GLOVERSVILLE – The Common Council made no decision Tuesday about how the city will use the funds available from a $10,000 donation from the Overlook Ridge Apartments despite the mayor suggesting non-profit organizations start to apply for a portion of the money.
Mayor Dayton King said under his plan, groups could send a letter to the city clerk with the amount they’re requesting and an explanation about how the money would be used.
He said while there may be restrictions on how the city distributes money, it can partner with organizations. He said the deadline for requests would be 4 p.m. Sept. 10.
Under his plan, King said, the Common Council would review entries and pass a resolution announcing the winners at a Sept. 24 council meeting. King’s plan would require council approval.
King also said he thinks about $3,000 of the money should go to the Recreation Commission for future activities and city improvements.
However, members of the council said the money should be spent wisely and they will take time to consider all of the options.
Second Ward Councilman Arthur Simonds said he agrees the Recreation Commission needs funding, especially for summer programs. Simonds also said he would support some of the money going to the local Boys & Girls Club and food pantries as well.
Sixth Ward Councilman Wrandy Siarkowski said considering the residents of his ward along Lee Avenue have endured a lot during the development of the controversial housing complex, he believes some of that road could stand to be repaired.
“Northern Terrace looks very good as far as the condition of the road, but the last block of Lee Avenue is not in very good shape,” Siarkowski said. “I would like to find out what it would cost us to bring that section of the road up because we have buses traveling on it now, and I think some of this money could go toward repaving some of that street because the residents up there have taken quite a bit of abuse during the construction.”
First Ward Councilwoman Robin Wentworth voiced support for the Recreation?Commission and for fixing part of Lee Avenue. However, she was concerned about the council having to decide which non-profits deserve to get funds.
She also said announcing the winners Sept. 24 is unrealistic because that would be too quick.
“We need to have time to make a plan and have guidelines and decide [on] the selection process,” Wentworth said about giving funds to a non-profit organization.
Commissioner of Finance Bruce Van Genderen told the council the city hasn’t even received the funds for the donation yet, so no decision will need to be made immediately.
