Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nonprofit Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission debates fee waiver for Wesley Seth Foundation; asks attorney to draft nonprofit discount policy
Summary
Libby Beatty, founder of the Wesley Seth Foundation, asked the City Commission for a fee waiver for a fundraising event; commissioners agreed to have the city attorney craft a formal discount policy rather than grant an immediate blanket waiver.
Libby Beatty, a Winter Springs resident and founder of the Wesley Seth Foundation, asked the City Commission on Nov. 10 to waive rental fees for Central Winds Park for an upcoming barbecue cook-off fundraiser. Beatty said the foundation has purchased thousands of door and window alarms for Seminole County, supplied pool alarms and fences, and awarded swim-lesson scholarships; she said the requested $2,000 resident fee could otherwise buy roughly 300 door/window alarms.
Mayor Kevin McCann and commissioners expressed sympathy and support for the foundation's mission but raised legal and policy questions about granting a fee waiver to one nonprofit and not others. City staff and City Attorney Anthony Agarini outlined options that do not require a city appropriation: a waiver tied to a verifiable in-kind public benefit (for example, documented alarms/lessons provided to Winter Springs residents), or a formal schedule that grants discounts to qualifying nonprofits.
Several commissioners offered alternatives: Commissioner Sarah Baker suggested in-kind city support (trash pickup, promotional help or staff support) if a fee waiver is not legally feasible; Commissioner Victoria Bruce proposed a standing discount for nonprofits organized in the city; and Commissioner Paul Diaz pushed for an immediate 100% waiver in this instance.
After extended procedural debate about motions and amendments, the commission voted to direct the city attorney to draft policy language creating a 50% discount for qualifying charities located in Winter Springs that provide tangible public benefits; that motion passed (Commissioners Paul Diaz, Victoria Bruce and Sarah Baker in favor; Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick and Commissioner Mark Caruso opposed). A separate motion to grant a 50% immediate waiver to the Wesley Seth Foundation failed.
City staff said they will return with written policy language and eligibility criteria to avoid inconsistent ad-hoc waivers. Commissioners and several attendees volunteered personal and organizational assistance to help the foundation with sponsorship and promotion in the meantime.
