Emily Marshall, director of the Cook County Community YMCA, presented the Y’s annual update and “road map” for 2016 to Grand Marais city council Feb. 24.
It was mostly good news, as Marshall reported there were 88,000 visits to the YMCA in 2015, which includes 6,874 out-of-town visitors. Additionally, there are 1,648 year-round members; 346 members who participated in a program (163 of whom are community members); there were 245 daily visits (average); and 80 youths were served in out-of-school-time programs.
But because membership of 1,648 year-round members is quadruple what was initially projected, Marshall said the Y is outgrowing its space (particularly that used for child care and in the locker rooms), thus creating an emphasis on a facility long-range plan.
So looking ahead, Marshall said the YMCA board’s top three priorities for 2016 are to develop a comprehensive building services, maintenance and long-range facility plan; work to increase and improve child care services and programs; and increase member retention (now at 83 percent).
Financially, Marshall said the YMCA’s approximate $800,000 budget is comprised of $100,000 contributions each (or 12 percent) from the city and county; 7 percent contributions and grants; 5 percent Community Education; and 54 percent from program and membership fees. Expense distribution shows 56 percent in staff expenses; 12 percent for administration; 21 percent for occupancy fees; 2 percent for marketing and communications; and 9 percent used for program supplies.
And in response to budget questions from council, Marshall said the YMCA finished the year well within its means, and in fact had about $5,000 left from the city and county contributions; the $194,000 government subsidy used was under what was budgeted.
“The YMCA’s reach is wide, and it’s a great investment of your $100,000,” said Marshall. “It’s a great relationship!”
In other business:
. Councilor and North Woods Food Project liaison David Mills presented the results of the “Green Dollar Survey,” which is designed to gauge the impact of local food production and sales on the economy. The study found, among other things, that 38 percent of Cook County’s gross sales ($207 million) are tied in some way to food and/or food production; $15.1 million is estimated to be food sales to year-round households with the remainder tourism-related; and local producers reported selling $513,740 worth of products in the county. Mills said the survey also found that there is a definite interest among local businesses to purchase more of their food products/ ingredients from within the county, if they were available, and that is one area in which the Food Project is working. The complete results of the Green Dollar Survey are available from Diane Booth at the Community Center.
. Mills also spoke as a representative for the broadband commission, asking council’s approval to begin conversion work of the old Visitor’s Bureau space in City Hall into a new co-location working area. Council has already approved the basics for the pilot project, and gave the go-ahead for the prep work to begin, but also asked to see a more detailed “rules of operation” and lease agreement from the commission before the facility is open to the public.
. At the request of Art ’Round Town, council will act as the fiscal agent for a $4,000 grant application from the Community Foundation. The funds will be used to create 80 (20 for each season) locally produced canvas light pole banners to be displayed downtown throughout the year. The city has already agreed to store and hang the banners.
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