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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-14 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING HELD AUGUST 13, 2014 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Sills called the regular meeting of the Community Grant Review Board to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Commission Conference Room at City Hall. Chairman Sills called for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENT: Chairman Sills, Vice - Chairman Carrington, and Member Dunn. Also present were Community Relations Manager Wright and Recording Clerk Turner. ABSENT: Member Henderson was absent /excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Regular meeting held on February 12, 2014. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to approve the minutes of the Community Grant Review Board Meeting held February 12, 2014. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to cap the initial grant recommendation to $300 as there are 19 organizations requesting grant money and only $6,000 budgeted for the program. Then, at the end of the meeting, reallocate any remaining monies up to $500 to the applicants. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Sills explained the board wishes to fund all the grants, but there are budget restraints that must be adhered to. Application No. 1 — Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida Edward DeAguilera attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to provide Ocoee residents with scholarships and materials for workshop presentations at the Florida State Down Syndrome Conference. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired the cost of attending the conference. Mr. DeAguilera explained that the sliding fee scale is from $50 -$150. The Vice - Chairman also inquired if the grant funds could be earmarked for Ocoee families. Mr. DeAguilera responded, "Yes ". He explained that all registrants must complete an application; this allows the organization to track the residency status of an applicant. The organization offers scholarships first to the underserved. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 2 — Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc. Karen Gowing attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to offset transportation costs for the homeless guests 1 y providing them with bus passes, bicycles, bike locks and bike lights. This will allow them to search for jobs and attend doctor's visits. Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Chairman Sills inquired if the organization is based in the City of Winter Garden. Ms. Gowing confirmed. Discussion ensued on homelessness and the homeless of Ocoee. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired if the bicycles and bicycle related items are retained by Matthew's Hope, or if they are permanently given to the recipient. Ms. Gowing explained they are given to the recipient. The recipient receives a bicycle after earing 100 points through the work program. Member Dunn inquired what type of work the recipients perform in order to earn points. Ms. Gowing explained they work in the community garden, take out the trash, renovate homes purchased by the organization for transitional families, mow the lawn of the church grounds, etc. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $300 to Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 3 — Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program JoAnne Houwers attended to represent the organization. She explained that this is a program to help support individuals with disabilities in attaining their full potential. Funding would be used for swimming lessons, barbeque and pool party for families, holiday party, and bowling night for families. Vice - Chairman Carrington noted that the organization's budget has increased for this year. Ms. Houwers explained that this is due to the celebration they will hold for the organization's 10 -year anniversary. Member Dunn, seconded by Vice - Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 4 — Bread of Life Fellowship, Inc. Mark Anthony attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to purchase diesel fuel to help keep their trucks on the road to pick up and deliver food to needy families in the local area. Mr. Anthony explained the organization assists many other organizations in the local area; they assist 11 counties total. Chairman Sills inquired if they continue to receive donations of food. Mr. Anthony confirmed and explained that the organization will soon receive a donated semi - truck. Member Dunn inquired how much of the food is actually purchased by the organization. Mr. Anthony stated less than five percent. Discussion ensued on the purchased and donated foods. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Bread of Life Fellowship, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 5 — Ocoee FFA Boosters Donna Sue Gable attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to purchase items to be raffled in order to raise funds for the "We Need a New Truck Benefit ". Ms. Gable explained the 2 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Ocoee FFA Boosters is non -profit organization that fundraises for the needs of the livestock fields of the Ocoee Middle School FFA. The funds would be used to help purchase a truck to transport the animals to the fair. Chairman Sills commended Ms. Gable for the thoroughness of her application. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired the date of the event. Ms. Gable explained that a date has not been set for the event. Board discussion ensued, and consensus was that Ms. Gable should apply for the next funding cycle as she will have a date in place for the event. Member Dunn, seconded by Vice - Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the grant funding of $300 to Ocoee FFA Boosters. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 6 — Barkie's Legacy Jennifer Bark attended to represent the organization. She explained that Barkie's Legacy is a large -breed dog rescue organization. Funding would be used to help offset the cost of dog food and treats, supplies, and crates for the animals. She continued by saying that the organization has been approved for a grant by Orange County for a spay /neuter program; she has chosen to designate the grant funds for Ocoee residents. Chairman Sills inquired how residents can reach her for more information regarding spaying or neutering their pets. She responded they can reach her by e -mail at barkieslegacy@yahoo.com. Member Dunn inquired about the rule to exclude feral cats from the new program. Ms. Bark explained that she does intend to relax the rule, but owned pets will always take priority. