Report Prepared by: Lindsey Johnson, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Distribution of Wahnetta Hall Trust Funds
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving the allocation of the 2016 Wahnetta Hall Trust Funds.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Commission to allocate the 2016 Wahnetta Hall Trust funds to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Commission; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by the Recreation and Parks Commission; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to the Recreation and Parks Commission for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2015-16 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Wahnetta Hall Trust fund was established in 1995. The trust provisions require that the City of Merced use a specific portion of the trust for an endowment fund with income being used to establish and maintain a mini-train system and/or band concert program in Applegate Park. This year there is $1,240 available.
On February 23, 2016, the Parks and Recreation Department mailed letters of invitation to apply for the 2016 Wahnetta Hall Trust funds to recipients from previous years, which included the Merced County Arts Council, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced, the Merced Symphony Association, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Merced College Concert Band, Merced Marching 100 and Golden Valley High School Band. The department also sent a news release to the local media notifying the public of the pending trust distribution.
This year two groups submitted applications. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced applied for the full $1,240 to be used to operate and maintain the train at Kiddieland in Applegate Park. The South Merced Community Council applied for $1,200 to be used towards a Church in the Park Concert Event. The application was missing a financial statement, which is one of the requirements for application. Additionally, the application is for one event only and not for maintaining a band concert program, which is stated in the provisions of the trust.
At the March 28, 2016 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, a representative from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced spoke on behalf of the Kiddieland train system and requested funds for the program to assist with operational costs of the popular park attraction. There was not a representative from the South Merced Community Council in attendance. The Commission unanimously approved the distribution of the entire amount available of $1,240 to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced because they met the provisions of the trust, submitted a complete application, and had a representative in attendance at the meeting.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Awarded funds will be paid out of account number 795-1903-592.29-00.
ATTACHMENTS
1. News Release
2. Kiwanis Club Request
3. South Merced Community Council Request