Meeting Notes

Meeting Minutes: Revitalize Delton Community Town Hall

Date: Monday, May 22nd, 2023

Time: 6:00pm

Location: DKHS LGI

Attendees: Approximately 44 individuals

Opening Statements: The goal of the meeting is to gather community input and involvement. It was

acknowledged that the town had been regressing, despite some positive developments. Stakeholders

were brought together to initiate a plan for cohesive progress. Townhall being held to include all

community members in this growth and change opportunity.

Updates on Current Initiatives:

• DKEF has endowed 4.4 million for scholarships and classroom grants at the school.
• The school has employed a marketing team to improve its branding and progress.
• Townships are actively working towards new goals.
• Barry County Chamber of Commerce and BCF present, discussed “Heart and Soul Program”
• Southwest Barry County Sewer has purchased land.

Update from Jerry McCoy: Forming a community association as a non-profit. Specific goals include

housing, student enrollment recruitment, economic growth, and increased tourism in Delton.

Update from Pat Buckland: Proposal to establish a downtown development authority. Aims to keep tax

dollars at the township level rather than being diverted to the county level. No increase in taxes, only a

change in distribution upon appreciation of businesses within the DDA map.

Update from Jim Stoneburner: Chairman of Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority. They are working

on purchasing 115 acres of land in Delton. Northernmost 25 acres to be utilized for housing. The Board's

goal is to have homes on the property within 4 years. Willing to utilize more property for housing in the

future.

Update from Barry Bowers: Permit from the state is being obtained, estimated to take 2 weeks to 2

months. Goal is to have the water tower up and running by spring at the latest. Upcoming events:

Bluegrass on June 10th (proceeds go to help the VFW), Founders Festival (50th year).

Questions and Community Input:

1. 1"Now that you know we are here tonight, what do you enjoy most about Delton?"
   1. Responses included:
      1. Tight-knit community and support.
      2. Can-do attitude.
      3. Familiarity and recognition.
      4. Proximity to town and abundance of lakes.
      5. Excellent school system.
      6. Mutual success between the school and the town.
2. "Do you know of someone who wanted to come here and couldn’t, or someone who left, and why?"
   1. Responses included:
      1. Lack of housing availability.
      2. Need for advertisement of existing senior housing.
      3. Importance of faster internet speeds to attract remote workers.
      4. Educators leaving due to inadequate pay compared to local schools.
      5. Lack of childcare options.
3. "Where did everyone go? What changed? What led to the drop in enrollment? What kept people here, and then changed?
   1. Majority of classmates who left haven’t returned due to lack of activities and resources for youth.
   2. Suggestions for improvement:
      1. Establishment of a community center and youth mentorship program.
      2. Focusing on middle school students and developing a mentorship program.
      3. Launch of a new school website in June, featuring community highlights and an app.
      4. Enhancing branding efforts and showcasing achievements.
      5. Encouraging Delton students to attend MCTI (Barry ISD responsible for coordination).

Discussion on Becoming a Destination Community:

• Suggestions included:
  • Launching a branding campaign.
  • Highlighting the school's current accomplishments.
  • Establishing boutiques for lake community shopping.
  • Conducting town clean-up initiatives.
  • Improving on-street parking and street lighting.
  • Developing accommodations for visitors.
  • Promoting existing rental options like Scrapaloo.
  • Establishing a community center and farmers market.
  • Implementing wayfinding signage to enhance community branding.
  • Enhancing walking infrastructure.
  • Reopening the gym for community use, seeking guidance from neighboring communities.
  • Jennifer from Barry County of Commerce discussed grants for expanding broadband.
  • Annie from BCF highlighted the Community Heart and Soul program, which funds organization and communication efforts.

Ideas for Moving Forward:

• Committees to be formed:
• Community Relations
• Housing and Infrastructure
• Economic Development

Next Meeting:

• Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 at 6:30pm, location TBD
• Reminder to include the Community Heart and Soul project in the agenda.
• Highlighted other upcoming meetings in Barry County for housing and broadband.
• Emphasis on ensuring involvement of key stakeholders and identifying any missing participants.
• Marsha emphasized that the community needs to take ownership of the revitalization process.