2004-01-12 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting

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The programs KEFP TFXASBEAUTIF[/L promotes, such as the Great American Cleanup (GAC) and Dons Mess with Texas Trash-Off, are primarily volunteer-driven. At many cleanups, one hundred percent of the worl~orce is made up of volunteers. This high rate of volunteerism results in an average of $10 in services returned for every public dollar donated to KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL and its affiliates. Many cities see this return as So beneficial that they make KEEP TFX45BEAUTIRIL programs part of the city budget. The program offers grants and awards to affiliate communities that promote beautification initiatives and recognition throughout Texas. To implement the Keep Texas Beautiful program in La Porte, the following requirements are nece~ary: Submit an application with an infial entry fee of $75 o Pay annual $75 Affiliate dues o Complete a short annual report o Attend a KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL training session annually: local or regional training or annual rnnference The Keep La Porte Beautiful program as a part of /Ce~ev Texas Beaul/fu/, will involve getting the community, businesses, and corporations involved in our beautification efforts. Administratively, this program will require partiapation by the City in the form of training, volunteer coordination and community involvement initiatives. The program .participation requires an annual report on progress. The Keep La Porte Beautiful program dovetails nicely with the Tree City, U.S.A. program in that they both emphasize environmental issues as well as beautification. In the long run, the benefits of such a program far outweighs the costs and effort involved in its implementation. StafF recommends that the City pursue participation in the Keep La Porte Beautiful program for our city.