20/20 Cold Spring Vision Team

COLD SPRING 20/20 VISION TEAM
Steering Committee Meeting
August 9, 2005

Present: Kay Cook, Mark Grelson, Rita Hennen, Betty Johnson, Duane Kuss, Nadine Schnettler, Carrie Tripp, Ken Wendinger

The agenda was approved with consensus.

Ken moved approval of July minutes, Rita seconded, motion carried.

Treasurer report: About $159 was total revenue from bread stand; some expenses are still out. Ken was asked to put treasurer report together so we can establish a plan based on monies we have or will get. We need to keep better track of our expenses additionally because of the new grant. Ken moved we pay Duane for monthly website service and requested he submit a bill monthly and we will pay as we can; Betty seconded; motion carried with Duane abstaining.

Hometown Pride Days Review: We need to compile hours worked, out of pocket expenses, bakery donations, brochure time and printing. The question of value to us arose which was exposure. Carrie reconfirmed that we need to get a major project off the ground to gain exposure. Duane reported that he has initiated DIGILog which is a 5 minute program with video coverage.

Future Focus: Top three - Rain Garden, Lookout Park, Design Standards (rain garden, land use plan, design standards, Lookout Park, trails & paths, website, administration). The general consensus was that we need to get focused and move.

Matching funds campaign: non-profit contacts - Kay reported she had had no luck contacting non-profits. No calls were returned. Scheduling/time lines was discussed. Where do we get funds if the city council won't fund projects approved by the grant? We need to do more public recognition, be prepared for negative questions but don't initiate them. There was discussion on how to get the township involved. Ken suggested sending a letter to the supervisors requesting their valued input. Mark suggested a letter be brought to the supervisors requesting they designate a person to attend meetings. Motion was made and seconded by Kay, motion carried for Mark and Rita to attend and for Mark to initiate a letter with input from Duane.

Committee updates:

Social: Betty Johnson reported they are still having regular meetings. They are working with Ron Stuart who is new to Rural Stearns Faith in Action who has increased motivation. They continue to partner with Assumption Home and are contacting volunteers starting with churches. They are planning an October blitz to get more volunteers. They haven't heard about the grant request and have developed their brochures.

Arts & Culture: Mark reported the band played at Hometown Pride. Their director moved to Delano. The play has interfered with their practices. They are working to get the Hispanic population involved. They are talking about developing an historical society. Rita & Nadine say that grants might be available for that. They are looking at using local talent with the mosaic under new sign near city hall.

Tourism: Rita reported that both brochure racks have been received and they are in the process of getting more participation from local businesses to get brochures. They are in the process of acquiring signage for the Visitor Center.

Grant: Nadine reported that they will be meeting after this meeting.

Natural Resources: Questions were discussed relating to the rain gardens in Lions' park. Total grant-eligible cost estimated to be $750; $500 for project and $250 for hospitality. Needed is a timeline, information from Larry Lahr, consultant funds, need for city and township input, need must be explained. Discussion regarding city involvement to get questions answered sooner; getting on the council agenda monthly.

Design Standards: There was a meeting with city council where land use was discussed but not design standards. Only expense for consultant has been incurred at this time. Ken will have timelines for land us and design standards. He will contact Dave and determine who are members, active members, how many volunteers, financial obligation, need for IF funding.

Carrie said her role is to get us into the implementation mode, give us ideas on where to get funds for projects not appropriate for city funds. We need to develop a document that notes the project, dollars needed, individual donations, organization donations and where we might get the rest.

Misc: Lions meet on the first and third Wednesdays each month. It was suggested a call be made to the president to get on the agenda before we can get to the group.

Respectfully submitted,


Kay Cook

# posted by Duane Kuss @ 8:22 AM