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $300 to Barkie's Legacy. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 7 — The Gift of Swimming Susan Polder attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used for two pre - qualified Ocoee children to receive swim scholarships. Each scholarship provides private swim lessons at the reduced rate of $15 per lesson; 34 swim lessons will be provided to deserving Ocoee residents. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant finding of $300 to the Gift of Swimming. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 8 — Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Lisa Murphy attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used for the community event hosted at Lake Meadow Naturals Farm. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired what the grant funds would be used for. Ms. Murphy's response was inaudible. 3 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Vice - Chairman Carrington stated that he loves the event; however, the vision and goal of the grant program is to benefit the community and for the betterment of the lives of the residents. He does not think that this event is in line with the vision and goal of the grant program. Vice- Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the grant funding of $500 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 9 — Rotary Club of Ocoee City of Ocoee Police Chief Brown attended to represent the organization. The funds will be used to purchase a dictionary for every 3 grade student enrolled in Ocoee elementary schools. The Club has a strong focus on education: 100% of donations, and funds raised go hack into the community. The cost to purchase the dictionaries is approximately $1,200 - $1,400. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Rotary Club of Ocoee. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 10 — Ocoee Elementary School Clean Up Club 1 Karen Castle attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to help purchase butterfly bushes, and landscape plants and trees for the new Ocoee Elementary School. Ms. Castle explained that the new school carnpus lacks many of the gardens the old school had. Vice- Chairman Carrington noted that the itemized cost estimate for the project is $400; however, the grant request is for $500. Ms. Castle explained that it must have been an oversight, and she is only requesting the grant money to cover the itemized cost. Ms. Castle explained that she and two other teachers established the Clean Up Club approximately 20 years ago; the club focuses on the beautification of the school campus, recycling, and cleaning up the carnpus. Member Dunn inquired where the existing plants on the campus came from. Ms. Castle explained that most of the plants came with the new school package. She also intends to apply for a grant with the city of Orlando, hut the funds are not a guarantee, Chairman Sills inquired if students are also members of the club. Ms. Castle confirmed that they are. Member Dunn stated that she is hesitant to award the grant as the club will receive funds from other sources. Ms. Castle explained that the funds have not been guaranteed. Member Dunn, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny grant funding of $500 to the Ocoee Elementary School Clean Up Club. Motion carried unanimously. 4 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Application No. 11 — Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Kay Cappleman, Director, attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to help underwrite the expenses associated with school education programs. She continued by saying that the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation provides education programs to three Ocoee elementary schools. Vice - Chairman Carrington asked that Ms. Cappleman provide a brief history of the programs to be funded. Ms. Capplemen explained the programs follow grade -level expectations and are in line with the Core Curriculum standards. The Vice - Chairman inquired what specifically the grant money would be targeted for. Ms. Cappleman responded that it would help underwrite the programs used in Ocoee elementary schools. Member Dunn stated that she is not very clear on how the grant funds will be allocated. Ms. Cappleman explained that the funds would be used to help underwrite the expenses of the education programs that are offered to Ocoee elementary schools. Vice - Chairman Carrington suggested restricting the use of funds to Ocoee elementary schools only. Ms. Cappleman was agreeable. Vice - Chairman Carrington moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $300 to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation with the expressed restriction that it be used to offset costs of the educational programs in the Ocoee Schools. Motion died due to lack of a second. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny grant funding of $300 to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 12 — BSA Troop 198 — Victory Baptist Church Colleen Salisbury, Scout Master, attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to refurbish and refinish six canoes donated to the troop. Chairman Sills requested Ms. Salisbury offer a brief summary of activities that the troop is involved in. Ms. Salisbury explained that the troop is very active in the community; they perform at least one community service activity per month. They also volunteer at the turkey shoot [Ocoee Lions Club], Bread of Life, etc. She continued by saying the canoes will be used to help clean up the local lakes of debris. Member Dunn, seconded by Vice - Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $300 to the BSA Troop 198 — Victory Baptist Church. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 13 — St. Vincent De Paul Resurrection Church Tony Calabro, President, attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to help supply local residents with food, pay utility bills and rent, and provide a free medical bus for parishioners. Mr. Calabro explained that the organization assisted approximately 124 Ocoee residents with $7,393 and furniture. 5 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Chairman Sills confirmed that the organization aided Ocoee residents with $7,393. Mr. Calabro confirmed and stated the records are on file. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired how the funds, if granted, would be earmarked for Ocoee residents. Mr. Calabro explained that residency information is confirmed through the application process. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to St. Vincent De Paul Resurrection Church. