Council Approves $11,700 for Community Enhancement Projects

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At its May 23 meeting the Sewanee Community Council approved $11,700 in funding for seven Community Enhancement projects. The council also voted to adopt changes to the constitution and selected meeting dates for the 2016–17 academic year. Provost John Swallow chaired the meeting, filling in for Vice-Chancellor John McCardell.
The Community Enhancement program is in the second year of a two-year trial. In the summer of 2014, the Council approved increasing the municipal service fee paid by all leaseholders to generate $10,000 to be used for physical improvements and amenities on the Domain. The total award for 2016 was increased because the Phil White Dog Park proposal funded in 2015 didn’t use its entire allocation.
Sarah Marhevsky chaired the project review committee. In discussion before the council voted, Marhevsky explained the committee did not recommend funding the two sidewalk projects because the cost exceeded $10,000 for each.
“As was our philosophy last year, we opted for helping a wider pool of people and groups instead of just one group,” Marhevsky said.
Council member Drew Sampson suggested the money in the fund could be “allowed to accumulate over time so more could be accomplished. This was part of the original thought when the fund was created.”
Swallow pointed out the program was still in the two-year trial phase, and “There was no presumption of reserving funds for future use during the trial period.”
Council member John Flynn stressed the importance of distinguishing between Community Enhancement projects funded by a “tax” levied on lease holders and the Sewanee Community Chest which funds projects through voluntary donations made by community members.
In praise of the Community Enhancement program, council member Barbara Schlicting said, “I was amazed by the diversity of ideas we saw in the proposals. We learned things we might not otherwise have known.”
Council representative Louise Irwin abstained from voting on the committee’s recommendations, citing her constituents need for clarification on how the fund was established and administered.
“There’s much to discuss in the fall when we take up possible continuation of the program,” Swallow said.
The council voted to fund the following projects: $3,179 for sand, refurbishing restrooms and other improvements at the soccer field; $2,800 for mulch at the Elliott Park playground; $2,200 for electrical repairs at the American Legion Hall; $1,800 for a picnic table at the Elliott Park playground; $1,271 for lighting at Angel Park; $300 for soil and bulbs for planting by children in the Plateau Playground group; and $150 to help offset operating expenses for Community Poetry Night.
Turning to administrative issues, the council approved changes to the constitution intended to increase involvement in the council and make representation more equitable. At present, there are three elected council representatives from each of the four districts. The council voted to reallocate the distribution of elected seats. Beginning with the November election, elected representation shall consist of four at-large seats and two seats from each district.
The council appointed Pixie Dozier to serve as the election officer for the fall 2016 election.
For the 2016–17 academic year the council will meet Aug. 22, Oct. 24, Jan. 23, March 27 and May 22, with four dates held in reserve for meetings as needed.
Sampson requested the council receive a report on the University’s proposed intention to reduce transfer fees. The nonprofit Folks at Home was assessed a very large fee for a recent transfer, Sampson said.