Title
Supervisor Novasel recommending the Board:
1) Find that a public benefit is derived from supporting the Meyers Community Foundation's efforts to welcome the public into the Tahoe basin during the holidays with a beautifully lit tree; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a funding Agreement consistent with the County's standard form and upon the approval of County Counsel, with the Meyers Community Foundation authorizing payment of $5,000 community funding contributions in support of these efforts.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Meyers Community Foundation began in 2011 as an informal group of Meyers residents and business owners who aspired to improve the quality of life in Meyers through grassroots community events and projects. They achieved nonprofit status in 2014, and would now like to support projects proposed and led by civic-minded locals. (Tax-ID number is 46-3770454.) Annual events include the Meyers Tree Lighting (since 2011), the Old Meyers Grade Fun Run (since 2016), and the Meyers Outdoor Gear Swap (since 2015). They have financially supported many Meyers-related projects including restocking the pond with fish at Tahoe Paradise Park, helped to support the Beacon Basin Project with Lake Valley Fire Protection District, donated funds to help build mountain bike trails with the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association in the Meyers area and supported the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet school garden projects just to name a few. More information can be found on their website at www.MeyersCommunityFoundation.org.
In 2011, a few Meyers business owners raised funds to “re-light” the old 100-ft tall tree in Meyers located at 3200 Highway 50. The goal was to welcome people into the Tahoe basin with a beautifully-lit tree to help build a sense of community in Meyers. In 2011 the Meyers “Holiday Tree Lighting” became an annual, informal gathering with caroling, a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, popcorn, and a countdown to light the tree the first Friday of December. This year will be the 8th annual event which attracts 200-300 people and is considered one of the best family events of the year. Maintaining the lights on the tree is a costly, ongoing project due to weather and exposure. The last two winters have hit it particularly hard. The Meyers Community Foundation is asking for $5,000 to add to, replace, and maintain the lights on the tree.
A funding agreement is required in order for the County to process the payment to Meyers Community Foundation. Approval by the Board provides the finding that a public benefit is derived from supporting this endeavor, which seeks to provide a beautifully lit tree to welcome the public into the Tahoe basin during the holidays.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the funding request, and no funding would be provided in support of these efforts.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Meyers Community Foundation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Board of Supervisors allocated $50,000 in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget in General Fund - Other Operations (Department 15) to be available for community funding requests supported by the Board. Approval of this item would allocate $5,000 from this amount. There is no additional impact to the General Fund due to the approval of this agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
None
CONTACT
Supervisor Novasel