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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-2017 Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING O c o e e AUGUST 16,2017 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, Vice-Chairman Carrington and Member Rainer. Also present were Community Relations Manager Wright and Recording Clerk Heard. ABSENT: Member Cortes (A/E), Member Dunn(A/E) APPROVAL OF MINUTES—Regular meeting held on February 8, 2017. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to approve the minutes of the Community Grant Review Board Meeting held February 8, 2017. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 1 —Read to Sydney (7:04 pm) Thomas Battisto attended to represent the organization, which is located within the West Oaks Mall. He indicated they have a reading and learning center inside the West Oaks Mall with therapy dogs. He stated they work primarily with disabled children; and after they read with the therapy dog, they are able to take a book home with them. He stated this funding will be used to purchase those books. Chairman Sills questioned if their organization still serves 2,000 with 250 residing in Ocoee to which Mr. Battisto agreed. Chairman Sills also clarified that they did submit an application for the last meeting in February 2017 to which Mr. Battisto explained he was in the emergency room that day. Member Rainer asked how they get the children to the West Oaks Mall. Mr. Battisto explained that a lot of children are walking through the mall and see the hours and visit during those times; and further, they work with disabled children during the weeks at schools and libraries to which the teachers and children will tell the parents about the organization. Member Rainer asked who teaches the children. Mr. Battisto explained they read to the therapy dogs, but they are getting donated computers soon in anticipation of retired teachers tutoring the children. Vice-Chairman Carrington had no questions. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to Read to Sydney. The motion carried unanimously. COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 Application No. 2 —S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange (7:07 pm) Allisha Douglas, Vice President, attended to represent the organization, which is located in the West Oaks Mall. She announced that this organization started 15 years ago with one classroom in one school; and currently they service 40 to 50 schools, which includes all Ocoee schools. She explained they take any school no matter how affluent their population is, because there will always be students in need. She announced they provide backpacks and school supplies for students who participate in the free and reduced lunch program. Chairman Sills asked how many backpacks they gave out this year. Ms. Douglas said about 3,500. Member Rainer asked if that is an increase from last year to which Ms. Douglas answered in the affirmative indicating last year was about 2,500. Vice-Chairman Carrington had no questions and said he is in full support of this organization. Member Rainer said she is in support as well. Member Rainer, seconded by Vice-Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 3—The Gift of Swimming (7:09 pm) Tera Kapp attended to represent the organization. She explained this organization provides private swim lessons to underprivileged children and children with disabilities. Chairman Sills inquired how many students they were able to teach last year to which Ms. Kapp replied almost 450. Vice-Chairman Carrington inquired if they still have seven children on their waitlist from Ocoee to which Ms. Kapp replied that they taught two children from Ocoee last year. Vice- Chairman Carrington asked if they are seeking funds to provide lessons for Ocoee children this year to which Ms. Kapp replied in the affirmative. Vice-Chairman Carrington recalled from past applications that they had a shortfall for covering two children. Ms. Kapp answered in the affirmative, but explained they have more fundraising that will cover the difference. Member Rainer asked if they are applying for this grant to fund the two children from Ocoee to which Ms. Kapp replied two of the seven children from Ocoee will be funded with this grant. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to The Gift of Swimming. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 4—World Outreach Community Development (7:11 pm) Shanti Persaud, Owner of Community Broadcasting and World Outreach Community Development with WOKB 1680 AM, attended to represent the organization. She explained World Outreach is a non-profit that works under WOKB, which has been serving the community for over 65 years. She indicated within the last two years WOKB has been passionate about helping the homeless and have been making hygiene kits to give away. She continued explaining that about three years ago she began having lunch at Citrus Elementary in Ocoee with at least five or six kids who were having trouble at school or have one parent and/or want someone to talk to whom the guidance counselor recommended. She started buying them lunch once a month with little gifts. She currently has eight ladies a month having lunch with five or six kids once a month. She explained some of the funds would go towards the lunches, gifts and lots of COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 encouragement to continue working hard at school and some funds would go towards the hygiene kits for the homeless. Vice-Chairman Carrington clarified that their application did not specify what the funds would go towards; and further, he asked if it would go to both of those programs to which Ms. Persaud answered in the affirmative. