SECA COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Discuss SECA policy items and/or designate items for the May SECA meeting
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DEPARTMENT: Community Services
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Fiedler, Special Events Coordinator
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
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BACKGROUND:
Several SECA policy items were discussed by the Commission throughout the application process. Staff is requesting direction on the items discussed.
DISCUSSION:
Applicant Attendance Requirement (Saturday Public Meeting)
The Commission is now asked to confirm all new initiatives will require attendance at the public meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Clarify “academic study”
The SECA Application Workshop presentation currently states that funds must not be used to subsidize academic study; however, this requirement is not reflected in the current Policy and Procedures Manual. The Commission proposed to add clarifying language to the manual, as follows:
Suggested Language:
Expenses that directly support an individual’s academic coursework, degree requirements, or compensation through an organization’s payroll system (including wages or salaries for employees or student workers) constitute subsidization of academic study and are therefore prohibited from SECA funding.
However, one-time stipends or payments for specific services that support the execution of a public-facing event or program-independent of academic credit or institutional payroll-may be considered eligible, provided they are not tied to ongoing employment or academic requirements. All requests for reimbursement of one-time stipends or specific services must include detailed supporting receipts or documentation.
SECA Mission Statement
At the January meeting, two Commissioners volunteered to review the SECA mission statement with staff. At the March meeting, Commissioners received each sample. Staff is requesting that Commissioners reach a decision.