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Ms. Michelotti asked how that would be different from the staff recommendation to serve the larger groups. Mr. Deckert referred to the request of the Amador High School Band for assistance in going to China. There would be no other process for them to receive help from the City to make the trip on behalf of the school and the City. He did not feel there was any other opportunity for them to get those funds. Ms. Michelotti reiterated the concem was with individual awards and asked Council to consider the differences between the Commission recommendation and staff's. Her first vote as a Councilmember had been regarding the Foothill Band and at that time there was a concern about setting a precedent. She has been in this community for 25 years and participated in numerous fund raising activities. She felt there was a question of appropriateness when dealing with a girl of public funds. She respected the work of the Commissions and it was difficult to go against a unanimous recommendation. Ms. Acosta said if the Foothill Band program was seeking money to enhance the program, it would apply under the youth grant process and the request would be reviewed. The issue causing difficulty is that the bands are terrific programs that are great for the kids, but they go on a number of trips annually. They go wherever they want to go. A request is sent that they would like to be invited to an event and then they are invited. Is that something the citizens of Pleasanton should fund? The issues of concern are the trips and competitions, not the band program. She sincerely believed that the reason there has not been a problem over the years is that the grant is not heavily advertised. There are numerous programs from elementary to high school that could be funded. Ms. Michelotti clarified that if a soccer team was going to a national competition, it could apply under the current rules as could an individual entering a competition. This community has fostered fund raising for these events. She pointed out that the Sister City organization had already gone to the community and raised funds before approaching the City. It was moved by Ms. Michelotti, seconded by Ms. Ayala, to use the Youth Achievement Funds for youth programs in a more global way. Ms. Ayala supported the motion because she believed that if the Youth Fund were applied fairly, there would be widespread advertising to all the groups. She knows many of the music groups have scholarships in their programs and there is community support for fund raising to aid any student that might not be able to participate. Ms. Dennis felt this was a difficult question. She appreciated the opinion of City staff about potential difficulties and the appropriate use of City funds as well as the fairness. In order for government to work, it must be fair. On the other hand, there is a unanimous recommendation from the Human Services Commission. She would like the Pleasanton City Council 24 12/07/99 Minutes