RulesCommunications Highlights 2008 1002

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City Council Rules and Communications Committee October 2, 2008 ~2 recommended that the San Leandro Historical Society receive a $750 Community Benefit grant, even though its representative did not attend a mandatory meeting; while the Human Services Commission denied a grant to the Seventh Step Foundation, presumably because it did not attend a mandatory meeting. Ms. Oliver noted that the Historical Society missed the first of two meetings, but attended the second meeting. In addition to missing its mandatory meeting, the Seventh Step program did not meet all of the funding criteria, and it serves a comparatively small number of San Leandro residents. The Committee and staff discussed the appeal by St. Peter's Community Adult Day Care Center. Ms. Oliver commented that the agency has a history ofnon-compliance with the City's grant reporting requirements. St. Peter's missed its August 1 report deadline, and the report is still outstanding even though staff has sent several reminders. Ms. Oliver noted that one of this year's funded agencies declined its grant, so there would be funding available at mid-year; however, she expressed concern about providing additional funding to St. Peter's, given its lack of compliance with reporting requirements for the previous funding cycle. Committee Member Souza pointed out that some recipients of the Community Benefit grants are automatically funded, and she asked whether it made sense to continue this practice. Ms. Oliver noted that, with the exception of the San Leandro Municipal Band, which receives a $6,000 grant, they are small organizations requesting small dollar amounts; for example, Martin A. Francis receives $125 for the Flag Day ceremony. The Committee discussed ideas for perpetuating the annual Flag Day event. Chair Santos suggested asking a veterans group to assume it. The Committee discussed the use of the San Leandro Municipal Band for performances at City events, which is limited by wage constraints. Committee Member Souza suggested the use of the local high school bands as an alternative, and the other Committee members agreed with this idea. The Committee discussed the possibility of reducing the amount of the grant to the San Leandro Municipal Band, to free up funds to secure other musical entertainment, and continuing the automatic funding of the smaller organizations. Committee Member Stephens commented that the high school bands could use the funding opportunity. The suggestion was made to reduce the grant to the San Leandro Municipal Band to $2,000, and have the remaining $4,000 available for Recreation and Human Services staff to use to secure musical entertainment, such as the local high school bands, for City events. Committee Member Souza noted the differences in the types and amounts of the grants, and commented that some differences in the administration of grant processes between the two commissions made sense. The Committee acknowledged the good work by the Human Services Commission and Recreation and Parks Commission on the grant programs.