Roseville council approves $3,000 council‑sponsored donation to Gathering Inn gala

The Roseville City Council voted 4‑1 on Sept. 17 to sponsor The Gathering Inn’s annual “Gathering for Hope” fundraising gala with a $3,000 contribution from council discretionary funds.

The request came before the council as item 14; staff explained the council discretionary fund balance is a little over $20,000 for the fiscal year and that the standard council discretionary allotment is $15,000 per fiscal year. Nick Golling, executive vice president of The Gathering Inn, described the organization’s nomadic shelter program and its year‑round services in Roseville, saying the program serves up to about 65 people daily and that 46% of Roseville guests last fiscal year graduated to improved housing destinations.

Father Cliff Hagenjos, speaking as a private citizen and rector of Saint John’s Episcopal Church, described how area churches participate in the nomadic shelter program and said churches have increased nights hosted in recent years to fill scheduling gaps. "We currently host regularly 2 nights a month… in the last 2 to 3 years we've been up to about 4 nights a month because there are gaps and we are committed to not have people on the streets as much as we possibly can," Father Hagenjos said.

Council discussion ranged from concerns about the amount given past fluctuations in council attendance at the gala, to arguments that the Gathering Inn’s local presence and services justify the requested contribution. Councilmember Hadersheld (nay) said she would support a smaller amount closer to $1,000. Councilmember Ricucci and others argued that the $3,000 sponsorship buys many nights of service; Golling said the council’s $3,000 would fund nearly 50 nights of services for one Roseville individual in the program (food, shelter, clothing, case management, therapy and medical access).

Councilmember Tracy Ricucci moved the sponsorship at $3,000; it was seconded and passed on a roll call vote: Vice Mayor Albert — Yes; Council member Hadersheld — No; Council member Ricucci — Yes; Council member Madonza — Yes; Mayor Bernasconi — Yes. The motion instructed staff to earmark the contribution for the Roseville program, which Golling said staff could do.

Vote tally: 4‑1 in favor. Staff said the discretionary funds are available through the fiscal year and that the contribution can be designated for Roseville‑specific program costs.