HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-03Dryden Youth Commission
is December 3, 2003
Minutes
Present: Jean Simmons, Tracy Kurtz, Kristen Blackman, Eric McConnell, Walt Matyjas, Kris Bennett, Nita
Baldwin, Steven Trumbull
Absent: Alan Macomber
Jean called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. She welcomed supervisor -elect Steve Trumbull and
introductions were made. Jean reminded all that this is her last meeting as she is not being reappointed
when her seat expires on Dec. 31. She's had no luck yet recruiting a replacement. There is also still an
opening for V. Dryden. Minutes from Oct. were approved.
Nominate officers for 2003: Tracy was nominated as commission chair for 2004; Walt was nominated as
assistant chair. All approved of the nominations; elections will take place in Jan.
Summary of meeting with Town and Rec. Commission: Jean, Tracy and Kris attended representing DYC;
also present were Spvr. Mark Varvayanis, Town Board member Steve Stelick, Lisa Stelick, Town Rec.
Director Jennifer Glaab, and from the Rec. Commission Mattie Hammel, Russ Kowalski and one more man
(no intro's were done so we didn't get his name). Though the meeting was a bit antagonistic at the
beginning, once Kris clarified that County funding to the Rec. Partnership is different from funding to the
municipal system the Rec. and Town reps, understood better. A lot of good information was shared and
clarified, Because of not understanding the DYC's plans for the YCC in 2004, the Town set aside funding
(its match for the program, half the total) to fun a YCC -like activity in 2004. Jean clarified that the DYC had
not decided not to fund YCC, only if DYC funds were cut significantly would YCC not be funded. She
expressed her concerns about the Town running this - supervision of youth at work, learning work ethic,
youth development. It's not just about tasks getting done, it's about youth gaining skills and being matched
with consistent, positive adults. Jean and Tracy also explained that youth served in DYC programs are
often not the same ones in rec. programs; DYC, especially CCE, serves many youth who might be called
at risk" since they are referred by school staff as needing extra support or opportunities.
The Rec. programs and dept. are still developing. Jennifer plans activities for infant - adult. When
asked how they determine what to fund, Jennifer usually decides but there is certainly input from the Town
(as in no more boat rentals but continuing the summer music for next year).
All at the meeting agreed better and more regular communication between the groups would be
good. Steve Stelick suggested having a person serve on both boards. Tracy Kurtz has filled out the Rec.
Commission paperwork and, if appointed, could do this. Eric asked whether the duty could rotate among
DYC members; Kris will check DRC bylaws to see. If not, then the Rec. Commission meetings are open
and DYC members could attend whether appointed or not.
Jennifer agreed to update the DYC website; Kris will contact her to do this and will see if funded
programs can also be listed.
Overview of DYC programs and work: To give Steve an introduction to the work and programs of the DYC,
members explained each of the funded programs. Jean explained the process of getting program
proposals and making funding decisions. Kris explained the budget, support from the County, needs
assessment and program monitoring. Steve appreciated the overview and was impressed with the DYC,
• its programs and work.
Review draft calendar for 2004: All reviewed the draft calendar Kris had prepared. These dates and times
were agreed to: Jan. 20 (6pm), Feb. 24 (6pm), Mar, 15 (6pm), Apr. 20 (6pm), May 18 (7pm). In the spring
we'll firm up dates and times for the next several months. Nita will check on the availability of space at
Town Hall and let Kris know. Kris pointed out that since more programs will be funded in 2004 and
because the DYC wanted more accountability from YCC, there will be fewer meetings without visitors and
some meetings with multiple visitors. All will review the draft and further discussion can take place in Jan,
Review budget, finalize allocations for 2004: Kris reported that the County adopted a budget which will
mean no cuts to DYC for 2004. Walt made a motion, Eric seconded, to accept and approve the budget and
allocations made in Sept. (full funding level) Motion carried. Kris will send letters in Jean's name to those
who requested funding. Nita had received a letter from Kris' office last month showing unclaimed funds for
2003. She has been in touch with V. Dryden about claiming. YCC had an unclaimed balance over $500,
what happens to unclaimed funds? Can they be used by others such as CCE? Kris explained that unused
funds revert to the County Youth Services' budget as "rollover" and are reallocated the next year. CCE has
a contract for a set amount; it would be very difficult to amend it for $500. Also, Kris said that CCE must
close its books mid -Dec. (all spending must be done by then) so it's not practical to try to amend the
budget.
These program liaisons were named:
Finding
our Stren thNoice
Jean
Brooktondale Summer Camp
Eric
CCE Landscape Training for Youth
Walt
IYB Youth Conservation Corps
WaltITBD
CCE Dryden
Youth Services
Tracy
Police & Community Jr. Police Acad.
Alan
Coddin
ton CIT Youth Employment
TBD
Freeville Youth Jobs cam
Kristen
Dryden
Youth Jobs cam
Tracy
Filling half -time CCE position: Kris passed out Dave Hall's Dec. program report and plans for Jan. Since
there will be funds to fill the position Carissa vacated in Aug, all agreed to move ahead with this. It would
be great to have a new program manager ready in January. However, there is no money to pay for an
employment ad; Groton, however, is in the process of hiring a program manager so Kris suggested that
Dryden consider the same applicant pool (Groton interviews took place yesterday and Kris was told the
applicant pool was very strong.) However the Groton position is full -time and it's possible that applicants
may not want the 1/2 time Dryden job. DYC asked Kris and Linda Schoffel to contact Groton applicants who
are not hired in Groton to see if they would like to interview with Dryden. Kris will also ask Linda to review
the applicants from Aug. to see if any are still interested. Walt was concerned that the applicant pool might
not be large enough but felt that if there were 4, that would be enough. Tracy and Kristen volunteered to
participate in interviews (evening hours); Kris will be in touch on this.
Others plan for Jan. meeting:, Next meeting will be Jan. 20, 6:00 pm. Walt will contact YCC about
attending. Walt also shared the availability of grant funding from NYSEG that must be used by the end of
2003; he suggested that CCE apply so it can run an ad in the Shopper listing Dave's Jan. programs. Tracy
also had an idea. Kris will fax her the form tomorrow and contact CCE about it. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:50.
DYC Minutes Page Two December 3, 2003