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked if the students are located in Ocoee. Ms. Persaud indicated the schools are Citrus Elementary and Ocoee Middle School. Chairman Sills asked if this program is all volunteer and whether there are any paid employees to which Ms. Persaud indicated it is all volunteer. Vice- Chairman Carrington asked what the relationship is between World Outreach and G&R Security, Inc., and Got Skills Mentoring Corp.; and further, he mentioned that Gerrille signed both of the support letters. Ms. Persaud answered that Gerrille Robinson is an employee for Rama Communications, Inc., but he has his own company, which is G&R Security, Inc., and he works on most of their security work and the hygiene kit project. She further explained that Got Skills is a mentoring program with four gentlemen under it. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to World Outreach Community Development. Member Rainer inquired if the funds are awarded, how will they know the funds with be used for residents within Ocoee. Ms. Persaud answered the funds will be going into the World Outreach account and used for the Ocoee school children. She emphasized the items they have bought the children are backpacks or items for school, clothes, food and snacks and sometimes bringing them in a special lunch. After discussion the Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 5—Matthew's Hope Ministries (7:18 pm) Scott Billue, Founder, attended to represent the organization, which is currently located at 523 South Woodland Street in Winter Garden, and they hope to move in November to a new building in Ocoee off of Story Road across the street from the tech school. He indicated the funds will be used for running a bus route to pick up any homeless people that need services such as a shower, haircut and laundry. He explained that their organization has served over 5,000 people within the last seven years with services such as medical, dental, optical, mental health care, legal issues such as birth certificates, social security cards/benefits, help with licenses, jobs. They have a program that they have tied in with the tech school to help residents earn certificates, which can double their income from an average of$10 an hour to $25 an hour. He explained this is not a hand-out type of program, but every resident is afforded to work if they chose to work. He further explained that if they are mentally or physically unable or they chose not to go to the tech school for whatever reason, this organization does not care; and further, their goal is to move them towards self-sufficiency and independence and not just to make them more comfortable in their current situation. He concluded by emphasizing that the homeless are not going away; and moreover, because of all the new development, they are being pushed out of the woods to behind buildings and closer into municipalities. Chairman Sills inquired how they get in touch with them and whether itis by word of mouth. Mr. Billue indicated the homeless have a better network than they do. He continued by saying they have an intake of roughly 100 people a week; and further, at any given time they are serving anywhere from 300 to 500 people. They currently have 15 homes in Winter Garden to house women and children; and moreover, about 60 percent COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 of the residents they serve are women and children. They have a food pantry for students at West Orange High School, and they have their own food pantry, which is available to any residents within the West Orange community. He reiterated that the funds from this grant will be used for transportation, which is a lot safer than them walking or riding a bike. Vice-Chairman Carrington had no questions, but commented he really appreciates what they are doing within the community and that there is a need for this to which Member Rainer agreed. Member Rainer, seconded by Vice-Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to Matthew's Hope Ministries. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 6—GFWC Woman's Club of Ocoee (7:22 pm) Jackie Titus, Member, attended to represent the organization, which is located at 4 North Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee. She indicated every year they hold a contest called Creative Expressions for all the fifth graders within the Ocoee schools to which they can create a song, dance, essay, poem or the like and coordinate it to a particular subject that is given to them from the Woman's Club where they in turn will donate a big box of school supplies to each school. She also stated they donate a children's bike every year to the Spring Fling. They have a project that they call "Warm & Fuzzies" where each member will bring in a book, a cuddly toy and a soft blanket, and this past February they gave away 155 Warm & Fuzzy bags, which were donated to the Arnold Palmer Pediatric Cancer Center. She stated over 30 members of this organization are Ocoee residents, and they are a service-oriented club, which gives back to the residents of Ocoee. There were no questions by the board members. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to GFWC Woman's Club of Ocoee. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 7—Christian Service Center(West Orange Family Life Center) (7:26 pm) Bryan Hampton, attended to represent the organization, which is located at 300 W. Franklin Street, Ocoee. He explained that this organization has two thrift stores and offers emergency crises care for families in need; however, their big program in West Orange is an extension of their Daily Bread, which is a fully-functioning commercial soup kitchen and serves approximately 150 meals per day, six days a week; and moreover, last year they served over $38,000 for the entire year. Chairman Sills indicated he knows this program and does not have any questions. