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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2018 Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE Ocoee COMMUNITY GRANT REVIEW BOARD MEETING florido FEBRUARY 15, 2018 CALL TO ORDER- 7:00 pm Chairman Sills called the regular meeting of the Community Grant Review Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Conference Room at City Hall. Chairman Sills called for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENT: Chairman Sills, Vice-Chairman Carrington, Member Cortes, Member Dunn and Member Rainer (arrived at 7:06 pm). Also present were Community Relations Manager Wright and Recording Clerk Heard. ABSENT: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—Regular meeting held on August 16, 2017. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Cortes, moved to approve the minutes of the Community Grant Review Board Meeting held August 16, 2017. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 1 —Bread of Life Fellowship (Southeastern Food Bank) - 701 pm Mark Anthony attended to represent the organization. Funding will be used to purchase diesel fuel to help keep their trucks on the road to be able to pick up and deliver food to needy families in the local area. He advised last year alone Food for Families delivered food to 2,100 families in Ocoee and further stated most of their deliveries are currently within Ocoee. They help a lot of communities in the surrounding areas, but Ocoee is currently the most impacted. Chairman Sills asked how many pounds of food they distributed last year. Mr. Anthony indicated it was 1,987,000 pounds, but it fluctuates. Chairman Sills asked if they are receiving donations. Mr. Anthony indicated the process is getting better, because Publix logistics' company is donating one semi-load once a month, but this month they donated two semi-loads, which is 44 pallets/1,400 pounds each. He said they also pick up Winn-Dixie logistics in Orlando and Jacksonville. Member Dunn inquired about their home-bound seniors food program. Mr. Anthony explained their seniors program is not exclusive to Orange County, but to surrounding counties as well. They deliver nonperishable food to seniors and will even bring it to their door if they are unable to come out. (Member Rainer arrived at 7:06 pm) Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to the Bread of Life Fellowship (Southeastern Food Bank). Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 2—American Legion, Tommie Sanders, Post 109 - 707pm Tom Mottlau, Commander Post 109, Ocoee, attended to represent the organization. Funding would be used to send a young man to the Florida Boy's State Program, which was founded in 1935, which will provide hands-on experience for leadership by taking part in the political process through role-play civic exercises. While the recipient is at our State Capital, the City of Ocoee will be mentioned as well as mention of recognition for two students from the Ocoee High School JROTC. He shared the American Legion give metals and awards to five Ocoee elementary schools; and further, he mentioned they will be placing over 175 flags at the Ocoee Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend. Chairman Sills inquired where they receive the applicants from. Mr. Mottlau answered the applicants should be juniors with a 3.5 GPA or higher from Ocoee High School or surrounding schools, but they must live in the City of Ocoee. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to the American Legion Post 109. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 3 —Rotary Club of Ocoee - 7:09pm Andre Visser, Member, attended to represent the organization. He indicated the grant funds, if awarded, will go towards the purchase of dictionaries for all local third graders within the Ocoee elementary school system. Chairman Sills inquired if students use physical dictionaries when they have access to current technology. Mr. Visser indicated that when they hand them out, they teach them how to look up words. He further indicated some of the grant funds will go towards scholarships awarded to local high school students applying for college. Member Cortes asked how much of the funds usually go towards the scholarships. Mr. Visser said this year they have voted on six (6) $500 scholarships. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of $500 to the Rotary Club of Ocoee. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 4—Ocoee Little League - 712 pm Jaqueline Koontz attended to represent the organization. She indicated the grant funds, if awarded, will go towards installing new batting cages along with replacing the old ones. Currently there are two batting cages, which are in disrepair. They would like to be able to install four (4) to six (6) new batting cages. They currently have approximately 160 players which would all have access to the new batting cages. Ocoee Little League is active almost year-round with a fall and spring league and a lot of post-season training. The new batting cages would give the children a safe environment to practice. Chairman Sills asked if registering for the spring league has begun. Ms. Koontz indicated registration has concluded, and they are currently practicing, because opening day is March 3rd. Member Rainer inquired what the cost was to join this season. Ms. Koontz indicated the fees this season were $125 for regular players and $93.75 for T-ball players. Member Rainer asked how much of the registration goes towards equipment. Ms. Koontz mentioned they are able to keep their fees low because the City allows them to utilize their parks. She further stated the registration fees do not go towards equipment, but the concessions and sponsors do. She indicated they try their best to keep the registration fees 2IPage as low as possible. The $125 fee will fund the uniform, baseballs, regular equipment and insurance. The T-ball $93.75 fee goes toward the T-ball tee, helmet, practice balls, and an extra bat. Member Dunn mentioned the support letter that was submitted by Amanda Click was on Ocoee Little League letterhead. Ms. Koontz indicated Amanda Click is the treasurer. Community Relations Manager Wright explained the language within the letter is incorrect; and further, indicated this letter should be signed by the organization instead of an individual. