Chickasha council approves TSET-related resolutions to support pavilion and active-living grant applications
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Summary
Council approved two companion resolutions to support grant applications tied to community health and farmers/food programs. Staff said approval was required to meet TSET application boxes and discussed potential pavilion sites at Shannon Springs Park; one council member raised concerns about 'strings attached' to outside grant requirements.
The Chickasha City Council approved two resolutions Nov. 3 intended to support applications for Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) grant funds. One resolution (25-27R) was described as supporting farmers, food pantries and community gardens and the other (25-28R) as supporting active living and community health.
Spencer Windsman, the city's parks and recreation director, told the council the resolutions are largely required as application documentation for particular TSET grant opportunities. He said the project identified in the application materials was construction of pavilion(s) at Shannon Springs Park but noted the city could later use the funds for other park facilities or consider alternative projects that meet grant criteria. "This is a box check item," he said when describing the need to identify a project for the application.
Council members asked questions about location and flexibility. Windsman described several possible pavilion sites within Shannon Springs Park, including the east-side hilltop near the festival area or near the playground and splash pad, and noted the park receives heavy use ("over 10,000 visitors" he said in explaining why Shannon Springs is a strong candidate for funding). He also explained the application timeline: the grant application had opened the prior week and staff were prepared to submit documentation immediately if the council approved the resolution.
One council member expressed concern about potential "strings attached" to outside grants and asked whether the city could later change the project if desired. Other council members said they were not aware of past examples where TSET conditions had harmed the city and noted the resolution is primarily an application requirement.
Both resolutions passed by roll call following discussion. City staff will proceed with the application process if the grant submission meets TSET requirements.
Note: The transcript records the acronym as TSET in the discussion; readers seeking program details should consult the TSET grant program guidance or the city's grant application materials for exact eligibility and post-award requirements.