Title
Informational Presentation by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department Development and Partnership Program Coordinator (B)
This item requests the City Commission hear a brief presentation on the progress of the Development and Partnership Program Coordinator position. **ESTIMATED STAFF PRESENTATION 5 MINUTES**
Explanation
In adopting the FY14 budget, the City Commission approved the inclusion (in Appendix A to the Gainesville Code of Ordinances) of a surcharge to fund the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department's Master Plan, which the Commission adopted in November 2012. Uses of the surcharge include funding a newly created Development and Partnership Program Coordinator position. The department advertised the vacancy, interviewed candidates and hired Ms. Alicia Antone who started work on February 17, 2014.
During the last sixty days Ms. Antone has become immersed in departmental needs and has participated in numerous development activities and projects as described: 1) secured the department's inclusion in a "Florida Living History" article in the Gainesville Magazine; 2) secured a permanent barricade advertising at the Butler Plaza for the month of April for Jest Fest (between Trader Joes and Ross Stores); 3) confirmed a new partnership with GRU for the use of a Ranger 6X6 ATV for prescribed burns in the nature parks; 4) secured a Schwinn Cruiser bicycle for staff at the Morningside Nature Center to use during busy times to transport items between locations within the park; 5) submitted a $50,000 grant proposal to AEC Trust Foundation to implement an afterschool tutoring through the arts program at three City community centers through a partnership with Yopp, Inc.; 6) submitted a grant application to AEDgrant.com for eighteen new and updated AED machines; 7) submitted the Facility Assistance Form to the United States Tennis Association for the resurfacing of four tennis courts at the T.B. McPherson Park for reimbursement up to 35% of the project costs; 8) submitted $5,000 grant proposal to the TD Bank Foundation through a community partner Sisters Helping Sisters in Need, Inc. for new LED lighting and censors in the Porters Community Center; 9) submitted $10,000 grant application to Plum Creek Foundation for a new shade structure at the Eastside Community Center playground; 10) submitted a $500 grant application to the 2014 Pop Warner/Team Cheer Uniform and Apparel Grant to support the Gator Cheerleading unit; 11) worked diligently to secure funding for the Summer Heatwave Program "crowdfunding" fundraising campaign project; 12) developed a Grants Management Outlook calendar to manage grant proposal deadlines and fundraising activities; 13) researched policies and guidelines for sponsorships, naming and partnerships to develop draft policies for the department; 14) developing a database of the "needs" and potential partnerships/sponsors/and funding sources based on staff input and the Vision 2020 Master Plan; 15) assisted with developing an Adopt-a-Trail Agreement for local community groups.
Fiscal Note
There are no fiscal costs associated with this presentation.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a brief presentation from staff regarding the progress of the Development and Partnership Program Coordinator Position in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.