CC Minutes 08/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of August 22, 2005 - Regular Meeting Page 9 of 17 D. 2005 COMMUNITY MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM RECOMMEND A TIONS Staff Presentation: Mr. Fortini presented the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board's recommendations for funding for the 2005 Community Matching Grant Program, as outlined in his August II, 2005 inter-office memorandum to Mr. Segreto, which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. The total recommending funding amount is $30,000. Mr. Fortini noted that the City Commission had allocated $25,000 for funding this year and the additional $5,000 was available from a project that was not completed last year and the funding returned. Audience Participation: Four (4) audience comment request forms were received for this item. The following individuals came forward: I) Phyllis Sheppard, 580 South Triplet Lake Drive, stated she was member of Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and requested favorable action on the recommendations. Mrs. Sheppard noted the merits ofthe community matching grant program since its inception and encouraged its continuation. Mrs. Sheppard stated she was not in favor of reducing future funding for the program as was discussed at the recent City Commission budget workshop. 2) Steve Stewart, 658 San Pablo Avenue, requested favorable action on the funding for Sausalito Shores and spoke in favor of the matching grant program in general. 3) David J. Loombruno, 3437 Allston Lane, Winter Park, stated he was President of the Villas of Casselberry Homeowners Association and requested favorable action on the funding for their project. Mr. Loombruno also spoke in favor of the matching grant program in general. 4) Sandra Solomon, 6 Bayberry Branch, stated she was a member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and requested favorable action on the recommendations, as well as continuation of the program at its current funding level. Commission Discussion: Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the fundamental benefits of the matching grant program. Previous discussion at the budget workshop regarding possible revision of the guidelines and possible utilization of some of the program's funding for a dog park was touched upon as well. Commissioner Doerner stated she would not support shifting any funds from the matching grant program. Vice Mayor Hart clarified that the discussion at the budget workshop was not to end the community matching grant program, but was focused around possibly limiting repeat award recipients, and making sure that areas without formal associations have the ability to benefit from the program. Vice Mayor Hart stated she was supportive of the community matching grant program at its current funding level of $25,000, and utilizing the $5,000 that was returned toward constructing a dog park. Commissioner Hufford clarified that she was not supportive of revising the program's guidelines and felt that the program was excellent as it currently is configured. Commissioner Cook clarified that she had requested a history of the program's grant recipients for discussion at the budget workshop to review awarding grants to repeat recipients, and whether or not the monies were being utilized to offset regular maintenance fees of their homeowners association. Commissioner Cook stated she wanted to review each individual project rather than as a group. Mayor Goff inquired if there was a possibility of applying for a federal block grant to fund the City's program. Mr.