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked if this could be clarified before it goes before the City Commission. Community Relations Manager Wright answered in the affirmative. Vice- Chairman Carrington recommended if this is approved tonight, that the letter be modified indicating that the Ocoee Little League Board supports the funding request instead of only the individual treasurer. Ms. Koontz indicated they will do so. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to recommend that the City Commission award grant funding of$500 to Ocoee Little League contingent upon submission of a properly-worded Letter of Support prior to approval by the City Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 5—Garden Community Choir - 718pm Judi Gilbert, Fundraiser Member, attended to represent the organization. She handed out an invitation to their Unity Concert, which is scheduled for 4:00 pm on February 25, 2018, at the Ocoee Oaks United Methodist Church benefitting the Russell Home. She described the Russell Home, which benefits atypical children. She indicated the grant funds would go towards the costs to transport the children from the Russell Home to the church where the concert is being held. Chairman Sills indicated the Russell Home has two locations in Orlando. Ms. Gilbert said the proceeds will benefit the home in Ocoee. Member Cortes inquired if the home has regular basic transportation for the children. Ms. Gilbert answered the home is unable to transport all the children at the same time, because of their special needs. She indicated if any grant funds are left over, they would go straight to the home. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked if they have any costs estimates on the transportation. Ms. Gilbert indicated it will cost approximately $275, and any leftover funds will be donated to the home. Chairman Sills asked whether the children who live at the Russell Home live in Ocoee to which Ms. Gilbert answered in the affirmative. Chairman Sills asked where the Russell Home is located. Ms. Gilbert said she would have to look up the street address, but mentioned the home is in Ocoee. Chairman Sills inquired of an audience member, Mark Anthony, on whether he is familiar with the Russell Home. Mr. Anthony indicated he is familiar, and said the home is located on Holden Avenue between Orange Avenue and Orange Blossom Trail. Chairman Sills indicated that home is not located in Ocoee. Ms. Gilbert said they were told the home is in Ocoee. Member Dunn asked why they are not asking for $275 instead of the $500. Ms. Gilbert said they would like to provide them with as much funding as possible. Vice-Chairman Carrington indicated they only provided the Holden Avenue address, which is Orlando; and further, he advised the Board they are able to recommend less than the $500. Member Cortes asked if they do recommend this for approval, can they require them to prove there is a facility located within Ocoee. Member Dunn said she does not believe this facility is in Ocoee. Chairman Sills said he looked it up, and he could not find this facility within Ocoee. Vice-Chairman Carrington 3IPage indicated he is struggling to understand how this would be affiliated with Ocoee in any way. Chairman Sills believes the City Commission would not approve this. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny awarding grant funding of$500 to the Garden Community Choir. Ms. Gilbert asked whether it would make a difference if she can provide the information to them before the City Commission meeting. Vice-Chairman Carrington explained that would be for the City Commission to determine as this board is only a recommendation board. Ms. Gilbert explained that she unfortunately does not have the information with her. However, she will contact the individual who recommended the Russell Home to them to obtain the information. She further asked what she needs to do to present the additional information. Community Relations Manager Wright explained to her the process of presenting the information before the City Commission. Vice-Chairman Carrington further expressed that even if this organization was approved for the grant, the funds would not be available in time for this event, which is scheduled for February 25, 2018. After discussion, Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 6—GFWC Woman's Club of Ocoee - 7:31 pm Teresa Lemons, Corresponding Secretary, attended to represent the organization. She stated they are requesting this grant for their annual event wherein they invite local Ocoee elementary school children to participate in writing a poem or song, or creating some type of art on a topic provided by the Woman's Club of Ocoee. The topic this year will be "What would I do to help stop littering in the city?" This grant money will be used for this event to provide refreshments, school supplies, and ribbons/certificates to participants and monetary donations to the media centers of the participating Ocoee elementary schools. Member Rainer asked if she knew how many Ocoee elementary schools will be participating. Ms. Lemons listed the participating Ocoee elementary schools at this time are Citrus, Ocoee, Spring Lake, Thornebrooke and Westbrooke. She further explained all Ocoee elementary schools are invited to participate. Member Rainer, seconded by Vice-Chairman Carrington, 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—Standing Ovation Talent Group, Inc. - 736 pm Joni Griffin, attended to represent the organization. She stated the grant money would go toward any fees that a student is unable to pay, and Standing Ovation Talent Group will match the donation. Vice-Chairman Carrington inquired if this organization is a nonprofit organization to which Ms. Griffin answered in the affirmative. