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
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