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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRYC 2025-03-26DRYC 2025-3-26 Page 1 of 4 Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission (DRYC) March 26, 2025 Hybrid Present: Leslie Debo (chair)*, David Peck (vice chair), Jenelle Carr* 7:35, Julie McLean, Will Olson Absentees: James Whalley Liaisons: Jason Leifer (Town Board) 7:10 Kate Shanks-Booth (Tompkins County Youth Services)* Athena Steinkraus (Cornell Cooperative Extension – Tompkins County)* Staff: Marty Conger (Recreation Director) Allison Kjellander-Cantu (Deputy Town Clerk) Quest: Craig Schutt (Conservation Board) “*” Denotes attendance via Zoom The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. Review and Approval of Minutes from October 23, 2024; December 2, 2024; January 22, 2025; and February 26, 2025 On motion made by J McLean, seconded by W Olson, a blanket motion to approve the minutes of October 23, 2024; December 2, 2024; January 22, 2025; and February 26, 2025, were approved as written. Nominate and Appoint DRYC Chair On motion made by D Peck, seconded by W Olson, Leslie Debo was nominated DRYC Chair, and appointed Leslie Debo as Chair for the DRYC for another term. Nominate and Appoint DRYC Vice Chair On motion made by J McLean, seconded by W Olson, David Peck was nominated as DRYC Vice Chair and appointed David Peck as Vice Chair for the DRYC for another term. Grant Opportunities and Funding The commission is considering applying for the Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program (MPR) with a deadline of May 2nd. J McLean inquired about any statistical data (population, household size, etc.) for grant applications. K Shanks-Booth mentioned that Tompkins County has town profiles with relevant information added the link to Tompkins County, with Dryden demographics: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All- Departments/Youth-Services/Youth-Data/Dryden was placed in chat. J McLean brought up the Bricks Grant for constructing or renovating a building within mind to find a location for a community center. The New York State grant, Unplug and Play, is open for applications. This is an opportunity for more ball fields. J Leifer will be on vacation after April 10th, and Dan Lamb will be available to sign the application in his absence. Reports: Tompkins County Youth Services DRYC 2025-3-26 Page 2 of 4 K Shanks-Booth circulated some logo ideas she created for DRYC. The purpose of having a logo is to create a visual identity and increase public awareness of the commission. D Peck noted that DRYC was established in 2013. There was a discussion about avoiding imagery that solely focuses on youth athletics to reflect the broader scope of the commission. J McLean started working on a logo concept. There is interest in incorporating town colors into the logo. Match more with the town vs. the school, a story can be told with a logo. The idea of having two or three logo options for the community to vote on during Dairy Days was proposed to engage the public. D Peck will ask Talon, a talented senior he knows from Dryden, who might potentially contribute to the logo design. Reports: Cornell Cooperative Extension Rural Youth Services A Steinkraus reported that Dave’s Programs are doing well, and his summer registration will open next week. Dave's Programs have zeroed out the budget hours. There will be $4,000 allocated for Dryden's program from Cornell. This funding covers the screening and management, with minimal changes to the program going forward, and is nearly finalized regarding that information. The Dryden Ours Program position still has three candidates for the job posting, and we hope to finalize that soon. There will be updates at next month's meeting. A significant point was raised on the importance of including information about Cornell Cooperative Extension programming and youth services in their materials or websites. This suggests a desire to increase awareness of the existing youth-related programs. Reports: Recreation Department: M Conger updated the committee on CHA, stating that they called last week and have a plan for the fields (basic stuff) and a separate plan considering the limited space for a building. They are planning to attend next month to explain more. Doug Levian, coordinator for the Ellis Hollow music series, has requested additional funding due to difficulties securing sponsorships this year. The current budget for the VFW and Ellis Hollow music series is approximately $8,000 in total, plus any gap grant funding. This budget covers licensing fees (which increase annually) and payments to the bands. Homer's music series budget is mentioned as being around $7,800. Increasing the 2026 budget for the music series is a good investment in the community, as it offers free events, attracts families, benefits local businesses and food trucks, supports local musicians, and is well attended. Doug is currently $1,888 over budget for the Ellis Hollow series, with nine bands booked (three unconfirmed). Sound companies are sometimes hired by the band, which will cost $300 per show. Reports: Town Board J Leifer, the only question from the board is about the progress made by CHA on field development. The Community Connections event will take place this Saturday at the fire station. There will be a town table with several members from various commissions and community organizations in attendance. Dairy Days DRYC 2025-3-26 Page 3 of 4 Registration for Dairy Days is currently open, and it was mentioned that they have sold out of cows placed in Village Times Square, located at the four corners. The commission discussed having a presence during Dairy Days to raise awareness and potentially recruit new members. There will be a table for town committees and commissions to share information and highlight membership needs across different committees. Members agreed to select two or three logo options for potential community feedback/vote during Dairy Days. Several members felt it would be informative to the community about the programming and what this commission does with such programs provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and Cornell Youth Services. The Recreation Department will hold the three-point contest again and encourage volunteers to participate. This could be a great opportunity to share information about the DRYC committee. Community Center Group Meeting M Congar informed all that she was invited to meet with a group to discuss the possibility of a community center. Tom Sinclair, a village resident, gathered community members to discuss the possibility of using the Methodist Church, located at the four corners in the village of Dryden, as a space for after-school programs, a safe space for students to come to gather, and possibly bring Tompkins County services to this location. The church will no longer operate as a church (likely in June). For the church to sell the property, the committee would have to present their proposal for the community center to the church, the conference owner of the church. This is a very enthusiastic committee, and she is hopeful that this committee will make this come to fruition. There will be no physical recreation, but leaning towards the arts to include music, theater, and conversation. Stephanie from the library is reportedly very excited about the project and has many ideas, particularly around music and theater. The location is considered walkable, especially to the schools, which is a positive attribute for a community center. The idea of having space for teen activities (arcade games, ping pong, etc.) was raised as a potential use. The church has a functional commercial kitchen and a working elevator, which is beneficial. It was reported that several office-sized rooms, upstairs and downstairs, will allow different groups or organizations adequate space to host events. The next meeting to discuss a community center is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st, at 5:30 p.m. D Peck gave a quick synopsis of the community center café and its operations. Key considerations include ownership dues, how it was run (volunteer-based), and funding of the financial sustainability of the community center. There was mention of partnering with local municipalities and organizations for funding and operation. K Shanks-Booth shared in the chat that Enfield Community Council just went through the purchase of a church that they are now using as a community center. They would be a good resource if you chose that path. C Schutt, President of the Historical Society, and members of the society support the idea of making it into a community center. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DRYC 2025-3-26 Page 4 of 4 Allison Kjellander-Cantu Deputy Town Clerk