Report Prepared by: Michelle Reid, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Distribute the 2021-22 Wahneta Hall Trust Funds in the Amount of $3,581 to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced to Operate and Maintain a Mini Train in Applegate Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the disbursement of the Wahneta Hall Trust Fund to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced in the amount of $3,581 to be used to operate and maintain the train at Kiddieland in Applegate Park.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving an allocation of the 2021-22 Wahneta Hall Trust Funds of $3,581 to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced per the Recreation and Parks Commission recommendation.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific finding and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Wahneta Hall Trust fund was established in 1995. Provisions of trust require that the City of Merced use a specific portion for an endowment fund with income being designated to establish and maintain a mini-train system and/or band concert program in Applegate Park. There is $3,581 available in interest revenue received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 to be disbursed.
The Parks and Recreation Department mailed letters of invitation to apply for the 2021 - 2022 Wahneta Hall Trust funds to recipients from previous years and other possible interested parties. These 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, Golden Valley High School Band, El Capitan High School Band, The UC Merced Bobcat Band, Tenaya Middle School Band, Hoover Middle School Band, Cruickshank Middle School Band, and Rivera Middle School Band. The department also sent a press release to the local media notifying the public of the pending trust distribution and advertised on the Department website and Facebook page.
Two organizations submitted applications, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced and Merced Symphony. Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced requested $3,581 to be used to operate and maintain the train at Kiddieland in Applegate Park. The Merced Symphony requested $3,000 to hold a concert at the Merced Open Air Theater in Applegate Park.
The Merced Symphony application is for one event only and not for maintaining a band concert program, which is stated in the provisions of the trust. The Kiwanis Club received an award in fiscal year 20/21 but was not able to begin operating the train that year.
Both applicants’ requests total $6,581, which exceeds the amount available for distribution. The Recreation and Parks Commission reviewed the applications in order to recommend disbursement of the entire amount of $3,581. The Commission recommended distributing the full amount of the available funds for FY 2021-22 to the Kiwanis Club for maintenance and operation of the mini train in Applegate Park.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available and awarded amount will be paid out of Fund 8504-Wahneta Hall Trust, accumulated interest earnings.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Wahneta Hall Trust Press Release
2. Kiwanis 2022 Wahneta Hall Trust Fund Request and Financial Statement
3. Merced Symphony 2022 Wahneta Hall Trust Fund Request and Financial Statement