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to Christian Service Center. Motion carried unanimously. COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 Application No. 8—West Oaks Library (7:28 pm) Kris Woodson, West Oaks Library, attended to represent the organization, which is located at 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. She indicated the funds will be used to purchase five sewing machines to assist them to be able to continue a sewing class for the residents of Ocoee, which would give the library an opportunity to offer more life-long learning classes, which in turn will help the residents learn the basic skills of sewing. She explained the library has offered 13 sewing class sessions with a total of 74 residents attending; and moreover, the type of classes offered thus far have been basic sewing techniques, threading sewing machines, etc., sewing zippers and buttons, hemming. She indicated the classes are also offered at the Orange County downtown location in which they have been sharing the sewing machines; but however, the local classes have become so popular that they would like to purchase their own sewing machines so they can offer the classes more often. Vice-Chairman Carrington inquired what the projections are for more classes if they do receive this grant. Ms. Woodson advised they will be offering a class every week, four classes per month. Member Rainer inquired whether the classes are free to which Ms. Woodson answered they are free to library card holders, which the majority of their card holders are Ocoee residents. Chairman Sills asked what ages participate in these classes. Ms. Woodson said this class is for all ages, but they have noticed that a good portion of the students are older adults who want to relearn their sewing skills. She advised that they offered a class over the summer for children and teenagers, which was very popular. Chairman Sills asked if the new machines will be stored at the downtown location. Ms. Woodson stated that the new machines will be left at the West Oaks Library. Vice-Chairman Carrington inquired if this grant is awarded and the sewing machines are purchased, will the library system commit through the budget process to support the sewing classes to which Ms. Woodson answered in the affirmative. ti Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to the West Oaks Library. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 9—Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program (7:33 pm) Jo-Anne Houwers attended to represent the organization, which is held at the Ocoee Jim Beech Recreation Center. She announced this organization started in 2003. Chairman Sills inquired if the grant is awarded, what the funds will go towards. Ms. Houwers indicated most likely it will be a family bowling night, because that has not taken place yet this year. She explained they just finished up with their swimming lessons in which they utilized the City's lifeguards who are wonderful with the kids, but they were able to pay the City back for that. She said they will have a holiday party in December with a lot of gifts to give away. She also mentioned they will try to fit in AirHeads for the kids, an indoor trampoline arena. There were no questions from the board members. COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to Autism & Related Disabilities Gym Program. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 10—Second Chance Baby Resource Center (7:35 pm) Sharon Lyles, Founder, attended to represent the organization, which is located at 1041 Crown Park Circle in Winter Garden. She said this organization is a resource center for infants through the age of three, and their mission is to ensure the health, growth and development of infants. She explained they are a diaper bank to which they supply families with diapers, wipes and other essential items for the babies. She said they have an emergency food pantry that is not only for the babies, but for other family members within the household. She announced they also hold development classes on a quarterly basis on life skills such as banking, housing and education. Once a year they hold a Mother's Day Luncheon where they acknowledge the moms with a nice lunch and gifts. They do hold an Angel Tree at Christmastime to help the families with gifts, and they also make Thanksgiving baskets as well. She mentioned they partner with the Orange County Health Department, which is where they meet most of the needy families; and further, the surrounding hospitals are starting to refer the families to them. She said they are also affiliated with the Heart of Florida United Way 2-1-1. She announced that they currently have five mothers that live in Ocoee, which two are high school students; and further, she stated this program is at no cost to any needy families or mothers they serve. Vice-Chairman Carrington inquired what the average expenditure per client is. Ms. Lyles responded that from a diaper standpoint it is about $80 a month if they had to buy their own diapers, which include the wipes and other essentials. Member Rainer asked whether their organization is strictly volunteer to which Ms. Lyles indicated that it is, and they have no paid employees. Chairman Sills said he knows it is a worthwhile cause, but maybe the only problem he foresees is that there are only five in need within Ocoee. Vice-Chairman Carrington commented that the number is low, but as most numbers go from a social-service standpoint, they fluctuate at any given time. He asked how they can increase the awareness of this organization within the City of Ocoee. Ms. Lyles shared that they are partnering with an agency called Community Action, which they are proposing to visit the community centers once a month where they will be holding a class in which the City of Ocoee is on the list for this service. She continued with explaining that the families and mothers do not visit just their organization one time; and further, the babies are visiting from the time they are born until they turn age three. She concluded by saying that their program helps the parents to increase their life skills, helps them get an education;and further, their goal is to help them become reliable, productive citizens. She articulated that the main focus of their program is to make sure the babies have clean diapers; because if they do not, the babies will suffer emotionally and physically; and moreover, when a parent is not able to provide diapers for their baby, that may create a form of child abuse. Chairman Sills indicated there is probably more than five in Ocoee that could utilize their services. Ms. Lyles mentioned as they expand with their efforts through the hospitals, word is getting out, and their services have increased. