Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Coordinator, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance and Appropriation of Grant Funding in the Amount of $1,000 for FY 2020 Merced County First Five Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for Tiny Tots 4th Annual Halloween Pumpkin Party
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating grant funding in the amount of $1,000 from Merced County First Five for the 4th Annual Tiny Tots Halloween Pumpkin Party.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from Merced County First Five and increasing revenue in account 024-1226-360-02-01 - Creative Skills-Contributions and Donations in the amount of $1,000; and,
B. Appropriating the same to account 024-1226-542-29-00 - Creative Skills-Supplies and Services; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
The Children’s Bill of Rights’ Community Engagement Sponsorships Program provides financial support to organizations implementing community engagement events and activities that: Promote the Children’s Bill of Rights, and connect families with children 0-5 years with available services that make the rights more of a reality for Merced County children. Funding under this program falls within First 5’s mission of “providing for the optimal physical, emotional and intellectual growth of the young children of Merced County”, and aims to increase community level awareness and acknowledgement of the need to prioritize care benefiting our youngest kids (0-5).
Under this funding program, First 5 Merced County will support activities across a broad geography throughout Merced County, and partner together with a diverse group of organizations, groups, businesses, and other entities to engage community members and begin discussions around the Bill of Rights and children’s needs, and connect families with needed services.
The Parks and Recreation Department applied for a community sponsorship program earlier in August and was awarded $1,000 for costs associated with the upcoming event. This event offers an opportunity for children and families in the community to experience the wonders of Halloween in a safe environment, decorating pumpkins along with a contest, Halloween crafts (handmade & edible), a spooky room and complimentary drinks and popcorn for attendees. Attendees are encouraged to dress up. This event will be held at city hall in the foyer and Sam Pipes room on October 16, 2019 from 5:15pm-7:15pm.
For the past three years as the event continues to grow, a working relationship with community businesses has been developed as their monetary support has been supplemental to these events. Now with the partnership of First 5 and the focus on youth 0-5 years, we are able to allow 0-5 youth access to these events free of cost sponsored by First 5.
In addition to the approved funding, we are also able to increase the experience for youth with additional special crafts, decorations, free complimentary snack and juices and additional staffing. Every child who attends each activity receives free door buster items such as goodie bags.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once it is accepted and appropriated, this $1,000 will be available within the FY2019-20 budget to help with costs for this particular event.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Five Agreement Letter
2. Tiny Tots Halloween Flyer