Plans for a YMCA sattelite are progressing.
During Tuesday's regular meeting of the Youngsville Borough Council, members discussed a branch Warren County YMCA at the old Island Park borough building. Thad Turner, Warren County YMCA executive director, addressed council.
For two years, Turner has been in talks with Todd Mineweaser, the police chief for the borough. His children spend time at the YMCA at Warren, but both men believe Youngsville also needs similar activity.
They've been making progress and hope to use the former borough building. Although Turner can't be sure what activities would be part of the Youngsville outlet, he has spoken with his staff about implementing the Kids Be Fit program which has proven popular in Warren.
The YMCA has spinning bikes which are ready to go. For any facility, Turner said, it's important to have quality equipment and quality staff.
Any branch would cater to a broad range of people, Turner said, and involve teenagers. That age group has proven more difficult to get involved at the Warren YMCA.
Pam Olewine, council member, said they would have to get the building ready. It has had a mold problem, Turner said, but there has been work done to strip it out.
"We'll be ready to move on it any time you tell us it's a go," Turner said. "We want to be part of the community."
In addition, Turner said the YMCA has been in talks with Sheffield. A possible site there would be the Ruth M. Smith Center.
Council member Rob Olson said they would like a commitment before getting the building ready. At the YMCA board level, Turner said they have been talking about the project for a while.
Both Mineweaser and Turner have gone over some other potential buildings in Youngsville. If the board needs something in writing, Turner said he could provide that.
A branch would have to be staffed, Turner said, even though he knows some health clubs don't always have staff. This would make him uncomfortable from a liability standpoint and he wouldn't just put a keypad on the door.
When the facility is open, Turner said someone will have to be there. Steve Morris, council member, said they had first talked about just having classes there so it wouldn't be open for long blocks of time.
Typically, Turner said there are larger crowds during the morning, lunchtime and after work. Eventually, it would be more than just a fitness place.
"There's so much more," Turner said. "I want the whole YMCA idea."
Council approved $2,500 for cleanup costs at the former borough building. Much of the labor costs to improve the building will be free, Morris said, as there are many volunteers to help with the project.
In other busines, council set the times for trick or treating. It will take place in the borough from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Members planned to hold their next meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8 in the current borough building.