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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2016 Minutes 4.04, MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING O c o e e FEBRUARY 10,2016 florida CALL TO ORDER 7:01 pm 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, Member Cortes, Member Dunn and Member Rainer. Also present were Community Relations Manager Wright and Recording Clerk Heard. ABSENT: Vice-Chairman Carrington. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—Regular meeting held on August 13, 2015. Member Dunn,seconded by Member Rainer, moved to approve the minutes of the Community Grant Review Board Meeting held August 13, 2015. Motion carried unanimously. 7:03 pm Application No. 1 —West Orange Seniors 7:04 pm Wendell Singrey, president, attended to represent the organization. He explained this is a senior organization that has been in Ocoee for over 35 years. The organization strives to make life easier for retired residents. Mr. Singrey explained the organization puts on a movie once a month at the City's park and recreation center where they use the City's popcorn machine, and he further stated the grant fund will go towards buying their own popcorn machine to provide popcorn at the movie and many other functions the organization puts on. Member Rainer, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to the West Orange Seniors. The motion carried unanimously. Application No. 2—Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program 7:07 pm JoAnne Houwers attended to represent the organization. She explained this is for their swim program, which has been ongoing for the last 17 years. She further stated other events that this organization puts together such as bowling, prom, holiday parties, airheads, and park events. She indicated that they do not charge for any events, and the organization is all made up of volunteers. She mentioned they get most of their members from Nathaniel's Hope. This grant, if awarded, is going to offset the 15 to 20 swimming lessons and gifts for the holiday party. The swimming lessons are taken at the Jim Beech Center with the lifeguards. Member Rainer, seconded by Member Cortes, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of$500 to the Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program. Motion carried unanimously. 7:10 pm Community Grant Review Board February 10,2016 Application No. 3—Xodus Prison Ministry 7:10 pm Ed Du Bosq, president, and Theresa Rosenberg, secretary/treasurer, attended to represent the organization. Mr. Du Bosq explained that the organization holds a three-day workshop for prisoners who are scheduled to be released within a year. Each workshop costs around $1,200 and consists of a presentation on forgiveness, being a better husband/father, money management, lifestyle skills and preparing them for life outside of prison. The workshops are given twice a year from a Thursday night to Saturday at the Lake Correctional Institution. Thirty-nine of the 41 prisoners released last year who attended the workshop have not reoffended. Chairman Sills informed the applicant that the grant program is for the citizens of Ocoee and the nonprofit organizations within the city; and further, stated this program does not help the citizens of Ocoee. Ms. Rosenberg indicated that Lake Correctional Institution is a state prison. Chairman Sills reiterated that the grant funds are to help the citizens of Ocoee, and there would be no way to guarantee that a citizen of Ocoee would be in the workshop. Mr. Du Bosq advised the Board that many inmates try to stay at a prison near their home so their family can visit; and moreover, when released, relocate to cities close by, and one of those is the City of Ocoee. Chairman Sills,seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the grant funding of$500 to Xodus Prison Ministry. Motion carried unanimously. 7:18 pm Application No. 4—American Legion, Tommie Sanders,Post 109 7:19 pm Bob Godek, Vice Commander, and Terry Titus, Adjutant, attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to send boys to Boys State along with awards given to Ocoee High School ROTC, and awards given to five elementary schools. Member Rainer, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of$500 to the American Legion, Tommie Sanders, Post 109. Motion carried unanimously. 7:22 pm Application No. 5—HAPCO Music Foundation, Inc. 7:24 pm Joseph McMullen attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to market and facilitate the program, which engages kids in the musical arts by hosting clinics, festivals, concerts, classes, partnering with after-school programs along with a jazz festival at Ocoee High School. Currently there are 3,000 kids involved with 500 from the City of Ocoee. Member Cortes stated that Wycliffe Gordon performed just last weekend, February 6, 2016, at Ocoee High School for their HAPCO Jazz Fest. Mr. McMullen replied Mr. Gordon has performed for them two years in a row, and the next is scheduled for February 4, 2017. Member Dunn, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to HAPCO Music Foundation, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. 