City Council discusses grant writer position
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The future of the city’s grant writer position was discussed by councilors at Monday’s meeting, with all agreeing the expertise was needed, noting however they were unsure how to fund it.
Kim Smith was appointed last year as the municipality’s first grant writer, a position which will expire in May and which was funded through the surplus account.
“The position was half funded through surpluses. By next year’s budget, there will be about a $45,000 hole. But the money Kim brings in (through grants) reduces capital improvement expenses,” said City Manager Jim Bennett.
Bennett told councilors he was willing to meet with Kim to “re-define the position and see if there are other places Kim’s experience and knowledge could be used.”
Councilor Mike Chasse said now wasn’t the time to eliminate the position.
“When we decided to give her a chance (last year), we knew we wouldn’t get the full impact of this role until the grants come in. Not extending another year would be selling ourselves short,” said Chasse. He said she’s currently working on three grants totaling over $300,000 for the Community Center and has acquired several additional grants for the city worth thousands of dollars.
Councilor Dick Engels agreed, stating “the time to talk about this is a year from now.”
“Kim has talent as a writer. It’s time for the city to have someone to put things in a positive light. Jason’s (Parent) writing at NMCC was part of what made Mary (Akeley Smith) interested in donating to the school,” said Engels. “I think if Kim’s position were expanded, it would be very valuable. I’d certainly like to see her continue.”
Councilor Randy Smith suggested reviewing the matter at the end of the year.
“If the job is just a grant writer, I don’t see the benefit to John Q. Taxpayer. With the executive assistant (in Bennett’s office) leaving, perhaps it’s time to re-define the role. There are a bunch of committees short of people and a lot of places Kim’s experience could benefit,” said Councilor Pete Hallowell.
Council Chair Emily Smith asked if any of the grants would be recurring or were they one time only.
“It depends on the grant itself. Most I’ve applied for aren’t recurring. Most are seasonal. Based on that, there are grants on my radar but we haven’t gotten to the right time period,” said Kim Smith, noting some take months to see through to fruition. “I applied for one last fall pertaining to the public market. Martin, Ken and I had a conference call this month. We likely won’t know the decision until June.”
To prove how much goes into grant writing, she pointed to a cart loaded with binders of completed grant applications.
A grant Kim is particularly proud of is one Public Works asked for pertaining to recycling.
“I came up with a program for recycling. There’s info on the city’s website, www.presqueislemaine.gov, look for Just For Kids. I’ll also be creating a life-sized soda bottle on wheel’s that’s interactive for older kids to see. We’ll have handouts that keep recycling in kids’ minds, books for the library on the subject,” said Kim, as she introduce her creation, Garbagette.
“Garbagette is a teaching tool. Children can put recyclables in her tummy. I built this for about $171, plus my time,” said Kim, displaying a trash can that opens to show a puppet — Garbagette — inside.
Engels was pleased with the creation, asking if it was marketable.
“We could sell this to various school districts, etc.,” said Engels.
Following discussion, Bennett said he Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett would meet with Kim Smith to discuss possible options for combining duties, with the intent to come back to Council as early as next Monday to discuss the position of grant writer further.
In other business, councilors authorized Bennett to sign a letter of intent with Nickerson & O’Day, Inc., by a vote of 6-1, with Engels abstaining. Hallowell amended the motion, requesting that no additional billable hours be accepted from Harriman, with councilors voting 7-0 in favor. Councilors Craig Green and Chasse, along with other city officials, will meet with Nickerson & O’Day representatives to continue looking for ways to reduce construction costs, through the use of less expensive materials, etc.
Council will continue talks on the construction of the Community Center, pool and splash pad at next Monday’s regular monthly meeting at City Hall at 6 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information, call 760-2785.
