The Waterville Community Connections steering committee met Jan. 4, 2012, at the Cummiskey law office for their first meeting of the new year.
Secretary’s report
The minutes of the Oct. 27 meeting were approved by concensus.
Treasurer’s report
Jane presented the fiscal report. Our total amount at SMIF is $11,128.50, with $925.30 committed to projects, and $2,103.20 non-committed. We need to raise funds.
Waterville Friends of the Library report
Diane reported that the Waseca library used funds allocated for Waterville library to purchase the books chosen to be purchased by the FOL. She presented a financial spread sheet report for 2011. Some of the needs that the FOL would like to see fulfilled are: a membership campaign; bulletin board for the library; newsletter. The group is planning another cookoff in the fall, and would like to have a silent auction, with baskets of donated items. A pancake breakfast was also mentioned as a fund raiser.
Downtown Beautification group
The group decided to have less plant barrels on the corners of Main St., probably a total of 8. The Chamber sponsors the hanging baskets and we maintain them. They will get in touch with River Street Nursery in regard to planting the barrels and baskets. Jane’s nephew and a friend washed and hauled the benches and plant boxes, and Jane put a finish on them. Fertilizing the plants last year worked well. The group will meet again to work out schedules for watering, and the city will be asked for assistance for this.
Welcome to Waterville Sign
The Waterville Chamber had letter boards put up on the sign, below the main board for local messages. The Chamber’s Holidays in Hooterville went well, with many people participating.
Ride around town
Not many rides being given. Meals on Wheels is still operating, but there is no congregate dining.
The WCC would like to meet again this spring with the participants of our forum last fall to see what all are doing and if there are ideas for more action.
Jane told us about the WCC and Lions floats that she helped with for the Elysian Holidazzle parade in Dec. There were not as many floats or people as it was a snowy day.
Kim Gossen told about her proposal to SMIF in regard to her plan to develop a community market. She is still in the exploratory stage, but has scheduled a meeting with interested parties and local talents to see what they have to say about her idea. She is trying to line up a speaker from Red Wing that has info on starting co-ops and markets. She wants a focus group to meet by the end of March to get people committed to the project and to get further funding. She needs $1500.00 to fulfill her requirement for a grant.
Youth programs
Lynne hasn’t got much going now, her application and proposal to SMIF for a grant didn’t get through to them in time due to computer problems. She is getting an office fixed up at Cummiskey law office. The city is interested in her projects for youth programs but is noncommittal. She will be meeting with Val Vail, who is head of the parks and rec. for the city, to try to work out something for the project, and to show the necessity of having a program as well as a place to meet.
Next meeting, Feb. 13.
Karen Bauer, note taker/blogger.