7:33 pm 2 Community Grant Review Board February 10,2016 Application No. 6—Bread of Life Fellowship, Inc. 7:34 pm Mark Anthony attended to represent the organization. He stated that 2.3 million pounds of food were distributed last year to serve 112,000 families, which 45,575 were Ocoee residents. Currently 14 residents from Ocoee volunteer weekly. Last year Food for Families assisted 2,525 families, and 40 percent were from Ocoee. Chairman Sills commented on what an excellent program this is. Chairman Sills, seconded by Member Cortes, moved to recommend that the City Commission award the grant funding of$500 to the Bread of Life Fellowship, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. 7:36 pm Application No. 7—Camp Boggy Creek 7:37 pm Wendy Proctor, Major Gift Officer, attended to represent the organization. She stated the camp is 20 years old this year and has impacted over 70,000 children with illnesses. They serve 15 different illness groups affecting children. The camp includes a variety of events for children such as horseback riding, swimming, crafts, a gymnasium and much more. The past two years there were three children that attended this camp that were from Ocoee. This grant will be used to send one child from Ocoee to camp for one day. Chairman Sills inquired if this is a special needs camp. Ms. Proctor clarified that this is not special needs, and that it is a camp for 15 different illness groups. She also informed the Board about their family retreat weekends, which occur from September through April. Member Rainer asked if there is a child from Ocoee registered already or going to be registered for this summer. Ms. Proctor indicated that they are accepting applications now for the summer camp, and she does not have that information as of yet. Member Cortes inquired of the costs of the camp. Ms. Proctor said that they fundraise $2,500 for a week of summer camp and $2,000 for a family retreat weekend. Member Dunn is concerned about making sure that the child is from Ocoee, as per the guidelines. Ms. Proctor indicated they can, but it may take a while and requested the Board to give a time stipulation. Member Dunn suggested deferring this item to the end. (The Board deferred this item to the end.) Application No. 8—Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc. 7:49 pm Cindy Underwood attended to represent the organization. Ms. Underwood explained the organization, which is a homeless outreach located in Winter Garden that serves primarily Ocoee, Winter Garden and Oakland. They provide basic services for the homeless, have 15 transitional homes, a Montessori preschool called Firm Foundations, which serves the homeless and the underserved and currently has 23 students. Funding would be used to purchase lights for bicycles. Chairman Sills inquired how the organization knows that the individuals are indeed homeless and not just trying to receive a free bike. Ms. Underwood explained the program in more detail, which is called the Effort Points Program and based on the Stages of Change Theory. Member Dunn, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. 7:53 pm 3 Community Grant Review Board February 10,2016 Application No. 9—Barkie's Legacy 7:54 pm Jennifer Bark attended to represent the organization. She explained that Barkie's Legacy is a dog rescue organization. Funding would be used to help offset the costs of dog food, treats, supplies and crates for the dogs. Member Cortes asked what the organization has done within the last year. Ms. Bark indicated over the.past year their rescue efforts have expanded to Miami Dade, and local veterinarians are asking for their assistance in placing the dogs. Chairman Sills asked if they get phone calls to pick up the dogs. Ms. Bark responded that sometimes they get phone calls, and indicated they try their best to stay away from owner surrenders and instead educate the dog owners on pet responsibilities. She explained that Barkie's Legacy primarily steps in at the shelter on their last day. Member Cortes, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to Barkie's Legacy. Motion carried unanimously. 8:02 pm Application No. 10—Indian Horizon of Florida 8:03 pm Harendra Singh (Hari), President, attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to promote Indian cultural programs within the City of Ocoee and certain festivals such as Holy Festival. Member Cortes asked what other types of fundraising the organization is undergoing. Mr. Singh indicated a concert is being planned, contributions from local businesses. He indicated this year the festival is planned to be at the big field off of Maguire. Member Rainer inquired if he has been involved with the City's Human Relations Diversity Board and their festivals. Mr. Singh answered in the affirmative and indicated he is planning on joining the board again sometime in the future. Member Cortes asked what the Holy Festival is. Mr. Singh explained it's an Indian festival of spring, which is