REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: October 21, 2020 Report No. FIN-20-020
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Ian Irvine, Director of Financial Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Local Grant Application - Esquimalt High School Athletics
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to issue the payment of $2,750 to Esquimalt High School for the purpose of funding athletic program expenditures, as attached to Staff Report No. FIN-20-020.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Council Policy ADM-29 Local Grants - Esquimalt High School
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This request does not relate to any specific strategy or priority
BACKGROUND:
Each year, pursuant to Council Policy ADMIN-29 Local Grants - Esquimalt High School, the distribution of local grant funding to Esquimalt High School is considered. At its meeting on March 4, 2020, Council approved an initial distribution of the 2020 Local Grant budget, which included funding of up to $2,750 for the Esquimalt High School’s athletics programs. Typically, these funds are to be used to assist senior athletic teams with travel costs related to tournaments and competitions.
The Council Policy requires representatives from the school to appear before Council to request the approval and release of the funds. An application has been submitted by a representative from Esquimalt High School wish to request the amount of $2,750 in local grant funding allocated within the Council Policy.
A copy of the grant application [Attachment 1] and the Council Policy [Attachment 2] have been included for your reference.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
During the approval of the 2020 Local Grants by Council, an amount of $2,750 was allocated for the Esquimalt High School athletics program pending the receipt of a formal application as required by Council Policy ADMIN-29 Local Grants - Esquimalt High School.
While the Council Policy specifies that the athletics funding is intended to support travel to tournaments for senior athletics teams, this is a unique year during which all competitions and related travel have been cancelled. In the absence of interscholastic sports, schools have been asked to encourage intramural activities in order to keep children active. As a result, the school’s Athletic Director has requested that the funds allocated under the Policy be made available for the purchase of intramural equipment. This additional equipment would allow for greater participation and while helping to ensure that adequate cleaning and safety protocols are maintained.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications of this decision.
3. Financial Implications
Within the 2020 Financial Plan, an amount of $2,750 has already been allocated and available for distribution. If not expended, the amount would be transferred into accumulated surplus at the end of the fiscal year.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications of this decision.
5. Communication & Engagement
Staff will issue any approved payment and will provide a formal notification letter to the Esquimalt High School.
ALTERNATIVES:
That Council direct staff to issue the payment of $2,750 to Esquimalt High School for the purpose of funding athletic program expenditures, as attached to Staff Report No. FIN-20-020.
That Council direct staff to issue a payment for an amount less than the $2,750 included in Council Policy No. ADMIN-29