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to Second Chance Baby Resource Center. Motion carried unanimously. COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 Application No. 11 —Garden Community Choir (7::44 pm) Judi Gilbert, attended to represent the organization, which meets August through May at the West Orange High School. She explained that every year they hold a Unity Concert, which they pick one organization to benefit from this concert. She stated last year their concert benefited the Wounded Officers Initiative, but this year they want to benefit a more local organization like one here in Ocoee. She stated the funding, if awarded, will go towards advertising for this concert. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked whether they have selected the organization yet to which Ms. Gilbert said a final determination will be made at their next meeting in two weeks. Vice- Chairman Carrington asked if they have picked a date for the concert. Ms. Gilbert said the concerts are typically in February, but a date has not been set yet. She mentioned they raised over $4,500 for the Wounded Officers Initiative last year; and further, said their motto is "Building Community Through Song." She commented that their membership is up to 117. Community Relations Manager Wright inquired which seven organizations within Ocoee they are considering. Ms. Gilbert said that she is not at liberty to say until their board has made a decision. Chairman Sills inquired whether they charge admission to the concert to which Ms. Gilbert answered in the affirmative and reiterated that the advertising for the concert is where this grant funding will be applied to. Chairman Sills inquired whether they announce who the sponsors are to which Ms. Gilbert indicated in the affirmative. Community Relations Manager Wright asked for further clarification on how the grant funding would be used to advertise the concerts. Ms. Gilbert answered the funding will go towards advertising only the Unity Concert itself. She clarified that all of the funds would be going toward advertising and putting together the pamphlets, the programs and the tickets, which helps them make good on their promise that 100 percent of the donated funds will go to the charity that they will be singing for. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked Community Relations Manager Wright if there are any restrictions to giving the grant funds for advertising rather than for direct community intervention. Community Relations Manager Wright indicated that the intent of the grant is to provide tangible services to the community and not necessarily advertising for an event. Chairman Sills announced that he believes this will be a hard one to sell to the City Commission who has the final say. He announced this board is only a recommendation board. Vice-Chairman Carrington agreed and stated he also believes this will be a hard one to sell to the City Commission because of how the funds are intended to be used. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Chairman Sills, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny grant funding of$500 to the Garden Community Choir. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 12—Rotary Club of Ocoee (7:54 pm) Andre Visser, Member, attended to represent the organization which meets every other Wednesday at the Withers-Maguire House. He explained this organization is all volunteers in which they help at Founder's Day, the classic car show and Spring Fling. He indicated the grant funds, if awarded, will go towards the purchase of dictionaries for all third graders within the Ocoee elementary schools encompassing about 600 plus students, which will be more than the $500, but their organization will cover the rest. He further explained that they schedule a day COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AUGUST 16,2017 with the principals to meet with the third graders to give the books out to which they explain and demonstrate how to use a dictionary. Member Rainer asked how many dictionaries they will be able to purchase with the $500. Mr. Visser answered he believes the total costs of all the books will be around $1,400, and the grant will go to part of that. Vice-Chairman Carrington announced he is very familiar with this project, because he used to be a member of the Ocoee Rotary. Member Rainer, seconded by Vice-Chairman Carrington, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to the Rotary Club of Ocoee. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF APPLICATIONS Chairman Sills announced that concludes the grant application for this cycle, and mentioned that hopefully the City will budget this program for next year to which Community Relations Manager Wright announced the next grant cycle will start in January 2018, if it is approved in the upcoming budget. Chairman Sills continued explaining if there is an organization that did not apply or was denied, to please apply at the next cycle in January 2018. COMMENTS Chairman Sills asked the Board members if they had any comments to which none were made. ADJOURNMENT - 7:58 pm Attest: APPROVED: ei ' /�!l✓� Kathy H ard, •ecording Secretary ' s, hairman