07/13/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Case # ~O~ CONSIDER RE-DESIGNATING THE 2009 MATCHING LOAN TO THE RAMSEY FOUNDATION FOR COR PERFORMANCES By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: In late April, 2009, City Council established Ramsey's first community garden at the water tower site at Co. Rd. #5 and Dysprosium Street. Irrigation monies were provided by the City's water utility, and $5,000 came from the Park Trust Fund for landscape improvements by volunteers. These two elements were performed pursuant to the plan and came in at, or under budget, and the volunteer run garden has proven successful. Observations: As the Committee may recall, the community garden project was a collaborative between the City and the Ramsey Foundation. To this date, the 501 c3 Foundation acts as the gardeners' fiscal agent (which also allows retailers to donate tools for the gardeners as charitable contributions which continue to occur). At the time Council established the two funding sources referenced above, a motion was made and passed to `loan' the Foundation an additional $5,000 as a match to raise another $5,000, to ensure the project had enough capital to be fully funded and functioning for the spring planting season. To summarize, all aspects of the project have went well, and the last $5,000 was not needed due to the Foundation securing a partial donation for the garden shed - as well as other savings and economies like the donated tools and hoses etc. And therefore, technically the Foundation still possesses the $5,000 `loan.' The purpose of this case is consider re-designating the matching loan, to a matching donation for costs associated with performances within the COR in 2010 and 201 1. The Foundation hosted 5 community concerts in 2009, and so far has funded the Big Walter Smith event within the amphitheater scheduled for August St" of this year. Performing artist's fees cover a wide range, with bands suitable for the amphitheater venue at about $800 to $1200 (or more). Fund raising is particularly difficult in the present economy, and it is felt that having a $5,000 match may go a long way to assist the Foundation with their fundraising, and also ensure that the community performances occur and thrive. Staff would propose that this matching money be used for any reasonable aspect of the public performances, including; bridging the gap for payment to performers, advertising, audio or electrical improvements (to be owned then by the City), specialty services (if needed E.g. security), or catering (E.g. assurances for a caterer, that he/she will not lose money for staff time). An alternative to this conversion of a loan to a match would be to simply request repayment to the City. However, staff believes that this modest amount is best invested in building upon the collaborative with the Foundation in serving Ramsey residents, and at the same time adding vibrancy to the COR and Ramsey's recreational prospects.