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CC 2014-01-14_08.h. AGIB Funding RequestMEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER # SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ARROYO GRANDE IN BLOOM FUNDING REQUEST DATE: JANUARY 14, 2014 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council approve an expenditure of $1,200 to fund a donation requested by Arroyo Grande In Bloom to participate in the League of California Cities Annual Conference. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: Adequate funding exists in the City Council's budget so no appropriation is necessary. There is no impact on staff workload from the funding request. BACKGROUND: Arroyo Grande In Bloom is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the beautification of Arroyo Grande. They plant flowers and trees, do litter and brush removal, and much more. They have a large volunteer group performing projects almost every Saturday. The City recently received a request from Arroyo Grande in Bloom for $1,200 to participate in the League of California Cities Conference to promote the program. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: Since the City's substantial budgetary restrictions began several years ago, all financial assistance requests from local organizations have been suspended. Similar to the recent request approved for the YMCA for the Skate Park, staff recommends the City Council make an exception with regard to this request because Arroyo Grande In Bloom is not only a community organization, but one that directly serves and benefits the City. Most of the areas they improve and maintain are in the public right-of-way. This both reduces the City's workload, as well as accomplishes maintenance and improvements that the City is unable to achieve with current financial and personnel resources. Therefore, staff considers this minimal financial request an investment given the benefits the City receives from Arroyo Grande In Bloom's efforts. Item 8.h. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF ARROYO GRANDE IN BLOOM FUNDING REQUEST JANUARY 14, 2014 PAGE2 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration: 1) Approve the expenditure; 2) Approve a different amount of assistance; 3) Do not approve the request; or 4) Provide staff with other direction. ADVANTAGES: Approving the request will help Arroyo Grande In Bloom to continue to thrive and provides services that benefit the City and community, as well as provide valuable promotion and exposure to the City at the League of California Cities Annual Conference. DISADVANTAGES: No disadvantages have been identified other than the cost. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, January 9, 2014 and on the City's website on Friday, January 10, 2014. No comments were received. Attachment: 1. Arroyo Grande In Bloom Funding Request Item 8.h. - Page 2 December 18, 2013 Mr. Steve Adams City Manager City of Arroyo Grande 300 E. Branch Street Arroyo Grande, CA 9320 Dear Steve, We Plant Pride www.arroyograndeinbloom.org PO Box 231, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421 805-710-4049 I am writing to request that the City consider making a donation to Arroyo Grande In Bloom in the amount of$1200. We are endeavoring to participate in the League of Cities Annual Conference to present our success story to other cities in California, and to educate them as to the benefits of partnering with America In Bloom. The money will be used to offset costs associated with this event. As you know, our small budget is devoted to ensuring that we have materials and tools necessary to equip our volunteers to work on the many projects we've undertaken in the City. AGIB has worked tirelessly to improve parks, landscaped areas and open spaces throughout the City. We have enjoyed our relationship with the City and as you know, we don't ask for help very often. We're hopeful that you and the Council will look favorably on our request. Please let me know if you have any questions. AGIB Coordinator ATTACHMENT 1 Item 8.h. - Page 3 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Item 8.h. - Page 4