Skate Park Meeting Minutes
3-6-08
Nyssa Council Chambers 

Attending: Chris Thompson, Debbie Thompson, Manuel “Bubba” Valero, Vonda Valero, Lisa Ortega, Nick Contreras, Marcus Valero, Ray Ortega, Linda Aman and Mayor Sue Walker.

Yard Sale Space: Lisa Ortega reported that Sheila Simpson will donate a large storage space for the next several months, to be used as storage for a summer skatepark fundraiser. Lisa will oversee the yard sale effort, receiving and pricing items as they arrive, finding volunteers to help and holding the yard sale. Each family is asked to solicit six families for contributions, offering to pick up the donations.

Grindline Proposal: Chris Ragus was unable to attend, but had previously provided a proposal from Grindline to develop the initial design and perform the geo-research. The estimate was over $5,000. After a great deal of discussion, it was decided we could get the same information in other ways and develop our own photo presentation to use for fundraising.

Additional Suggestions:

• Vonda Valero will investigate using the Walmart hotdog concession as a fundraiser. She will ask if we can also sell suckers and baked goods from their location. (Debbie and Mae Thompson will make the suckers; Mayor Walker will contribute baked goods.)
• Mayor Walker emphasized the importance of signage/banners as a way to engage the community in the park effort.
• Linda Aman will ask the banks for their community donation lists and see if they will consider donating.
• Linda encouraged the group to use another mass mailing to raise funds: send letters to businesses, solicit donations from Nyssa High School alumni, etc.

Oregon Parks Grant Workshop: Debbie Thompson attended the workshop in Pendleton, even though we will not submit a grant this year. Nyssa can apply for up to $750,000. This is the first year that match money is determined by population: Nyssa’s match will be only 10%, which can be raised with other grants. The city must have a formal park master plan to submit with the grant application, and all projects must be ADA. Our most immediate problem will be cashflow – used to pay for services as they are performed (grants generally reimburse rather than paying ahead).

On March 11 th Debbie will ask the City Council’s permission to begin constructing a grant application that can be sent to many different grantors with minimal adjustments. She will also seek approval of a draft brochure.

The next meeting will be Thursday, April 10 th at 6:30. Bring friends!