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Council approves Marimba Academy partnership; chief outlines Explorer program and volunteer needs
Summary
Council unanimously approved a partnership with Marimba Academy to provide weekly after-school marimba classes at Thomas Stone Elementary; the police chief also outlined a new Boy Scouts Explorer post, registration fees, and an open house for youth recruitment.
On Nov. 18 the Brentwood mayor and council unanimously approved a partnership with the Marimba Academy to provide after-school cultural and music classes targeted at Thomas Stone Elementary students.
Kelvin Gonzales, president of the Association of Guatematecos, outlined the proposal and asked the town to provide space (the community center) for one 1–2 hour class once a week. "We are going to give once a week class," Gonzales said, adding the group has completed about 80% of logistics and asked only for town support to make the program sustainable. He said the organization is a 501(c)(3) and is working on teacher grants and fundraising for extra activities.
Vice Mayor Jerry Burgess moved to approve the partnership. The roll-call vote was unanimous. Mayor Rocio Terminia Lopez said staff will meet with Gonzales and the town administrator to finalize scheduling and logistics.
Separately, Police Chief Anthony Ayers described the department’s plan to launch a Boy Scouts of America Explorer post and a new club for younger children. Ayers presented estimated registration costs (about $100 annual registration for a post or club, $35 for advisers, and $35 for each youth to cover insurance and BSA fees). He said the department intends to seek business sponsors to cover registration for children who can’t pay and asked the council to consider budget support for the first year if donations are insufficient. The department will hold an open house on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6–8 p.m. at the community center to recruit participants and advise parents that registration forms and background-check procedures will be handled through BSA.
Councilmembers asked about gender balance and training: staff confirmed advisers require background checks and a one-hour online protection training; the program must include female advisors when coed participants are present. Ayers said the department will provide documentation and follow up with the council at the Dec. 2 work session if funding is needed.
