Minutes 07/26/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 26, 2016 Background:  The Virginia Commission for the Arts annually awards grants to localities for art programs and performances through the Local Government Challenge Grant.  The Director of Museums submitted a grant application to the VCA requesting $5,000 to help support youth development programming in Portsmouth. Discussion:  The Department of Museums will use the grant to support programming provided by Teens with a Purpose (TWP)-The Youth Movement.  TWP utilizes best practices to provide youths with the support and opportunities they need to empower themselves.  To qualify for the Local Challenge Grant, localities must demonstrate that they provide funding for cultural arts organizations in the amount of at least $5,000. This match requirement has already been exceeded by the City’s FY 2017 budget appropriations. Financial Impact:  The match has already been met in the current budget. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Vision Principle: Lifelong Learning Community. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Director of Museums will meet with the Executive of TWP to discuss the grant, the guidelines and deadline for completion of the project.  The Director of Museums will submit the necessary paperwork to VCA on or before the required deadline. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Meeks, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHALLENGE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA COMMISSION FOR THE ARTS AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2017 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSEUMS TO SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING.” Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Wright Nays: None 16 - 236 - Adoption of a resolution in support of early childhood education. Vision Principles: Lifelong Learning Community, Enhanced Quality of Life, and a Robust and Prosperous Economy. Background:  The Portsmouth City Council prioritizes education and fosters academia in its Vision Principles as it relates to A Lifelong Learning Community, an Enhanced Quality of Life, and A Robust and Prosperous Economy. Discussion:  The Stairway to Success program is a friendly competition among VML member localities. The program seeks to increase local government’s role in early childhood education, which in turn, builds a qualified, well-educated workforce. The competition awards points to localities for specific actions that enhance the early childhood experience. Portsmouth has long served as a beacon of light in the overall enhancement of the academic experience through a variety of programs, public-private partnerships, and support to our public school system. Financial Impact:  There is no financial impact nor an application fee.