Submitted by: Councilmembers Denes and Waszczak
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Disbursement of Ward 1 Discretionary Funds
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council approve the disbursement of Ward 1 discretionary funds in the amount of $163.39 to pay for a Zoom account for the free Hyattsville Community Yoga class, $500 to the SoHy Co-op for placemaking of The Spot, and $500 to Tired Parents of Hyattsville for community outreach.
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Summary Background:
The free Hyattsville Community Yoga class has been taking place on Sunday evenings since 2017. It is a weekly class that is open to all. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the class met in the Prangley Room in the City Building. In 2019, Ward 1 discretionary funds were approved for the purchase of yoga equipment for this class (i.e., mats, blocks). When the pandemic started in March of 2020, the class became virtual. For the past two-plus years, one of the regular yoga participants arranged for the use of a Zoom account, but that account is no longer available. These Ward 1 discretionary funds will pay for a dedicated Zoom account for the Hyattsville Community Yoga class. Each week, an average of approximately 25 participants log into the virtual yoga class. The teachers donate their time and provide yoga instruction to participants of all ages and abilities. This class serves Hyattsville residents who want to build flexibility, balance and strength, and manage stress. The reliability and consistency of the class supports residents’ yoga practice, and provides inclusion and belongingness, which has been critical during the pandemic.
Last year, the SoHy Co-op activated the city-owned lots on Hamilton St. adjacent to the Trolley Trail as a community space with planters, picnic tables, shade structures, and benches. The Spot was transformed from vacant lots to a gathering place including monthly programming on the last Friday of the month in the summer. These funds will support the upkeep through the purchase of paint and sealant for maintenance of the benches and tables, seasonal flowers and plants, and a small shed to house supplies.
Tired Parents of Hyattsville is a local grassroots gun violence prevention group. This group is reactivating in our community and starting outreach.
Next Steps:
Approve the disbursement of funds.
Fiscal Impact:
$1,163.39 allocated from Ward 1 FY22 Discretionary Funds
City Administrator Comments:
N/A
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 5 - Strengthen the City’s Identity as a Diverse, Creative, and Welcoming Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A