Chairman of the Board of the Directors Bob Sobeck and
Executive Director Traci Keppel for the YMCA attended the meeting to discuss a
corporate partnership between Allegany County and the YMCA. Mr. Sobeck started
out by giving some history of the Wellsville YMCA, stating this is their fourth
year at this location and previously it was the Town of Wellsville Recreation
Department. Mr. Sobeck went on to say at that time four years ago, the Town
Supervisor met with branch executive director Jeff Elvery and decided to form a
partnership with Wellsville that allowed the YMCA to take over the Town of
Wellsville Recreation Department. This partnership has saved the Town of
Wellsville significant amounts of money because at the time the budget for the
Recreation Department was $300,000, and they now only give the YMCA $25,000 per
year to run it. Mr. Sobeck added it shows the YMCA’s good will and that’s what
they want to bring to the table; start small with a corporate partnership and
see what possibilities there are down the road. Ms. Keppel stated what they are
proposing is the County put $10 towards employee’s monthly membership and in
return the YMCA will put $10 towards employee’s monthly membership saving County
employees $20 off their monthly memberships. Currently County employees can
show the YMCA a voucher showing they work for the County, and they receive $5
off a monthly membership. This current plan is of no cost to the County; it is
a benefit the YMCA provides. Ms. Keppel stated they have 37 corporate
partnerships, Jones Memorial Hospital being their biggest, who have stated they
have seen a significant increase in their employee’s attitudes and health. Ms.
Keppel went on to say the County will have a return on investment just by
seeing a decrease in depressed employees, employees taking time off, and an
increase in their wellness and productivity at the workplace. Ms. Keppel
continued that they also have a partnership with Alfred State College that allows
them to use their gym on River Road, known as the Pioneer Student Union, and
after receiving a large donation from Charlie Joyce, they are now able to
expand into the RadioShack which allows them to offer more functional fitness,
programs for all ages, and will also help to make improvements at Alfred State
College. Personnel Committee Chairman Tim O’Grady asked what the cost of a
monthly membership is. Ms. Keppel stated it depends on which type you choose,
but it ranges from $40 per month for a young adult to $75 per month for a
family membership. Ms. Keppel stated currently there are 20 to 30 County
employees that provide the voucher to receive $5 off their monthly membership,
and they would love to see that number increase. Mr. Sobeck added that an important
thing to remember is they are more than just a gym, and have so many additional
programs and benefits than just working out at the gym. County Clerk Rob
Christman asked if this partnership will include County retirees. Ms. Keppel
stated it will be for current employees, but that is something they can look
into, adding it is all in what the County wants to pay. Legislator Healy asked
if this is fair to all County employees to only partner with the Wellsville
YMCA when we have employees that live in different areas. Committee Chairman
Tim O’Grady stated once you have a membership with the YMCA you can use at any
of the locations. Committee Chairman O’Grady stated they will take everything
under advisement, discuss where the money would come from, and go from there.
