Stayton council awards $14,000 in community improvement grants, directs follow-up for remaining $587

The Stayton City Council on April 7 approved Resolution 25-012 to distribute $14,000 in Community Improvement Grant funds to four local projects, including a $5,000 grant for a historical mural called Flowing Through Time.

The approved awards direct $5,000 to the Flowing Through Time mural at 138 North Third Avenue, $2,000 for community Christmas wreath repair and maintenance, $3,500 for a stage remodel at the Spotlight Community Theatre, and $3,500 for a historic mural at the 505 Men's Collective. Council voted 4-0 to approve the resolution as amended.

The grants program funds small projects that meet threshold criteria, including that the project occur within Stayton city limits, be completable by June, not create ongoing city costs and show reasonable matching funds or in-kind donations. Jennifer Siciliano, Stayton’s community and economic development director, told the council staff rated nine applications and recommended the top projects after committee review. "We received 9 applications ... they totaled $32,775 in requested funding," Siciliano said. "The city council has $14,578 budgeted for this grant."

The Flowing Through Time mural was presented to council during the public-comment period by applicant Julie Boxler, who described the proposal and the project budget. "Sketch A is what is covered by this grant ... $5,000 from the city, $2,600 from the Cardboard Box LLC," Boxler said, adding that a previously promised lift donation was rescinded. Boxler told council, "This project will not continue with anything less than the $5,000 from the city, so if the council doesn't have that much money to contribute, please do not award this grant to me."

Council members discussed staff rankings and the individual grant applications. Several councilors supported allocating the full recommended $14,000 and using the remaining $587 to top up another local project. Councilor Sims moved to approve the resolution as amended with the four listed awards; the motion was seconded and carried 4-0. The roll call recorded votes in favor from Councilors Sims, Kerry, O'Rourke and Ballard.

On the remaining $587, council directed staff to ask the Stayton Soccer Club for a clear description of the intended use of the funds and to check whether a smaller $500 allocation would address their need. Council also asked staff to check whether the Brown House project could use any of the remainder and to return at a future meeting with recommendations.

Council and staff emphasized the program's timeline: awardees must be able to complete projects within the grant award timeframe (by June) and projects should not create ongoing costs for the city. Siciliano said staff used a scoring rubric tied to grant objectives such as strengthening neighbor communication, promoting inclusivity and improving shared space.

The council approved the amended resolution and asked staff to notify award recipients so work can proceed ahead of the June completion deadline.

A photo opportunity and brief public recognition for student awards and a high-school basketball team preceded the grant decision earlier in the meeting.

The council’s allocations and the direction for the remaining funds mean the city will disburse $14,000 immediately and will return to consider the $587 after staff gathers the requested details.