Meeting Information
4:00 p.m.
-Convene
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;
(b) Acknowledge fee reports for May and June 2011 (Clerk's Office)
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider request from Van Go for $20,000 in job training support under Economic Development funding (Lynne Green)
(3) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments:
Board of Zoning Appeals 10/2011 (2 positions-current not eligible for reappointment)
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment
(4) Adjourn
Flory called the regular session meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 with all members present.
CONSENT AGENDA 06-29-11
Flory moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:
► Acknowledgement of Fee Reports for May and June 2011.
Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0
VAN GO, INC. 06-29-11
Lynne Green, Executive Director of Van Go, Inc. asked the Board to consider a request for $20,000 in job training support under the County Economic Development funding.
Green stated Van Go is an arts-based youth employment and job training agency where 85% of the students go on to find employment or enroll in post-secondary education.
Flory asked Green if this is a one-time request for funding and if she foresees this request due to funding cuts. Green replied that she sees this as a one-time request. Van Go wants to create a self-sufficient program. They plan to increase fundraising to be as self-supporting as possible.
Flory asked if Van Go will receive funding from the United Way as part of the United Way kids programs. Green stated that is correct, they will receive about 3%. However, Van Go receives no state funding.
Thellman asked how much Van Go has lost due to state funding. Green stated last year they received $15,000 to $17,000 from the Art's Commission and $12,000 from the Juvenile Justice Authority. Their total operating budget is $650,000.
Gaughan asked how much of Van Go's budget comes from donations and fundraising. Green stated about 20% of their budget comes from individual support, 10% from fundraising, 25% from the Federal Government and the rest is just patching it together. They do get money from the City alcohol tax and receive support from the City of Lawrence.
Flory opened the item for public comment. No public comment.
Gaughan stated he is supportive of the program and for funds to be used from the Economic Development Fund.
Thellman stated she also supports the program. The Economic Development Fund was created for projects such as this one. The County gives tax abatements and tries to offer support. She stated she appreciates the opportunity to support our youth, and especially youth in difficult circumstances. Thellman stated she supports this request as a one-time support. The County is in a position to support this one request. Any further type of support would have to be discussed by the Board.
Flory stated this is not what we envisioned with job training and economic development, but he has no qualms that Van Go is providing a good service. He stated this seems more like it falls under a social services program rather than a job training program, but it could fall under either one. He d s not see this as an ongoing County funded project. Ongoing support would be discussed under the regular budget items and would need to compete with the many other agencies that provide employment.
Flory asked about funding commitments to Berry Plastics. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, stated the County can still meet our commitments if the Board agrees to offer support for this request. Any support of this approval is not a commitment for future support.
Gaughan moved to approve the request from Van Go, Inc. for $20,000 from the 2011 allocation of funds from the Economic Development Fund for job training. Motion was seconded by Thellman and carried 3-0. Note: Flory encouraged Green to come back to the Board to report how the funding support helped the program.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 06-29-11
Flory moved approval of accounts payable in the amounts of $303,564.61 paid on 06/23/11 and $189,718.18 to be paid on 06/30/11. Motion was seconded by Gaughan and carried 3-0.
Flory moved to adjourn the meeting; Thellman seconded and the motion carried 3-0.
________________________ ____________________________
Jim Flory, Chair Mike Gaughan, Vice-Chair
ATTEST:
_______________________ ____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk Nancy Thellman, Member
Time and Date