Attendees included: Mike Jacks, Brian Goodwin, Mary Linebarger, Tara Martin, Helen Elsmore, Scott Green, Gladys Caddy, Joe Martin, Tria Bullard, Misty Mastin, Patrick Grimsley, Nolan Young, Doug Sawyer, Peggy Wolfe, and Sherry Call.

Brian Goodwin reported about a window of opportunity that presented itself allowing him to initiate a conversation with the National Guard about the acquisition of their manpower/money/expertise in the building of the Youth Center. He described a 20,000 square foot steel building in the range of $750,000. The representative that he talked with perused the property and found, what they perceived to be, a mostly level lot with a concrete slab that could be used saving as much as $200,000 of the total cost. The National Guard does not do plumbing or electrical, but most everything else would be conceivable. The projected date for the project was discussed as the summer of 2008.

When this was then discussed with Dan Erickson, Brian reported Dan as having said that if the National Guard commits to the project it would certainly help to make it happen.

Nolan Young asked about staffing and maintenance of the building once built and whether this was typical of a Boys and Girls Club. Misty Mastin indicated that, in fact, it is the preferred model for Boys and Girls Club to own their own building and it is in keeping with their usual policy to share that facility, then, with other agencies, clubs.

Mary Linebarger said that she had contacted a local architect who indicated that he would be willing to draw up plans and donate 30% of the cost.

Joe Martin expressed concern for the immediate deadline (November 20th) and a sense that in meeting it we would be submitting an inadequately prepared request. Brian seemed to think that we are doing OK with our preparation, at this point, and we need to just keep moving forward.

Mike Jacks relayed his belief that we are in a very favorable position right now to be supported with Federal money, with The Dalles Armory in the process of moving and a few other elements that have put us into the limelight recently.

Brian indicated that the first application is only a couple of pages long and then there is a much longer environmental study that needs to be completed. Joe said that the National Guard had completed two environmental studies fairly recently when they were considering that location for the Armory and they could probably be used for this purpose.

There was general agreement for the need to have a well thought out master plan that is correctly completed early on so that a "phase" approach can be implemented.

Joe distributed and discussed the results of the strategic planning session, held on November 3rd, which prioritized the next steps that need to be taken. He asked Nolan about the feasibility of obtaining a long-term commitment from the city for the property. Nolan thought the prospects would be good, particularly with the National Guard application going in.

In the meantime, Joe reported that the intent to meet the immediate needs of the youth in our community will continue with a temporary youth center at Chenowith Middle School. And toward that end, the Lunch to Launch is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13th with vision casting and an opportunity to begin soliciting funds as a goal.

Doug Sawyer reiterated that the key is accomplishing Phase I of the Youth Center and by doing so, Phase II becomes much more feasible to compete for matching funds and other grant money.

The next meeting will be held at Spooky's on December 1st, at noon.