01-24-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, January 24, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. GILLESPIE CENTER — 2010 REPORT, Continued) Pellett noted he did submit a written report regarding the financial condition of the Gillespie Center to the City. The Gillespie Center's unrestricted fund balance is at $246,000, which also serves as a building reserve account. Pellett thanked the Orono City Council for their financial contribution to the center, which has enabled them to continue to provide services to the residents of the community. This past year a separate contract was entered into with the Cities of Mound and Spring Park, and a significant portion of that money has gone into creating an endowment account. In addition to the financial contributions by the various cities, the Gillespie Center has also had several fundraising events, but given the poor economy, they were not able to raise as much as they had in 2009. The income received from memberships helps offset approximately half of the cost of utilities. Donations, in conjunction with the membership fees, paid approximately 42 percent of the building operation costs in 2010. Pellett noted the total amount of expenses for the Gillespie Center was approximately $130,000 in 2010, with the contributions by the cities coming to $90,570. Pellett pointed out they are able to provide as many services as they do in large part to the large number of volunteers that help out at the center. • Franchot noted that the City's contribution was to provide financial help to the Center and that it would be difficult at some point in the future to continue to provide financial assistance as the endowment fund • grows. McMillan asked whether Mound and Spring Park will be contributing a similar amount in 2011. Pellett indicated Mound and Spring Park entered into a two -year contract in 2010. McMillan asked whether the Meals on Wheels program is a separate program from the services provided by the Gillespie Center. Donna Smith stated the Gillespie Center has a contract with Senior Community Services, SCS, to provide the Meals on Wheels program and they currently provide approximately 30 meals a week to residents throughout the community. Smith commented they have made enormous strides in improving the services offered by the Center based on the financial contributions by the cities. Some of the upcoming fundraising events include a Hawaiian beach party, a quilting event, lunch cruises, a golf tournament, and a boutique. The Center is also open to private events such as weddings. The Center also offers card parties, breakfast and lunch, and exercise classes. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — JOHN THIESSE, REPRESENTATIVE Thiesse stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. • Page 2 of 15