AMENITY DONATIONS POLICY 6000-003 – AMENDMENT OPTIONS

AMENITY DONATIONS POLICY 6000-003 – AMENDMENT OPTIONS

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Amenity Donations Policy 6000-003 be amended to include opportunities for varying levels and types of financial donations.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To provide options to augment the current amenity donations policy (Policy #6000-003).

BACKGROUND:

Park Bench Dedication April 2014 A general request was made by Council that a report be provided detailing options to modify the Town’s Amenity Donations Policy (Policy #6000-003, see Attachment “A”).

DISCUSSION:

Many municipalities have park asset donation programs that provide for trees, park benches, picnic tables and/or bicycle racks. These programs are very similar to the Town’s current program though there are slight variations amongst the municipalities. Following are options that can be considered:

1. plaques can be returned at the end of the term to the donor;
2. a very nominal fee for a second term;
3. provide donor information as an acknowledgement on the municipality’s website; and
4. have varying terms dependent upon location of the amenity provided (locations with more exposure to elements have shorter terms).

Moving away from the specific tree/bench/picnic table/bicycle rack model, some municipalities also describe larger donation opportunities:

1. a significant financial contribution for a specific large-scale project like a full playground installation; or
2. provision of an endowment fund, life insurance, estates, and other willed assets.

Finally, some municipalities include the ability for an individual donor to provide a smaller financial contribution – either earmarked towards the acquisition of an amenity or towards a specific project – or non-earmarked for use towards any identified priority projects in a park or trail.

CONCLUSION:

There are many opportunities for donations to be provided to the Town. While it would be difficult to develop a policy that addresses all the possible donation opportunities that may arise and the associated conditions or stipulations that may accompany such donations, the current policy can be amended to reflect a broader donation scope – specifically varying levels and types of financial contributions – if desired by Council.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Amenity Donations Policy 6000-003 be amended to include opportunities for varying levels and types of financial donations.

SUBMITTED BY: S. Jones, Corporate Officer

REVIEWED BY: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer