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Home My WebLink About2011-08-16Dryden Youth Commission Minutes, August 16, 2011 Present: Justin DiMatteo, Stephanie Mulinos, Cynthia Waterman, Kris Bennett, Melissa Bianconi; program representatives Erin Hansen and Laura Streeter (V. Dryden Summer Rec. Program/Youth Jobs Program; Taylor Hughes (Brooktondale Summer Camp) No quorum was present so official business was tabled until Sept. 20. (JoEllen had called Kris at 2:00 from Cleveland, she had hoped to be back in time for the meeting but was not able to get there.) Town updates, news. and discussion re. Proposed chap es to planninar structure Melissa distributed an outline of a request from the Town Board that the Recreation and Youth Commissions explore the possibility of merging as a joint youth commission to address recreational and youth development needs for Dryden youth. (attached) Melissa explained that Town Board members Steve Stelick and Jason Leifer, who act as liaisons to the Parks & Rec. Commission, feel this would create better efficiency, streamline things, and address their lack of good understanding and information about the Youth Commission. Melissa reported that she and Kris met to talk about this recently; she had also met with Kris' boss Arnie Hendrix to discuss this earlier. Kris added a few points that were not listed on the handout: proposed timeframe would be for 2013; need to address issue of municipal representation (current DYC has seats for V. Freeville & Dryden); current DYC members and term expirations; need for ongoing directed focus on youth development and needs and focus on ensuring that underserved youth are still reached; size and scope of the new commission. All present agreed that each planning group (Rec. & Youth Commissions) should meet to discuss this in depth in Sept. and create a list of questions or topics to clarify, and then set up a joint meeting of the 2 groups, including Melissa and Kris, for Oct./Nov. After that, Melissa suggested a subcommittee be formed with reps. from both groups, the Town and County, to work on a proposal and draft bylaws that would be presented to both Commissions. Melissa will add the additional "future discussion" items to the handout and email it to Kris for distribution to DYC members who were not present tonight; she will include DRC bylaws and Kris will also include DYC bylaws. Additionally, those present will call those who were not to bring them up to speed (Justin -Jeff; Cynthia- JoEllen, Stephanie- Chrissy). After Melissa left, DYC members asked Kris to talk youth commissions. In Enfield and Danby, this is a frumansburg /Ulysses and Joint Youth Commission encompass more than one municipality for planning the Rec. Commission devoted to youth development funding) are for a planning group but do not specify about how some other communities structure their function of their community councils. (T. Ithaca, V. Cayuga Heights and V. Lansing) purposes. In Lansing, there is a sub - committee of . County and state requirements (to receive structure, only focus. All present were open to considering the idea, understand that the DYC is advisory to the Town and that ultimately the Town will decide this issue. DYC members expressed firm support that the essence, mission and reason for the DYC be preserved if a new structure is created. Budget Still no guidelines from the Town as to level of funding DYC may expect for 2012; Melissa has not yet received this info either. When Kris met with MaryAnn recently, MarvAnn stated that it was not likely the Town would keep support at the same level as 2011. Since state funding will also be reduced and there will be the loss of one -time county money, there will be less available for 2012. Hopefully when DYC meets in Sept. to review program applications, we will have a better idea about anticipated funding. CCE Program Updates Kris distributed Dave's program report (minus an update on youth ®employment which he did not prepare). No report was received from Ruben for OURS. Ruben has completed his time as interim program manager. Kris reported that Linda said this was a difficult position for Ruben, in addition to not being able to drive the van, he had difficulty with the challenging behaviors and lives of the participants. Kris, Linda and CCE's Kathy Jett reviewed applications for the opening; a first interview was conducted on Monday (an applicant who is moving here in Sept. was visiting for a long weekend). Additional interviews will take place on Thurs. JoEllen will represent DYC in this process. Monitoring, Updates Kris shared a copy of the report she prepared after visiting the 13rooktondale Camp. Cynthia shared a summary of her conversation with Laura Streeter, a junior counselor at Dryden Summer Camp whose salary was supported by DYC. Program Reports 13rooktondale Camo Assistant Director Taylor Hughes reported on this year's camp. They serve 50 -60 youthlweek, ages 4 -12, camp runs from 9 -2 daily, fee is $40 /week with scholarships available (approx. 