The Waterville Community Connections Steering Committee met at the Cummiskey office on Feb. 13, 2012. There were 8 community members present so we had an introduction and roll taken. Chairperson Cindy Kennedy opened the meeting with committee reports.
Secretary’s report
Copies of minutes from the last meeting were handed out by Karen, and the report was approved by concensus.
Downtown beautification
The downtown beautification committee reported that plants for the barrels and pots have been ordered from River Street Nursery. Plants will be watered again by a city employee, and he will be asked to water a little more on the days before and after his days off. In the case of very hot dry weather, committee members will arrange for other watering to be done. Mulch will be ordered for the Community Patio.
Jobs committee
Kim Gossen reported on the “Helping Local Producers” project, and expects to have a report by the end of March.
Youth committee
Cindy reported on progress, and Jane mentioned the fact we need more adults to help organize a program. A brainstorming meeting is needed with interested people to get plans made soon.
Financial report
Jane handed out the report from 2012 that was subject to audit by SMIF. She also had the year to date report. There is a need for money for flowers. A motion was made by Diane, seconded by Arlis, to accept the treasurers report. Motion carried.
Office
Progress is being made on the office to be used by WCC and the youth committee, in a room at the Cummiskey law office. A motion was made by Cleota, seconded by Kim, to pay $65.00 for this year’s Chamber membership. Motion carried. Cindy will be the contact person for the Chamber, and will attend meetings when she can, or get someone else to attend.
Funds requested
No funding requests at this time.
Reports from projects:
Sakatah Arts Experience
A motion was made by Arlis, seconded by Karen, to approve reimbursing Kim $121.29 to keep the Sakatah Arts Experience website and domain name going. Motion carried. No date has yet been set for this year’s SAE, the committee will be meeting soon to make those decisions.
Friends of the Library
Diane reported that the Friends are working on setting goals for this year, and have met to go through donated books and recycle old and worn out books. The for-sale books area has been moved and updated. The FOL is publishing a monthly newsletter, and it has been submitted to the local paper and copies will be given to library patrons. Our biggest need is members to be called on to help with projects and fund raisers. The FOL is planning another chili feed in the fall.
Barrels of Hope
Bev Brown-Nelson was present with 4 friends from the “Barrels”, and they told the group about the workings of their organization. Many items come in and go out, and they have recently helped 2 fire victim families. The WCC wants to know what and when is needed by the Barrels, and we would help if possible. There was discussion about financial records and local questions about the workings of the project.
Community garden
Nothing to report, tabled.
Kaleidoscope Institute
Cindy reported on this subject, and will be showing a film about it on Mon., Feb. 20 at the WUMC. She would like to have people go to a training seminar, and use the ideas for a local study of the subject, which is Intercultural Training. There is a need in the community for this.
Miscellaneous:
Karen will get together some info for the local paper about WCC’s involvement in the community in the past year.
The annual Chamber awards dinner is this Sat. evening at Gilligan’s. An award is ready for LaDonna Fallon, who was instrumental in getting the downtown beautification project going.
The WCC and FOL plan to prepare and donate baskets for a silent auction to benefit the Gregor family whose infant son requires organ transplants. The event is Mar. 17. In Morristown.
Further discussion
There was discussion in regard to Kim’s project, and her attempts to get in contact with the local Economic Development group. Her focus now is the potential use of a local building for a store to sell products made and grown by local people. She will continue to research this project. There was discussion on the need for local organizations to work together on promoting the use of their sites that give services to people needing assistance, to avoid overlapping those services.
Next meeting is Mar. 12, 10:00 a.m. at the Cummiskey office.
Karen Bauer, note taker and blogger.
