Report to: General Committee Date Report Authored: December 23, 2010

SUBJECT: Dissolution of the Grants Sub-Committee and approval of first quarter 2011 Celebrate Markham Grants

PREPARED BY: Veronica Siu, Senior Business Analyst

Andrea Tang, Financial Planning Manager

RECOMMENDATION:

1) That the report entitled “Dissolution of the Grants Sub-Committee and approval of first quarter 2011 Celebrate Markham Grants” be received;

2) And that the Grants Sub-Committee be dissolved and the decision making responsibilities be transferred to General Committee;

3) And that the following Celebrate Markham events: Black History Month ($2,000), Chinese New Year Celebration ($10,000) and the Tony Roman Hockey Tournament ($6,000) be approved at the 2010 funding levels;

4) And that Staff to bring forward the remaining 2011 Celebrate Markham Grant requests at a future General Committee meeting;

5) And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

PURPOSE:

To obtain approval to dissolve the Grants Sub-Committee and to obtain budget approval for the following three Celebrate Markham events at the 2010 approved funding levels totaling $18,000: Black History Month ($2,000), Chinese New Year Celebration ($10,000) and the Tony Roman Hockey Tournament ($6,000).

BACKGROUND:

Celebrate Markham grants are funds provided to community groups/organizations that enhance and promote the Town, and are committed to building the community by celebrating the artistic and cultural uniqueness of Markham.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Grants Sub-Committee Dissolution

At the 2011 Budget Sub-Committee on December 16, 2010, Staff was advised to prepare a report for a future General Committee meeting to dissolve the Grants Sub-Committee with decisions on grant allocations being transferred to General Committee.

First Quarter 2011 Grants Allocation

The following events Black History Month, Chinese New Year Celebration and the Tony Roman Hockey Tournament will take place in the first quarter of 2011. Therefore, it is recommended that funding be allocated to these events at the 2010 approved funding levels: Black History Month $2,000, Chinese New Year Celebration $10,000 and the Tony Roman Hockey Tournament $6,000.

In addition, Staff will bring forward the remaining 2011 grant requests to the General Committee at a future date.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

The total amount recommended for approval at this time is $18,000 and grants be allocated the same amount as the 2010 approved funding levels for the following events: Black History Month at $2,000, Chinese New Year Celebration $10,000 and Tony Roman Hockey Tournament $6,000.

Further 2011 grant allocations will be discussed and decided at a future General Committee meeting.

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS

Not applicable

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

Not applicable

Joel Lustig, Treasurer Andy Taylor, Commissioner, Corporate Services