CC_Minutes_2023_1127 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 27, 2023 Page 8 Councilmember Etten explained he appreciated everything the organization is doing in the community. He asked if Midway Speed Skating is a partner of the organization only at the bingo hall or is the partnership at the other locations as well. Mr. Diskerud explained it is only at the bingo hall. Councilmember Etten asked if contributing to other sports was something that the organization is formally doing now or something the organization would like to do. Ms. Hopeman indicated as a 501-c3 organization they have to give out what they bring in. She thought if the organization got the five locations and gets to a point where they can give the money to other sports and organizations, that is what they will do. Councilmember Groff thanked the RAYH representatives for the presentation and thought it was good to hear everything the organization does for the community. He was impressed with their DEI work and wondered if the organization did anything with scholarships or how they would look to increase the different skin tones on the teams or gender. Ms. Hopeman explained that currently the organization has about twenty-five thousand dollars for financial aid and there are only three or four people who make the decisions. It is accessible to anybody and no one will be denied, it is whatever they can pay. Mr. Diskerud explained the organization currently has about thirty families that participate in the financial aid program. He explained how the process works. He indicated the organization has seen the requests for aid increase year after year and he does think that is because of the rising costs. He thought their organization was one of the most diverse in the area. Ms. Hopeman highlighted one of their programs called First Skate. Councilmember Strahan asked how many paid staff is in the organization. Ms. Hopeman indicated currently there are two paid staff and the first time the organization has had that. Councilmember Strahan asked of the thirty families that are getting financial, aid how many are living in Roseville.