05-27-2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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C# ,i • r� LJ MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:00 'o'clock p.m. (3. FUNDING FOR GILLESPIE CENTER, DONNA SMITH, Continued) service in the future and that the City of Orono agreed to increase its contribution to $20,000 last year. Murphy asked where the $20,000 was spent, and. if the city contributes to the new format, what would happen with the $20,000. Murphy stated given the estimated 5000 residents west and south of Highway 84, at $6 per resident, the City would be contributing $30,000. Murphy stated 5000 residents would be approximately 75 percent of the population in Orono, and questioned whether an accurate figure should be obtained from the Census Bureau. i Johnson stated the population number was an estimate but that they could get an accurate count from the Census Bureau. Johnson indicated the Gillespie Center is here to work with the City and its residents, and given the value that the Gillespie Center brings to the community, they felt it was a fair number. Ben Withart, Senior Community Services, stated the association is still viable even though they have lost the Dial -A -Ride service. Withart noted they have retained three of their vehicles, with two of the vehicles servicing the City of Orono. The center has retained its Meals on Wheels program but closed down their dining center in an effort to reduce costs. In response to the closing of the kitchen, volunteers have come forward and are now cooking homemade meals, which has had good participation. Withart stated they are continuing the same level of meal service that they have offered in the past. Withart stated the Gillespie Center did hit a low point a couple of years ago but that the center is now growing and they are attempting to reach more of the seniors who are still working by being opening additional hours on Saturday and during the week. Withart stated the main focus is the senior center and that they view it as a partnership between two nonprofit associations to serve the seniors in this area. Withart stated the estimated population number 'was an attempt to give some rationalization behind the numbers and that the primary cities receiving serrIvices are Mound, Spring Park, Orono, and Minnetrista. If an agreement is entered into, SCS would continue to.serve Orono as they have in the past. Murphy asked what the exact amount of Withart stated it is $30,000, and that it is their additional funding and the endowment fund is funding from the city. McMillan asked how it would work with the Withart stated the center director currently from the Presbyterian Home. Rahn asked how the funds would be funneled. the Gillespie Center is requesting. that within the next ten years, if they receive the .lately funded, they will no longer need to request als program if the City contributed another $10,000. the arrangements and volunteers pick up the meals • Withart stated the $30,000 would be given to the Gillespie Center. Murphy asked why there are two separate organizations. PAGE 3 of 12