Title
A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Foley, Alabama, Authorizing A Contribution Of $10,000 To Support The Blankenship Scholars Program At The University Of South Alabama In Honor Of Commissioner Chris Blankenship
Summary
Budgetary Impact:
Non-Capital Item:
____ Budgeted under account #_____
____ Not budgeted, requesting transfer of $__________ from Account #______________ to Account #_____________.**Request to Transfer Departmental Budget Dollars form must be attached**
_X___ Not budgeted requiring increase to account #100-1011-6052 in the amount of $10,000.**Request to Increase Departmental Budget Dollars form must be attached**
Capital - Departmental **Capital Purchase Worksheet form must be attached**
____ Budgeted under account #______________ for $_________ and described in budget as ________________________. Additional amount needed, if any: Increase in budget of $_________ OR, transfer of $________ from Account #____________ to Account #_____________**Request to Increase OR Request toTransfer Departmental Budget Dollars form must be attached**
____ Not Budgeted - account #____________ requires budget increase of $_____________.**Request to Increase Departmental Budget Dollars form must be attached**
Capital Project - **If requesting to start a project, a Capital Project Worksheet form must be attached**
In current year Capital Projects Plan:
_____ Yes, described as __________________________, planned amount $___________, requesting $_________ as total project estimate, including contingencies, under account #_________________
_____ No, requesting $___________ as total project estimate, including contingencies, under account #____________________.
_____ No, requesting an increase of $___________ to an already approved project titled ________________________ that is being tracked under Account No. ___________________.
Body
WHEREAS, Chris Blankenship has served as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since his appointment by Governor Kay Ivey in 2017 and has dedicated his career to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of Alabama’s natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Blankenship has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, including Mobile and Baldwin Counties, through his work with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and through numerous partnerships and initiatives benefiting the region; and
WHEREAS, significant investments have been made in coastal Alabama through Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funding and other initiatives during Commissioner Blankenship’s tenure, including projects involving coastal restoration, state parks, boat ramps, land acquisitions, outdoor recreation, and other improvements benefiting the citizens and visitors of the region; and
WHEREAS, the University of South Alabama has established the Blankenship Scholars Program in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences to honor Commissioner Blankenship and support students pursuing careers in conservation enforcement through the study of marine and environmental sciences and criminal justice; and
WHEREAS, the Blankenship Scholars Program is intended to carry forward Commissioner Blankenship’s legacy of stewardship, leadership, conservation, and public service by preparing the next generation of professionals to protect and manage Alabama’s natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the University of South Alabama has requested support from the City of Foley in recognition of Commissioner Blankenship’s service to the Gulf Coast and the State of Alabama and in support of the Blankenship Scholars Program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Foley finds that supporting the Blankenship Scholars Program is an appropriate way to recognize Commissioner Blankenship’s contributions to coastal Alabama and to support the development of future conservation and natural resource professionals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize a contribution in the amount of $10,000 to support the Blankenship Scholars Program at the University of South Alabama.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Foley, Alabama, as follows:
SECTION 1: That the City Council hereby authorizes a contribution in the amount of $10,000 to the University of South Alabama for the purpose of supporting the Blankenship Scholars Program in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences.
SECTION 2: That the contribution authorized herein shall support the Blankenship Scholars Program and its mission to prepare students for careers in conservation enforcement and to promote the continued protection and stewardship of Alabama’s marine and natural resources.
SECTION 3: That the Mayor, City Administrator, and appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to execute any documents and take any actions necessary to effectuate the contribution authorized by this Resolution, subject to applicable laws, policies, and budgetary requirements of the City.
SECTION 4: That the contribution authorized by this Resolution shall be paid from Account #100-1011-6052, and the City Administrator and Finance Department are authorized to appropriate funds to said account in the amount of $10,000 to provide for the contribution authorized herein, subject to applicable budget requirements.
SECTION 5: That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution.
SECTION 6: That this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.