CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Grant Fund presentation and reach consensus on modifications to the SECA Policy and Procedures Manual
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DEPARTMENT: Community Services
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Fiedler, Special Events Coordinator
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
SECA History and Grant Fund Overview
In 2004, Councilwoman Ellingson introduced the idea of creating the Culture Fund (later renamed the Special Events & Cultural Amenities [SECA] Grant Fund) to be used to supplement, and cover, the expenses associated with hosting social and artistic events. Funds would be generated from a 1% food and beverage tax, and City financial support of these events would be removed from the General Fund.
The SECA Commission ("Commission") was established to receive and review annual SECA Grant Fund applications and provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding the annual allocation of the SECA Grant Fund portion of the food and beverage tax. The Commission's powers and duties also include assisting and advising the City Council and staff in furthering the arts, cultural experiences, and special events in Naperville and providing recommendations to the City Council regarding the SECA policy, procedures, and application process in accordance with the SECA mission statement. In 2022, supporting community arts through the administration of the City of Naperville Public Arts Program was added to the Commission's powers and duties.
Since its inception, the SECA Grant Fund program has been reviewed annually by the SECA Commission following the annual grant allocation process, and regularly by City Council through periodic SECA workshops.
SECA Timeline
March 23, 2004 City Council Budget Workshop
* Council directed staff to draft an ordinance adopting a 1% Food & Beverage Tax
April 1, 2004 Special City Council Meeting (Ordinance 04-051)
* Council adopted a 1% Food and Beverage Tax
April 6, 200...
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