Agenda - Council - 01/10/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

decision. She read the three criteria for funding and explained what they were. She added that this will be reviewed on an annual basis. Mayor Gamec stated that since we have been approached by one organization, we have had some other questions. He talked about what organizations are asking for and what organizations will ask for funding. Councilmember Olson stated that each organization will be biased and the Council's job is to be unbiased. She agreed with the criteria. Councilmember Strommen was pleased that there is a policy which will assist in prioritizing funding. Councilmember Cook added that it allows Council to also say no to requests. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he agrees with the track record - look at the organization's mission statement. If their mission is not about safety, welfare, etc., we can deny their request. Mayor Gamec stated we may be able to refer some groups to some other organizations for funding also. Councilmember Elvig mentioned getting a copy of the criteria the United Way uses, for example. Councilmember Strommen stated that would be based on United Way's criteria - the City needs to base its decision on its own criteria - based on the City's mission. Police Chief Way distributed some statistics furnished by the Alexandra House which included the communities and number of clients they served in 2004. Chief Way also talked about other programs/organizations that help Ramsey residents. Funding is short for some of these other organizations too. Alexandra House has requested $35,000 from the City of Fridley, but they are not giving cash to them. They have a person on site at the Fridley Police Department that's an Alexandra House employee. The grant ran out but they will be keeping her employed there anyway and that's their contribution to the Aiexandra House. Coon Rapids is being asked for ' $40,000 and they will be making their financial decision on Wednesday. He has been told Coon Rapids will be giving a lower pementage. Ramsey's amount is about $6,500. Mayor Gamec noted there will be a presentation at the Anoka County Elected Official's meeting. City Administrator Norman stated .that this not-for-profit contribution policy should be brought to. the next City Council meeting for action and a separate action item could be for the City Council to decide on the Alexandra House issue as well. Ms. Nelson offered that the City Attorney could review this policy draft as well. Councilmember Cook inquired if we could say we could contract out for a certain dollar number. We could look at a couple different ways of contributing and contracting. City Council Work Session/November 7, 2005 Page 3 of 6 -23-