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 14 — Ocoee Lions Club Steven Van Varick attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to provide eye exams, hearing exams, eyeglasses and hearing aids to individuals within the community. Member Dunn inquired how residents become informed of the program. Mr. VanVarick explained that it is mostly through referrals. Chairman Sills stated for the record, he is a member of the Ocoee Lions Club. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Ocoee Lions Club. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 15 — GFWC Woman's Club of Ocoee Jackie Titus attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used for the Creative Expressions School program for seven schools in the Ocoee area. She further explained that the Club aids the local schools by offering each school $500 to go towards different projects. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the GFWC Woman's Club of Ocoee. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 17 — Saving Young Hearts, Inc. Martha Lopez- Anderson attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to provide heart screenings to youths 6 to 18 years -old. Ms. Lopez- Anderson stated their focus is to provide prevention through heart screenings for early detection of heart conditions. She also informed the board of the upcoming event scheduled for September 13, 2014, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center. Heart screenings will be offered to youths 6 -18 years old. Member Dunn, seconded by Vice - Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to Saving Young Hearts, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. 6 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Application No. 16 — Ocoee Cardinals Baseball Club Trent Hopper attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to purchase uniforms and equipment. Mr. Hopper explained this is a travelling team that has been in existence for one year. The program offers local children the opportunity to play baseball at a low cost. The board noted the letter of support and the non - profit status were not included with the application. Mr. Hopper stated he will send the information to Staff Liaison - Wright. Vice - Chairman Carrington inquired the fee structure. Mr. Hopper explained the parents pay for all associated fees. The organization tries to keep the dues low so that all children can be involved. Member Dunn inquired the selection process of the players. Mr. Hopper stated that at this time, a selection process is not in place because it has not been needed. Member Dunn requested information regarding how the team evolved. Mr. Hopper explained that parents came together with the common interest of wanting their children to play baseball; the organization is formed by the parents of the players. Vice - Chairman Carrington moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $300 to the Ocoee Cardinals Baseball Club provided the letter of support and proof of non- profit status is received by the City. Motion died due to lack of a second. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the grant funding of $500 to the Ocoee Cardinals Baseball. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 18 — Christian Service Center for Central Florida, Inc. Mary Lee Walker attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used for equipment maintenance for all major appliances. Ms. Walker informed the board that the Christian Service Center serves six meals per week, and to date, has served four million meals. Vice- Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Christian Service Center. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 19 — Ocoee High School Athletic Department Steve McHale attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to help purchase uniforms, paying officials, and with the facilities. The school would like to bridge the years between the original high school [Cardinals] and the new high school [Knights]. Originally, the school colors were red and white, and they would like to honor the school's history by purchasing named pavers, plaques, and displaying the old Cardinals colors. Mr. McHale provided Ms. Wright with the missing letter of support. Vice - Chairman Carrington opined that he does not feel as though the application fits within the scope of the grant program. Member Dunn added that the applicant's itemized cost is so broad that she is unsure where the grant funds would be going to. 7 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the ,grant funding of $500 to the Ocoee High School Athletic Department. Motion carried unanimously. COMMENTS The board offered to reallocate the remainder of the funds to the following organizations, and provided the following amendments to previous motions. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Bread of Life Fellowship, Inc., and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice- Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc., and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to BSA Troop 198 — Victory Baptist Church, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Rotary Club of Ocoee, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice- Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Ocoee Lions Club, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to Saving Young Hearts, Inc., and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Christian Service Center of Central Florida, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to Barkie's Legacy, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Gift of Swimming, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. 8 Community Grant Review Board August 13, 2014 Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to St. Vincent DePaul Resurrection Church, and increase the grant funding to the requested $500. Motion carried unanimously. Vice - Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to amend the initial recommendation that the City Commission award the grant funding of $300 to the Autism and Related Disabilities Gym Program, and increase the grant funding to the requested $400. Motion carried unanimously. Staff - Liaison Wright informed the board that the recommendations will tentatively be presented at the September 16, 2014, Commission Meeting. The board requested she send a notification of the meeting date. Member Dunn inquired if the board could request the applicants to be more specific with what the funds will be used for. Vice - Chairman Carrington suggested the board set aside time at the next meeting to formulate an application guideline or checklist. The Chairman agreed. ADJOURNMENT at 9:13 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: Diana Turner, Recording Secretary (1 Sills, C iairman 9