Item 10ACity of Southlake, Texas
MEMORANDUM
October 20, 2003
TO: Billy Campbell, City Manager
FROM: Malcolm Jackson, Director of Community Services (xt. 1527)
SUBJECT: Approval of allocation of coins from the fountain in Town Square
Action Requested: City Council approval to allocate equitably the coins collected from the
fountain at Town Square to support Southlake's recreation program
scholarship fund including youth ambassador trips to the City's Sister Cities of
Toyoma, Japan and El Fuerte, Mexico.
Background
Information: In order to enhance recreational, educational and social opportunities for
Southlake citizens, it is requested that City Council consider re- allocating the
coins collected from the fountain to be used to support the City's program
scholarship fund including youth ambassador trips to Southlake's Sister Cities
of Toyoma, Japan and El Fuerte, Mexico. The scholarship fund assists
families with children below the age of eighteen who can provide evidence of a
financial hardship (as defined by the program) with an opportunity to
participate in programs offered through the City's Parks and Recreation
program. Financial assistance for youth ambassador trips to visit Southlake's
Sister Cities would be also be included and considered on a case by case basis.
The Parks Board reviewed this item at their October 13, 2003 meeting and
recommended approval.
On March 20, 1999, the first phase of Town Square was completed and
included two (2) park facilities: Rustin Park and Family Park. Family Park has
a fountain located in the middle of the pedestrian plaza area and since its initial
operations passers by have proceeded to place coins in the fountain. During
regular cleaning maintenance crews have removed the coins which are then
secured, periodically cleaned, processed, and deposited in a special account
established by the City's Finance Department. Presently, there is
approximately $1,450 in the account with two additional collections of coins
awaiting deposit. No expenditures have occurred to date.
In May of 1999 the Parks Board originally considered the designation of the
coins and recommended the purchase of trees and a plaque for the fountain.
Trees within the parks system are commonly acquired through a number of
sources to include the reforestation fund, developer tree mitigation
requirements, project budgets, operating funds, and through transplanting from
the City's tree farm. As a result, the City currently has more than an adequate
number of resources to pull from for the planting of trees.
Billy Campbell, City Manager
October 20, 2003
Page 2
Financial
Considerations: The City currently has approximately $1,450 in a special account designated
for coins collected from the fountain in Town Square. It is estimated that
approximately $350+ is collected annually form the fountain. Scholarship
expenditures for recreation programs are up to $150.00 per person or $300.00
per households and financial assistance for youth ambassador trips to visit the
Southlake's Sister Cities would be considered on a case by case basis.
Financial Impact: There is no on -going financial impact associated with the proposed re-
allocation of coins from the Town Square fountain as expenditures associated
with providing scholarships from these funds would be dependant upon the
amount of coins collected.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: At their May 10, 1999 meeting, the Parks Board approved (7 -1) allocating the
coins from the Town Square fountain to purchase trees and a plaque for the
fountain.
At their October 13, 2003 meeting, the Parks Board recommended approval (6-
0-1 Galpin abstained due to her association with Sister Cities) of the re-
allocation of coins from Town Square fountain to be allocated equitably
between the recreation scholarship fund and the Sister Cities youth ambassador
trips with the intent to investigate additional funding for the future continuation
of both programs and with Parks Board annual review of the Town Square coin
fountain funds.
Legal Review: Following Council direction, if approved staff will incorporate the appropriate
language referencing financial assistance from the City for youth ambassador
trips within the 2003 -04 Scope of Services Agreement with Sister Cities.
Alternatives: City Council alternatives include:
• Recommendation to allocate the coins collected from the fountain at Town
Square to support the City's recreation program scholarship fund including
youth ambassador trips to the Southlake's Sister Cities as recommended by
Parks Board.
• Recommendation to continue current allocation of coins collected from the
fountain at Town Square towards trees and a plaque.
• City Council discussion and approval as desired.
Supporting
Documents: Supporting documents include the following items:
■ Minutes from the May 10, 1999 Parks Board meeting.
Staff
Recommendation: City Council approval to allocate equitably the coins collected from the
fountain at Town Square to support the City's recreation program scholarship
fund including youth ambassador trips to the Southlake's Sister Cities.
Billy Campbell, City Manager
October 20, 2003
Page 3
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
May 10, 1999
MINUTES
Board Members Present Chair Vicki Johnson; Vice Chair Sherry Berman; Secretary Cara White; Bobby Rawls;
Robin Jones; Richard Anderson; James Glover; Lisa Stokdyk.
Board Members Absent Chris Miltenberger.
Staff Members Present Steve Polasek, Deputy Director of Community Services; Ben Henry, Park Planning and
Construction Superintendent; Teddi R. Zonker, Administrative Secretary; John Eaglen, Administrative Assistant.
Agenda Item No. S.F., Designation of coins from fountain at Rustin Park in Town Square
Miltenberger's email statement as read by Ms. Vicki Johnson "Plant trees with the money from the fountain. "
Ms. Stokdyk stated that the funds be donated to an "Adopt-a- Spot" group to increase the beautification of the City
of Southlake. Ms. Johnson said that most of the coins come from the children of the City. She suggested that
these funds be used to purchase trees. Mr. Glover and the Board suggested that a plaque be placed at the fountain
stating that the funds are being used to purchase trees for the City.
Motion was made to approve the designation of coins from fountain at Rustin Park in Town Square to purchase
trees and a plaque for the fountain.
Motion:
White
Second:
Berman
Ayes:
Rawls, Jones, White, Johnson, Berman, Anderson, Glover
Nayes:
Stokdyk
Approved:
7 -1