celebrated around the world, and this is their 15th year in Orlando, but this event would be their first Holy Festival in Ocoee. Member Cortes asked how they will market this into the City of Ocoee. Mr. Singh explained that it's already on the interne and emails have been sent, the newspaper and Channel 13 will publish it. Chairman Sills inquired how this will benefit the citizens of Ocoee. Mr. Singh said they will all go and have fun; and further, said the police officers, portable restrooms, dumpsters and more will all be hired for the festival. Chairman Sills asked about the location and indicated permits need to be pulled. Mr. Singh responded that they have already applied for the permits. Member Dunn said she likes the cultural aspect of this festival, but does not want to tie up $500 worth of grant money in the off chance that the festival does not go forward. Member Dunn, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny the grant funding of$500 to the Indian Horizon of Florida. Motion carried unanimously. 8:20 pm 4 Community Grant Review Board February 10,2016 Application No. 11 —Junior Achievement of Central Florida 8:22 pm Kathy Keene attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to deliver the programs at Ocoee Elementary School. The program is designed to instill financial literacy, work • readiness and entrepreneurship skills in the youth of Central Florida. This organization is delivered by community volunteers. She explained this coming year they are increasing the classroom time in Ocoee schools as follows; 20 classrooms in Ocoee Elementary and seven at Ocoee High School with every senior acquiring about 25 classroom periods to help them with financial literacy. Member Rainer inquired if Orange County Public Schools provides them any support. Ms. Keene explained that this program is all paid by Junior Achievement of Central Florida. Member Dunn, seconded by Member Cortes, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to Junior Achievement of Central Florida. Motion carried unanimously. 8:25 pm Application No. 12—Standing Ovation Talent Group 8:25 pm Terri Burns and Sonya Clark attended to represent the organization. Ms. Clark explained the organization, which has been in existence for 18 years, but they have recently moved into Ocoee. She said the organization teaches arts and dance. Ms. Clark explained the grant would be used for inaugural team summits with guest speakers. Chairman Sills inquired where the majority of their students live. Ms. Clark indicated they have over 50 students with roughly 23 students in the Ocoee zip code. Member Cortes inquired about the costs of the tuition. Ms. Clark indicated the tuition is based upon the student's need, but can be anywhere from $100 to $180 per month. Member Dunn inquired if this is a competition-based program. Ms. Burns explained they do participate in competitions, but that it is part of the program. She said they also have performances and participate in parades throughout the year. Member Dunn asked how many employees are paid from the organization. Ms. Burns answered two out of five are paid with the majority being volunteers. Member Cortes inquired if this is an after-school program. Ms. Burns indicated she just got a van, and that's one of her goals, to pick children up after school. Member Cortes asked if there will be a charge for the summit. Ms. Burns answered no charge. Member Dunn asked if it's a one-day summit. Ms. Clark explained it is a one-day summit, but they would like to put it on t. quarterly. Member Cortes asked where the summit will be held and whether there will be a charge. Ms. Burns said the summit will be held at their location free of charge. Member Dunn asked how this grant money will benefit the citizens of Ocoee. Ms. Clark described more of the <' summit and how it will teach students the basic skills for living, saving money and the importance t; of academics. Member Dunn asked who would be providing the counseling. Ms. Clark indicated they are reaching out to the local officials in the community such as a minister or social worker and looking for an individual with the experience, education and background. Member Rainer inquired more about the organization. Member Cortes asked if their organization is getting funding from the City of Orlando to which the answer was no. fl Member Cortes, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny grant funding of $500 to Standing Ovation Talent Group. Motion carried unanimously. 8:47 pm 5 • Community Grant Review Board February 10,2016 YyP (Deferred) Application No. 7—Camp Boggy Creek 8:48 pm Chairman Sills announced that they have the funds for this organization. Member Dunn, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to the Camp Boggy Creek contingent upon providing the name of the child from Ocoee who will be receiving this grant by September 30th, 2016. Motion carried unanimously. 8:48 pm COMMENTS Chairman Sills thanked the Board for a job well done. ADJOURNMENT 8:52 pm Attest: APPROVED: 1/ Kat y ear., Recording Secretary Si , ' hairman 6