Attendees: Darla Hamlin, Thaddeus Day, Holly Day, Leslie and Rob Taisey, Marilyn Matthews,Michael Babin, Alan and Karen Morrison,Margie Hansel, Mary Conroy, Scott Kerr, Andrew Walsh
Guest Speaker: Brian Sites, VP of Business Development, Volunteers of America and Chair, North Yarmouth Wescustogo Building and Design Committee
Meeting called to order by President, Darla Hamlin, 5:45 pm Toddy Brook Golf Club.
Thaddeus Day introduced guest Brian Sites who briefly spoke about his now full time position with Volunteers of America, a non profit organized in the late 1800s as a spinoff of the Salvation Army. They provide assistance to serve homeless veterans ( cabins at Togus); have re-entry programs for people coming out of jail or substance abuse facilities; have residential care programs; senior programs, etc. After many years of involvement in the Tech world Brian wanted to be in Northern New England, and the total change in focus from his prior job to this is very fulfilling. His job is to focus on programs that will ultimately improve their bottom line. Their funding for each program comes from various means.
Brian is also the Chair of the Wescustogo Building and Design committee, charged with presenting site and design options to the North Yarmouth Select Board. The committee has to remain unbiased, and simply work for the highest function and use of any new facility, to assure a positive impact on the Town. They have exchanged ideas with the prior Wescustogo Grange Committee. All types of options have been explored including green building, net zero energy, design, and again highest function and use. Brian presented two renderings of design options for both the old grange site, and the NYMS site, with the capacities for each on parking, occupancy size, food prep, gym bathrooms / showers. The ideal facility would hold approximately 300 people, and while it will not be eligible for actual emergency shelter status, it will be a facility that can house people in some types of emergencies. While both sites are still options, the NYMS site provides more potential for future growth. The Committee will be submitting recommendations and the designs to the Select Board on December 20. The Select Board is expected to vote on January 3, 2017. Questions from attendees followed.
At 6:30 Darla proceeded to the business portion of the meeting.
Treasurer Report: Account balance of $2,605.81, based on the Santa’s Helpers funds being a pass through.
Business:
11/17/16 minutes motioned, seconded and accepted.
Leslie will be retiring as Treasurer effective June 1. She presented options for moving the accounting to Quick Books Online. She recommends moving online to provide for smoother transitions in the future. $15/ mo. will allow just deposits and recordkeeping, $30/ mo. will allow for paying bills online. Since few checks are written, it isn’t felt online bill pay would be needed. She agreed to get more information.
Our printed directory project continues as work in progress. The town’s website directory project is moving forward. All businesses will be included unless requested otherwise. Darla reported that she has informed the town that emails are not to be made public due to spamming issues.
NYBA will now use the Town address, 10 Village Square Rd, North Yarmouth, ME 04097. Darla wishes to thank the Town Manager for making this possible.
Darla’s holiday initiative of eight Christmas Stockings filled with necessities for older town residents raised $1,200 to date. The shopping list is complete and Marilyn and Holly will obtain those items that must be purchased versus those donated.
New Business:
The Town is putting together twenty (20) welcome packets for new residents, anyone wanting to give pens, keyrings, magnets, or other business promotional items should get them to Town Office as quickly as possible. Thaddeus Day gave Darla some pens for the packets.
New Member:
- Nourish Me Well, Dietitian and Nutrition Services. Owner, Dee Madore
Member Notables:
- Morrison Environmental Engineering has been hired to do a project for LL Bean.
- Member The Purple House pizza and bakery is now open.
- Andy Walsh was featured in Maine Home & Design Magazine promoting Fat Andy’s Custom Interiors and the remake of their showroom.
- Meeting adjourned 6:58 pm
Next Meeting: 1/19/17 5:30 pm, Toddy Brook; Combined Dinner / Business Meeting. Guest Speaker: Representative Paul Chace.