Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 FROM THE PARKS FUND NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT PROGRAM.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the city council hereby authorizes the disbursement of grant funds from the parks fund neighborhood grant program to the following organizations in the following amounts, and further authorizes the proper city officials to execute a grant agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as exhibit A, with each organization receiving said funds from 205-130-1219-5439 (Parks Fund, Community Resources, Parks Operating, Special Projects and Events):
Organization Project Award
Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores Mountain Bike Skills Park at Keene $3,000
Duluth Superior Sailing Association Sailing Program Equipment Upgrade $3,000
Gary New Duluth Development Alliance Skateboard Park Base Materials $3,000
Superior Hiking Trail Association Erosion prevention on Superior Hiking Trail $3,000
Woodland Amateur Hockey Association Public Rink Light Efficiency Update $3,000
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes disbursement of grant funds from the park fund neighborhood grant program. Grant monies are intended to provide funding for neighborhood-based park enhancements, recreation services, recreation equipment and supplies, improvements, and programs on Duluth’s parks, recreation and trail system. Organizations seeking funds must complete an application process facilitated by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. A committee of foundation staff, parks and recreation commissioners, a city councilor, and city staff were invited to review the applications and provide recommendations to the parks and recreation commission. At its meeting on November 14, 2018, the commission reviewed and voted to recommend the organizations and disbursements authorized by this resolution.
This will be the final round of the parks fund grant program. Discontinuation of the program is made necessary by the modest initial size and steadily diminishing purchasing power of the park fund. When passed in 2011, the park fund levy provided for a staff less than half the size of that in place in the 2000’s and an annual capital budget of $700,000 for hundreds of miles of trails and more than 129 park properties. Because staffing and capital costs steadily increase and, unlike all other City tax levies, proceeds from the park fund levy may not grow with increasing property values, the purchasing power of the fund has dropped significantly. As a result, it is necessary to reallocate funds from this valuable but discretionary grant program to cover core staffing and capital costs.