CC 2022-10-25_11a PP Presentation_CSGP Updates
Discussion and Consideration of Updates to the Community Service Grant Program
10/25/2022
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Background
CSGP was established in 2014 as an alternative funding source for community service organization traditionally funded through the CDBG program
Budget includes a fixed amount to be distributed to eligible organizations
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Process
Eligible organizations submit an application requesting a portion of the funding
The applications are reviewed by the Community Service Grant Committee at a public meeting to develop recommendations
Recommendations are considered and approved by Council
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CSGP Committee
The Committee was established to ensure objective review of all grant applications
Council adopted Resolution No. 4650 to establish a Committee comprised of one member from each of City’s advisory bodies
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CSGP Committee
In 2018 the HRC, PRC, and TC were disbanded
The composition of the Committee was changed to consist of one member from the following groups:
Architectural Review Committee
Planning Commission
Downtown Parking Advisory Board
AG Tourism Business Improvement District
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
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Purpose
On March 8, 2022 Council finalized the grant awards for the FY 2021-22 CSGP
Council directed staff to return with a discussion item to address concerns that the Committee composition was too skewed towards the business community
Present potential changes to the CSGP to maximize its effectiveness
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At-Large Representatives
Council specifically directed staff to consider how to incorporate two representatives from the community
Council would need to establish criteria to ensure a qualified and impartial Committee is appointed
Appointments could be made annually, or longer
May be problematic if there are no applicants or if Council cannot agree on an appointment
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Council Appointed Membership
Each Councilmember would appoint a member to the Committee
Use the same, established process to appoint members to the advisory boards
Appointments could be coterminous with the appointing member’s term
Alternatively, this could be an annual process
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Representatives from Non-Profits
Council adopted Resolution 5142 to establish the City’s DEIJ Policy
Representatives from local non-profits that share these values can bring a new perspective to the Committee
These organizations often apply for grants creating potential for issues with conflicts of interest, and difficulty maintaining a quorum for reviewing applications
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Reduction of Membership
Council may reduce the number of Committee members to alleviate concerns regarding skewed representation towards the business community
A Committee of less than 5 members may balance the perspective, but it may also provide less diversity and is at risk for not having a quorum in the event of absences
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Amend Application
A complete application consists of:
Eligibility confirmation
Services to be provided
Budget worksheet
Amend the application to require information about how Council goals and priorities are addressed as directed by Council
This can be done on either an annual or as-needed basis
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Amend Ranking Criteria
Ranking criteria has remained unchanged since the inception of the CSGP
Criteria includes:
Completeness of the application
Explanation of the benefit to AG residents by the service
Number of residents served
History of providing community services
Financial need
Ability to meet the program objectives in a timely manner
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Recommendations
Discuss the Community Service Grant Program and provide direction to staff regarding amendments to the CSGP Committee, application, and/or ranking criteria
Direct administrative amendments to the Council Handbook as appropriate
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