30% are low income). Program is loosely structured with arts & crafts, sports, games available daily; they focus on building social skills. Next year they plan to increase camp fee to S50 and will hire fewer jr. counslors (3) and more senior staff and also keep their CIT program. 117 total youth were served this year; `i aylor gave Kris the program's annual report with detailed info. 24 Dryden youth were served this year, up from 4 last year. V. Dryden Sumner CM Erin Hansen returned for her 3`d year as camp director. Camp started earlier this year, right when the school year ended, and ran for 6 weeks, 8:30 -4:30. Cost is $55 /week; had to pay $822 fee to Dryden School for use of facility, up from 4100 last year! 35 campers/week, grades K -5. (Reduced enrollment this year from 45; camp is running much smoother. When asked about impact on community, Erin said people who did not apply early were turned away because all slots were filled.) Laura whojust graduated from DHS returned for her second year working at the camp, this year it was a full time job. She enjoyed the work experience a lot and intends to become a teacher. Cynthia reported that Laura had completed an application and interview last year when she applied for the first time and that she got good direction and supervision from Erin, making this a good work experience for her. V. Freeville Summer Camp Stephanie reported for the camp which serves K -8 (including a "tween" group), runs for 7 weeks from 7:30 -5:30 for $87 /week. Lacey I-Iulslander returned as camp director, other staff include an asst. director, 4 senior counselors and 1 junior counselor. All senior & junior counselors completed an application and interview. Highest attendance was 50 /week this year. Camp allows for much choice time, there are options for kids but no firm structure as to what they must do at certain times. 'Their fee to use Freeville school this summer was over $900! Next meeting will be Sept. 20 when we will look at 2012 funding requests, make provisional allocation recommendations, and discuss the proposed merger of the DYC and DRC. Kris will be out of town Sept. 1 -9 and will send the funding requests to DYC members to review after she gets back. yautWdry,clnyclxgnin,insl201 IMug minutes DYC Minutes Page 2 August 16, 2011 August 1 , 2011 TOWN C F DRYDEN Recreation Department 93 EAST MAIN' STREET DRYDEN, . H W YORK 13053 9505 TEL' 607 - 844 -8888 PAX: 607 - 844 -8008 The Town of Dryden has requested that the Dryden Recreation Commission and Dryden Youth Commission explore the possibility of merging as ajoint commission to address recreational and development needs for youth in the Town of Dryden. .Benetits The cormissions have Complimentary goals�noourages collaborative work to ensure steeds of Dryden youth are being met # Increases awareness of available yotLth opportunities in our community i Aids in filling program gaps # Joint use o[ certain resources currently only available for 1 9 wn programs -- outreach tools, program marketing, van use ■ Future planning —Town i S in process of I nip lementirig Master Plan Recommendations for programs and facilities which could benefit RYS and OURS • Save tiinefresources of Town and County Staff and Convnissiorr mein bers "promotes efficiency • More direct contact with Town Board members for all youth related issues, streamlines process for recommcndatio3is to the Town Board Considerations/Concerns/Clarifications We don't want to alienate any coninissi0n members_ The Town of Dryden appreciates a] I the work on the part of both commissions • New enacting legislation and by laws will have to be drafted to re11ect a required emphasis/dedication to Youth Development and associated resources The Town will not require that kids Youth Development programs begin paying fees There iis no competition for eesources —the Po rn is comfortable with the contract relationship with Cooperative .Extension 'Future Discussion # Structure * S ub-comm i (tee/or adding seats to current commission + Timeframe: not 2012, perhalxa 2013 # What will happen with seas that expire at the end of this year — impact on seat terms • Representation of the Freevi11e and V , of Dryden for Youth Development D Y C Minutes Page 3 August 16, 2011