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked whether staff received their proof of nonprofit status. Community Relations Manager Wright answered she did receive that submittal. Chairman Sills asked if a letter of support was received to which Community Relations Manager Wright indicated it was not submitted. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked what the requirements are to apply for the scholarship as well as what criteria is used when evaluating the applications. Ms. Griffin indicated they ask them to write a letter of why they like to dance, along with supplying their most current report card. Member Dunn 41 Page asked whether they need to try out to which Ms. Griffin indicated there are no try-outs; and further, they do not turn any kids away. Member Cortes asked how much the monthly fees are, and Ms. Griffin indicated $140 per month. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked what the fees cover, and Ms. Griffin indicated the instructors and uniforms. Member Cortes asked if they could provide proof of matching the grants if they were awarded the grant to which Ms. Griffin answered in the affirmative. Vice-Chairman Carrington indicated they listed the contribution of 120 volunteer hours to the group last year and asked what that entailed. Ms. Griffin explained they have parents and students help with their shows, and have front-desk assistants at their facility within the West Oaks Mall. Vice-Chairman Carrington noticed they evaluate report cards quarterly, and Ms. Griffin indicated they give out awards based on academics at their show in June every year. Member Dunn asked, if awarded, would the $500 grant funds be given to one student or a number of students. Ms. Griffin said it would probably fund at least three students, but they are matching the funds. Discussion entailed regarding the yearly fees, which at $140 per month comes out to $1,700 per year to which this grant would not even cover one child's yearly tuition. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission deny awarding grant funding of$500 to Standing Ovation Talent Group, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. Application No. 8—Integrity Mentoring - 7:49 pm Sylvia Diggs attended to represent the organization. She explained she is a new resident of Ocoee and has brought her nonprofit organization to this community to assist youths. She stated the grant would go toward two workshops. The first workshop will be Life Skills, which will include the following topics: anger management, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, safe space. The second workshop will be World of Work, which will include speakers to speak about employment matters such as filling out applications and being interviewed. She mentioned Integrity Mentoring will match the funds, if awarded. Member Dunn asked what her background is, and Ms. Diggs indicated she has a bachelor's in healthcare management, and she works in medical research. Ms. Diggs further shared that when she lived in Chicago, she ran a nonprofit youth organization summer program of approximately 200 youths. After moving to Florida she ran a summer program in Tallahassee, and most recently in 2012 she ran an Orlando youth summer program. Member Cortes asked if she is currently managing the program in Orange County to which Ms. Diggs answered in the negative. She further shared that holding these workshops is the beginning of getting more involved with the community. Member Rainer inquired where the workshops will be held. Ms. Diggs indicated they just moved here last November, and they have attended a few community events, and she hopes she can utilize one of the community centers. Member Rainer asked what age group this workshop is for to which Ms. Diggs answered this organization serves youth from the ages of 10 to 23; however, these workshops will be for middle and high school students. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked . for more specifics on the workshops. Ms. Diggs indicated her goal is to have the workshops on the same day with speakers involved along with role-playing with conflict resolution, providing assessments for different career fields and the job descriptions within those fields. Chairman Sills asked if a letter of support was received. Community Relations Manager Wright indicated it was not to which Ms. Diggs said she can provide the letter. Vice-Chairman Carrington asked if the dates have been set to which Ms. Diggs indicated no dates have been 5 Page I pi fi set, but her goal is to have the workshops before summer break. Vice-Chairman Carrington indicated he believes this grant may be a bit premature for this organization, which has just gotten underway, and he explained the City has two grant cycles per year and suggested she reapply for the second cycle later this year. Community Relations Manager Wright agreed and stated the City Commission may look more favorably with this grant once this organization has a more solid foundation. Vice-Chairman Carrington, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to recommend that the City Commission Deny awarding grant funding of$500 to Integrity Mentoring Chairman Sills clarified to Ms. Gibbs that the Board believes this is a good program, but it is just a little premature at this point in time, and asked her to come back later this year and reapply. Ms. Gibbs thanked the Board and indicated she will reapply later in the year. After discussion,Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF APPLICATIONS None NOMINATION OF OFFICERS FOR ONE-YEAR TERM Chairman Sills opened the floor for nominations of chairman and vice-chairman. Member Dunn, seconded by Member Rainer, moved to nominate Jim Sills as the Chairman and Keith Carrington as the vice-chairman. Nominations were closed and a vote was called. Motion carried unanimously. COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT - 8:03 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: dew,/ 4111111 ,e0:4,4„/ Katy :rd, Recording Secretary m Si .s, Chairman Wage