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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-4 Staff Report - Finding of Public Benefit - GHS JROTC Staff ReportSpecial Assistance Program November 15, 2021 Page 1 CONSENT ITEM E-4 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER FROM: NICO DE ANDA-SCAIA, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2021 SUBJECT: FINDING OF PUBLIC BENEFIT AND APPROVAL OF SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION AND FUND DISBURSEMENT ON BEHALF OF GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR ROTC PROGRAM BACKGROUND: The City’s Special Assistance Program was established to support local community-based organizations, non-profits and campus-recognized clubs that serve a public benefit to the community at-large. The Program has a complete set of guidelines and criteria for awarding financial assistance to organizations in the form of small donations that encourage enrichment programs and opportunities for Azusa residents. The City receives funds for this program each year from the sale of ‘Safe and Sane Fireworks’, as each participating community and non-profit organization engaged in fireworks booth sales donates $250 as part of their vendor application. The proposed action will approve a Special Assistance Program application for expenditures in the amount of $200 to the Gladstone High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Program in order to help offset costs associated with student field trips and equipment used for conducting color guards and other service activities. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1)Approve $200 of Special Assistance funds to the Gladstone High School Junior ROTC Program for associated expenses related to student field trips and equipment used for conducting color guards and other service activities; and APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 11/15/2021 Special Assistance Program November 15, 2021 Page 2 2)Make a finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items. ANALYSIS: Community groups and organizations often request funding assistance from the City for special programs or services they provide to the community. The Special Assistance Program was designed for community groups and organizations dedicated to providing educational enrichment opportunities to Azusa youth in an effort to create skilled and capable individuals in a variety of disciplines, and to financially assist community groups and organizations in developing programs diversifying experiences for the community or seeking participation in educational programs. Eligible community groups and organizations can apply for funding of up to $200. The City received a request for $200 from the Gladstone High School Junior ROTC program to offset costs associated with student field trips and special equipment needed to conduct color guards and other activities in the service of the local community. The program benefits participants by providing diverse learning and leadership-building experiences outside of the classroom through educational field trips and various community service activities. The program also highlights as its mission the importance of preparing youth to become college and career ready, and program alumni and parents are involved similarly in these efforts. Staff recommends approval of the application and an expenditure in the amount of $200 in accordance with Special Assistance Program guidelines. These actions approve a finding of public benefit and recommended expenditure of $200 to the Gladstone High School Junior ROTC Program. FISCAL IMPACT: A trust account (50-08-000-141-2718) was established to administer donations that the City receives from non-profit and community-based organizations engaged in annual sales of ‘safe and sane fireworks’. The donations received in this trust account are specifically reserved for funding requests from the Special Assistance Program. The current available balance on the stated account is $29,882.08 and upon Council approval, Staff will appropriate $200 from this account for the recommended action. Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved: Nico De Anda-Scaia Sergio Gonzalez Deputy City Manager City Manager Attachments: 1) Application from Gladstone High School Junior ROTC Program Attachment 1