Community gets close look at process to bring Y here

Members of a community commission looking at possibly bringing a YMCA to Mountain Home received an in-depth look at the process needed to bring these types of programs here during a town hall meeting Sept. 16.

Hosted by the Treasure Valley YMCA and open to the public, the briefing served as an orientation for members of the Community Leadership Development Committee, which heads up this decision-making process.

The CLDC formed earlier this year following meetings between the Western Elmore County Recreation District and YMCA. The recreation district contracted the Treasure Valley organization to study the need for bringing various fitness and healthy living programs to Mountain Home and if it's financially feasible to implement them here.

The CLDC, which works directly with the YMCA as part of this decision-making process, includes 17 members as well as a liaison from the county recreation district.

After a recent meeting held by Mayor Tom Rist several weeks ago, "it was obvious that there were folks (with the CLDC) that did not understand the entire process," said committee co-chairman Alan Bermensolo. Inviting the public to the meeting allowed local residents to understand the complexities associated with starting up a YMCA here. During previous public meetings, recreation district officials said they will abide by any recommendations the committee makes.

See the Mountain Home News for the complete story.