HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2025.05.01 - 42061
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of Pontiac Growing to Live Community Garden
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2025-5152
Motion to approve the one-time allotment of $10,000 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Board of
Commissioners General Fund Sponsorship line-item budget for the purpose of sponsoring the
Pontiac Growing to Live Community Garden; further, approve and authorize the Board Chair to
execute any required agreements on behalf of Oakland County. Additionally, require that the
recipient of the funds promote the County and provide an impact report to the Board detailing the
sponsorship outcomes, including the number of residents served.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Angela Powell
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The total cost of the project is $30,000, with a requested sponsorship of $10,000 from
Oakland County.
First and Last Name (Person Submitting the Form): William A. Carrington
Organization (Person Submitting the Form): Pontiac Growing to Live
Email Address (Person Submitting the Form): william.a.carrington.abd@gmail.com
Phone Number (Person Submitting the Form):
Last Name of Sponsoring Commissioner: Powell
Project Overview: Pontiac Growing to Live is a community gardening initiative that provides
Pontiac residents with access to fresh food, educational opportunities, and a shared space for
community engagement. The project is located at the corner of Ivy and Oliver in the GM Housing
District and serves as a valuable resource for families looking to learn and participate in sustainable
food production. Each participating family receives a garden bed, along with all the essential tools
and materials needed to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. In
addition to food production, this initiative promotes community building and fosters a sense of
shared responsibility for maintaining a sustainable environment. Since its inception, Pontiac
Growing to Live has helped many residents develop gardening skills while creating a space where
people can gather, share knowledge, and support one another. The program also encourages
physical activity and healthy eating habits, both of which contribute to improved well-being.
Participants are not only given the tools to grow their own produce, but they also receive guidance
on best gardening practices, seasonal planting techniques, and sustainable land use.
Project Type: Sponsorship of an Event
Proposed Budget Breakdown: For the first year, the estimated cost of operating Pontiac Growing
to Live is $10,000. This amount covers a variety of expenses, including garden bed materials, soil,
seeds, tools, water access, maintenance costs, and educational programming. In previous years,
funding for this initiative was partially supported by the GM Modern Housing Association. However,
the organization has recently informed the project leaders that they are no longer able to contribute
financial assistance. As a result, alternative funding sources must be identified to ensure the
program’s continued success.
Detailed Timeline for Implementation: The Pontiac Growing to Live project will officially
commence its 2025 growing season on April 1, 2025. Throughout the season, participants will
receive guidance on planting, maintaining, and harvesting their crops. The program will conclude on
November 30, 2025, at which point an evaluation will be conducted to assess its impact and identify
any areas for improvement for the following year.
Detail on Possible Funding Partners or Matching Funds: Previously supported by GM Modern
Housing Association, but they have recently informed that they are out of funding. Actively seeking
new partnerships and funding sources.
Anticipated Impact of the Project and Evaluation: The primary goal of Pontiac Growing to Live is
to enhance food security, encourage physical activity, promote mental health benefits, and
strengthen community relationships. Many Pontiac residents face challenges related to food access,
and this initiative helps address that issue by providing individuals and families with a reliable
source of fresh produce. In addition to improving nutrition, the project offers residents an opportunity
to engage in an active and rewarding hobby that has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood
pressure, and improve overall mental well-being. Gardening has long been recognized for its
therapeutic benefits, and by offering this space, the project helps individuals find a positive outlet for
their energy while also engaging in a meaningful, community-driven activity. The program is open to
all Pontiac residents, allowing them to volunteer, learn, and take ownership of their own garden
beds. Community members who participate in the project gain valuable skills related to gardening,
nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the communal nature of the space fosters
social connections, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages and
backgrounds. By working together to maintain the garden, residents are able to form bonds and
strengthen their ties to the neighborhood.
Additional Information or Supporting Documents: This project falls within the priorities of the
Board of Commissioners, as it directly benefits the health and well-being of residents, promotes
sustainability, and strengthens community ties. By investing in this initiative, the Board would be
supporting a program that aligns with public health priorities and community development goals.
FISCAL IMPACT: No Budget Amendment Needed
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
William A. Carrington Pontiac Growing to Live
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 5/1/2025
AGENDA DEADLINE: 04/17/2025 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Commuinity Garden Presentation and Proposal Oakland County_William Carrington
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2025-04-10 Full Board - Refer to Finance
2025-04-23 Finance - Recommend to Board
2025-05-01 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Linnie Taylor
Seconded by: Commissioner Penny Luebs
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen
Nelson, Christine Long, Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia
Gershenson, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ann Erickson Gault,
Linnie Taylor, Robert Smiley (18)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
Pontiac
Growing to
Live
William A. Carrington, MPA, MA
WeCare Neighborhood Ass.
President
Agenda
Importance of Community Garden
The Plan: Oliver and Ivy
2
Introduction
3
The community Garden at the corner of Ivy and Oliver
was the brainchild of Dayne Thomas who wanted to create
a space in the GM Housing District to come together.
The first and current garden manager has been William
Carrington. Who has been totally dedicated to making this
space a safe and welcoming place.
The Importance
of the
Community
Gardening is a great form of exercise.
Besides obvious weight lose benefits
gardening has been proven to reduce
stress, lower blood pressure, lower
cholesterol, and decrease
depression.
4
The Plan:
*WeCare Purchase plots, 64-14-21-331-
001, 64-14-21-331-002, 64-14-21-331-
003, in 2022.
*We built 10 new garden beds for youth
gardening; currently, the garden has 15
garden beds for families.
We create a partnership with Kirk in the
Hills and Micah 6. WeCare Neighborhood
Association (Non-profit that has been
intricate in eradicating blight and
maintaining safe places in the 6th district).
*Funding Request is $21,070.90; this will
cover the expenses for three years
5
Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 6
We Just Cooking!
Thank You
William A. Carrington, MPA, MA
William.a.Carrington.abd@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19324565095
709
Sept. 5, 2024 WeCare Neighborhood Ass.7