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Consider approving a Limited Event Support Agreement with Lawton Fort Sill City-Wide Juneteenth Inc. to support a public, family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration.
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INITIATOR: Jason Poudrier, Arts and Humanities Administrator
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Larry Parks, Parks and Recreation Director
BACKGROUND: According to City Policy 9-2, City Council Parade and Assembly Policy, the Juneteenth Celebration is listed as a City Sanctioned Event, and may be carried out without charge to a sponsoring entity. Furthermore, it is stated within the policy that the "Police Department will support all City sanctioned events without Charge." As a public, family-Friendly event, this event has continued to grow over the years and is conducted in collaboration with multiple entities. The board of Lawton Fort Sill City Wide Juneteenth Inc. are working to increase revenues and sponsorship to continue to grow this festival; however, at this time, City funds are needed to ensure its success.
The event this year will be hosted over three days, and the goal is to make the Lawton Fort Sill Juneteenth the premier celebration within the state to attend to increase travel and tourism to Lawton Fort Sill and improve quality of life. The event will include live entertainment, featured speakers, bounce houses, vendor booths, and other family-friendly activities.
EXHIBIT: City Wide Juneteenth Inc. Limited Support Agreement & Budget 2024
KEY ISSUES: The Lawton Fort Sill City Wide Juneteenth Inc. Board has submitted a budget request for Hotel Motel tax funds for 2024-2025 celebration. However, due to staffing changes and other issues, they missed the original funding request deadline for 2023-2024. They are requesting funds at this time. Neither Parks and Rec. nor Arts and Humanities have adequate, un-allocated department or division funds to directly support the event beyond lending of personnel; therefore, funding is needed from Hotel/Motel tax.
FUNDING SOUR...
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