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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-21Dryden Youth Commission October 21, 2003 Minutes Present: Jean Simmons, Kristen Blackman, Tracy Kurtz, Alan Macomber, Eric McConnell, Kris Bennett, Nita Baldwin, David Hall, Linda Schoffel Excused: Walt Matyjas Jean called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Minutes from Sept. were approved with one clarification: under the 25% reduced scenario, under which funding to YCC would be eliminated, clarify that the additional funds allocated to municipal youth jobs are for jobs in a YCC -like setting. Updates from Cooperative Extension: Linda showed a video about CCE's Rural Youth Services. It was made last year by a Joint Youth Commission teen as a municipal job. All thought the video was great. Dave reviewed his program report; the Summer Skies program was great and brought in x$1900 in fees. All programs were well attended, 5 sites were used. He did not run an ad in the Shopper this fall but relied on the School Bulletin for advertising his programs. Since the bulletin went out a bit late, his first fall programs had low enrollment but now many groups are full, some with waiting lists, some split into 2 or 3 sections. He also personally handed out info during school lunch to many students. When asked about the impact of not having Carissa or another program manager working in Dryden, he said some kids who liked Carissa really miss her, though a few have joined Dave's programs. He's trying to pick up the slack. Linda reported that all program managers have received youth development training this fall. She's also updated them on other available CCE resources. She passed out a budget update; because of Carissa's job being unfilled, the budget is in good shape for the rest of the year and there should be some savings. ® Their insurance agent has revised some of what CCE can offer: no more caving, no water balloons! Budget Updates: Kris reported that though the County budget process is still underway, things are looking better for County Youth Services, No new cuts have been made to the target budget though a couple of OTR's were eliminated. If the end result is cuts to CYS, the CYS Board is committed to spreading them among all program areas, not just targeting the municipal system (or any other single area). The County Legislature will do additional "revisits" later this week and should have a proposed budget by the end of the week or Mon. There are still opportunities to comment: Oct. 28, 7 pm, at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca; Nov. 5 - regular County Legislature meeting privilege of the floor; Nov. 10, 7 pm at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca. Plus, of course, calls and letters to legislators. Budget should be finalized Nov. 18. One thing to note: County funding to Rec. Partnership was made "one- time" only for 2004; if this does not change, the County will be out of the Rec. Partnership for 2005. Kris received a call from Jennifer Glaab (Dryden Rec. Director) last week. Jennifer's Rec, budget will be larger for '04, she'll be able to fund the after - school skating program and was scheduled to meet with Diane Hill about this. Jennifer will also have funding for one paid intern (and hopes to also have another unpaid intern for special events). Jennifer also told Kris that the Town of Dryden will add to her budget their match for YCC to maintain youth jobs. Kris clarified to Jennifer that the DYC hadn't cut funding to YCC; they had decided on what would be cuUfunded if County funding to DYC is reduced 25% for 2004. Since the County budget process isn't yet finalized, neither is the DYC's. Kris also mentioned again to Jennifer that training for Dryden camp staff and CIT's would be most welcome if Jennifer could do this next year. All DYC members agree that there are issues about communication and the overall structure of youth services between the Town, DYC, Dryden Rec. Commission and Dryden Rec. Director that need to be addressed. Does the DRC target at -risk kids? Could DYC have a liaison on the Town board like the DRC has to assure better communication? The DYC represents the Town and 2 villages, the DRC doesn't. The DYC does needs assessment and plans programs to meet those needs; does the DRC? By putting ® youth employment funds in the Rec. budget, who would supervise the youth employees and what assurances are there that jobs wouldn't just be refereeing sports games? Kris will set up a meeting, the goals will be to: - address budget concerns - clarify areas of service and target populations - clarify roles and responsibilities - clarify communication between the Town, DYC, DRC - - clarify Town's expectations of DYC, DRC discuss how the 2 groups can complement (not overlap) each other All members are willing to participate in a meeting but agree that only 2 should attend so it isn't unwieldy. When Kris sets it up, depending on everyone's schedule, they will designate 2 to attend. Program Monitoring: No news to report except Kristen said she did an unofficial visit to the Freeville camp, said that it seemed well organized and the group seemed happy. She will write this up for the record. (this is another example of what DYC does: monitor funded programs to see that they are serving youth in need and meeting their goals). Next meeting: The group agreed to wait until after the County budget is finalized and until after the CYS Board would have a chance to decide on how to spread any additional cuts before their next meeting. The next meeting will therefore be Wednesday, December 3, 7:00 pm at Village of Freeville Hall (Jean will confirm that we can use the space). Nita will find out the date of the next Town of Dryden budget meeting and Kris will share this with DYC members. At the Dec. meeting program allocations for 2004 will need to be finalized. Also nominations for DYC officers for 2004 must be made. Jean said she is not able to continue as a member of the DYC after this year and will think about a potential replacement. DYC Minutes Page Two October 21, 2003