Minutes - Council - 05/27/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL BUSINESS Case #1: Consider Charitable Gambling Fund Contribution to Youth First Community ofPromise.,.Ramsey Neighborhood Center: I Management Intern Gladhill stated that Youth First has requested a donation of $29,100 for their program. He stated that currently the City does not collect rent on the space leased to Youth First. He noted that the City Code was recently amended to be able to use charitable gambling funds for community programs and services. He stated that it was determined that 70% of the funds be designated for parks and up to 30% could be designated towards programs and services. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission met on May 8, 2008 and is recommending a contribution of $5,000. He stated that Heidi Guise of Youth First is present to give more information on their program. Ms. Guise gave a review of the some of the programming they offer. She stated that they are wrapping up their after school programming. She noted that buses do drop off at their site and they have worked very closely with teachers this year, especially with some of the kids that are academically challenged. She stated that they now have a computer lab up and functioning, which will be used starting in June for GED, ESL and job search classes. She stated that they have a basketball team that has played with law enforcement and their movie nights have been a huge draw. She stated that they have been able to help one student in touring colleges and applications, which has been a good example for the other students to see that college is possible. She stated that for the summer, they will have a morning program for elementary age students, including free lunch and an afternoon program for middle and high school students. She stated that they are working on trying to get more grants and noted that they have filed paperwork to become a 50lc3 entity, which will open up more grant opportunities. Management Intern Gladhill reiterated that their original financial request was for $29,100 and the Park and Recreation Commission is recommending $5,000. He stated that Youth First could submit a separate request for the 2009 budget for the remaining balance. Mayor Gamec stated that he is very supportive of this program and it is very gratifying to see the kind of work they are doing for the kids and their families. Mr. Guise invited the Council to stop by their facilities anytime to see what is going on. Motion by Councilmember Jeffrey, seconded by Councilmember Dehen, to Adopt Resolution 08-05-094 approving the funding request from Youth First in the amount of $5,000 from the Lawful Gambling Fund. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Jeffrey, Dehen, Look, Olson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Elvig. City Council / May 27, 2008 Page 5 of 15