring and advocacy, weekly PAL group, family dinners, summer traveling and visit
12 colleges throughout the program. The family dinners are held four times a year and they have 75-95%
attendance rate and is a dish to pass dinner. Each child is asked to do 7 community service placements
and mentors do one community service project with the child. Transportation is provided for all the kids.
Teachers nominate the students at the end of 5th grade. 24-26 students start the program and the
graduation of 15-10, support of all kids is provided and the graduation rate for 2015 was 95%. Linda
discussed the Community Mentor Challenge which is being done by the BBBS, PSMP and CDP and
Friends of the IYB, which is getting 100 mentors and raising $10,000. On September 20th the Jeff Love
Band is playing at Stewart Park and is a free community concert. Linda passed around some information
sheets for the program as well as photo books and a slide show of the program. Current CDP has 12
mentors and they need more male mentors. If there is anyone that is interested in being a mentor, please
contact Linda directly.
Announcements:
There is a an ice cream social on 8/29 at the Stewart Park pavilion from 2-5 for the Art Program, they are
selling handmade ice creams bowls and for $10 donation you get a bowl and bring it to 8/29 and you get
to fill your bowl with ice cream. Zoran advised that the commons reopening ceremony is that same date
and suggested that Marsha contact him that the bank branch could give them space to hold this event on
the commons during the grand opening event. Also in September, the Ithaca 5&10 will be held and Liz
can send out further information.
Staff and Program Updates:
Mike Blakely-Armitage has been hired to Recreation Program Administrator, leaving his former position
of Recreation Program Coordinator. Karen Friedeborn retired on 7/10/15 and Suki Tabor is the new
Deputy Director and still working as the YES Program Coordinator through the summer. Interviews for
the YES Program Coordinator will start at the end of August and is open to internal candidates only.
The city assessment to prioritize projects that are proposed in Stewart Park to make sure that all of these
different groups are being utilized in the best way to rehab the park was approved by Common Council.
The restrooms in the large pavilion have been completed.
Talyse will follow up regarding the sale of alcohol at Cass Park during the roller derby.
The budget summary pages were handed out for members and the details regarding these were done on
July 20th. The recommendation was 0% budget. Due to retirements and restructuring we were able to
submit a budget with no cuts to programs or staff. Budget memo to the mayor will stress the need to
focus on capital projects for the Cass Park Rink, including replacement of lights and ceiling, enclosure of
the rink, tennis courts and fields (upgrade one field per year). Liz stated one goal is to strengthen the
relation with IYB Friends and work with them for grants, etc. Friends worked with staff to write a grant
which supported a summer inclusion specialist for the for RSS program.
There is no money in the 2016 Budget for staff development and training; we need money to have staff
attend trainings.
The Ithaca Bike Rental is open and running and is being run by Marty Schreiber.
Monitoring/Shadowing:
CDP: Jason Hecht
BBBS: Zoran Smiljanic
RSS: Bill Murphy
Talyse advised that she has stepped down from Friends of the IYB and Penny Romantic is now working
4-6 hours a week for Friends.
George McGonigal - Common Council – Not at meeting; no report from
Dave Warden - Board of Public Works. Not at meeting; no report
Meeting Adjourned: 7:10 p.m.
Next meeting:
September 8, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. – Green Room