Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts $30,000 fitness grant in nonbinding resolution; fundraising and match discussed
Summary
The council passed a nonbinding resolution to accept a $30,000 award from the National Fitness Campaign for an outdoor fitness path and discussed fundraising and a possible match from the parks budget; no purchase will occur until a purchase order and proof of funds are available.
The Helena-West Helena City Council voted to accept a $30,000 award from the National Fitness Campaign in a nonbinding resolution that allows the mayor’s office to continue fundraising and plan for an outdoor fitness path.
Chair (speaker 9) told the council "We did get awarded $30,000" and emphasized the resolution is nonbinding: "Accepting this resolution is still nonbinding up until the point there is a purchase order for the actual fitness pad itself." He said the mayor's office and chief of staff will continue fundraising and that the city has roughly $40,000 in the parks and recreation line item that could be used as a match if necessary.
Council members asked about fiscal exposure and timing. One council member noted concern about adding to city debt and asked for clarity on how much, if any, of the $40,000 parks budget would be committed. The chair responded several times that no money will be spent until staff secures proof of funds and a purchase order and that raising additional funds is the near-term priority.
A motion to adopt the resolution passed on the roll call with five yes votes and one no (result noted in the meeting record). Staff will continue outreach to donors and will return with next steps if and when a purchase order is ready.
Next steps: mayor's office and chief of staff to continue fundraising and return to council with procurement documents before any expenditure.
