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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3B - Volunteer Appreciation Day ? AGENDA NUMBER: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND: DISCUSSION: "CELEBRATE PRIOR LAKE'S CENTENNIAL - 1991" 3(b) KAY SCHMUDLACH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CONSIDER APPROVAL OF VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 1, 1991 On May 31, 1990 the City of Prior Lake hosted the first Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony. The ceremony was successful and funds were budgeted for the same activity in 1991. This agenda item will provide several options for the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony in 1991. The Volunteer Appreciation program in 1990 was an informal gathering of approximately 50 people re~resenting many Prior Lake volunteer organizatlons. The ceremony took place in front of City Hall and hors d'oeuvres and beverages were provided by the City. The president(s) or Chair person(s) from approximately 110 organizations were invited in addition to all members of City commissions and committees to receive Certificates of Appreciation for their dedication of time and talent to our community. Although the program was successful, staff feels improvements could be made to enhance participation. The goal of the Volunteer Ceremony is to formally express gratitude for the investment many make in our community. Appreciation the City's individuals The relatively small representation of volunteer groups in attendance in 1990, may indicate that perhaps the invitation list was too broad, and encompassed organizations that do not focus on Prior Lake, but have a regional or countywide focus. 4629 Dakota 51. 5.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax i612) 447-4245 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer In 1991 staff proposes that the City Council host a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for approximately 30 organizations and all City commissions and committee members. These individuals are focusing their efforts in Prior Lake. The organizations invited will again represent the service clubs and all City commissions and committees. Approximately 100 members would be included on the invitation list in addition to the City Council and several city staff. A budget of $1,000.00 was approved by the Council. staff has identified three alternatives for consideration. Each alternative can be accomplished within the budget perimeters. If the City Council deC1des to present the volunteers with an item different from a Certificate of Appreciation, cost estimates will have to be considered in addition to the funding proposed in the three alternatives. Alternative #1 Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony at a local park and provide a picnic meal. The cost of the picnic could be kept low enough to allow for spouses and family members. staff would recommend Memorial Park because of its easy access for Senior citizens. Alternative #2 Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for volunteers only at a local restaurant and again provide hors d'oeuvres and non alcoholic beverages for a cost not to exceed the budget. Alternative #3 Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony in front of City Hall again or inside if inclement weather. Present each volunteer with a Certificate of Appreciation and provide hors d'oeuvres and non alcoholic beverages. The estimated cost for this type of ceremony is approximately $300.00. Because of the relatively low cost for providing this type of ceremony, the City may want to consider invitin9 spouses and/or providing music. Suggest10ns for music are Mad Jazz or the Windjammers. staff believes Ceremony is very the Volunteer important to Appreciation strengthening RECOMMENDATION: ALTERNATIVES: ACTION REQUIRED: communication in the Prior Lake community, and encouraging continued support by volunteers of community activities. Furthermore, staff believes that family members give equally to the volunteer efforts and should be included in the ceremony. A final discussion item would be the continuation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Staff would recommend continuation of this program administered similar to last rear. The nominees would be submitted by 1ndividuals in response to articles in the Prior Lake American, and in response to invitations sent to the participating organizations. Staff recommends that the City Council a~prove Alternative #1 and #4, scheduling a picn1c for the volunteers and their families at Memorial Park. Staff would recommend the continuation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Because of the cost of the picnic, no item for distribution except certificates is recommended. The alternatives to be considered are as follows: 1. Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony at Memorial Park for volunteers and their families. 2. Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony at a local restaurant for volunteers only. 3. Host the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony in front of city Hall for volunteers only. 4. Continue the Volunteer of the Year Award as organized last year. Approval of the Consent Agenda will include a motion to support Alternatives #1 and #4. Staff will come back to the City Council on April 15 with possible June dates.