HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-169RESOLUTION NO. 20-169
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON AMENDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS POLICY; PROVIDING A REPEALER; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Denton desires to amend the policy guidelines for the Acceptance
of Sponsorships and Donations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the public's best interest to adopt the revised
policy; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOL YES:
SECTION 1. The revised Acceptance of Sponsorships and Donations Policy, which is
attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes, is hereby approved and adopted.
SECTION 2. All policies inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed, including without
limitation, Resolution 19-1336.
SECTION 3. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
The motion to approve this resolution was made by GtiltA@ flt<D6 PGT/f
and seconded by J 6""b6e J)/4-v iS . This resolution was passed and
approved by the following vote [~ -Q_]:
Chris Watts, Mayor:
Gerard Hudspeth, District 1 :
Keely G. Briggs, District 2:
Jesse L. Davis, District 3:
John Ryan, District 4:
Aye
.;
v
v
Nay Abstain Absent
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5:
Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6:
PASSED AND APPROVED this the / /f:/t day of 11lzr44[j , 2020.
CHRIS WATTS, MAYOR
AT TEST:
ROSARIOS, C I TY SECRETARY
BY: 4oao ~.LJa
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
AARON LEAL, CITY ATTORNEY
~
CITY OF DENTON
Acceptance of Sponsorships and Donations Policy
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of the policy is to provide guidelines for the solicitation, administration, and acceptance
of sponsorships and donations received by the City of Denton.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of the Denton City Council that sponsorship and donation opportunities exist to enhance
the mission of the City and generate revenue to subsidize costs associated with programs, events, or
assets, and are pursued in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the City Council. The City
reserves the right to accept or reject a sponsorship or donation at any time.
Ill. AUTHORITY AND APPROVAL DELEGATIONS
In the event of conflict between this policy and other City policies, this policy will prevail pending
proper approvals. Denton City Council, at its discretion, may grant variances to this policy.
Upon the City's acceptance of a sponsorship and donation, a sponsorship or donation agreement shall
be between the City of Denton and the donor or sponsor.
Authorized City Staff has the authority to create, solicit, and distribute sponsorship and donation
opportunities, receive and assess sponsorship and donation agreements, and accept and deposit funds
in accordance with this policy. Authorized City Staff will comply and adhere to City polices, seek
consultation with appropriate other City staff (e.g. City Legal, Finance Department) as needed.
Authorized City Staff will obtain a copy of the sponsor's current insurance certificate with the City
added as a rider, permits and a signed indemnification agreement, when applicable, and shall maintain
a log of sponsorships and donations, including the name of each sponsor or donor, amount or a
description of the item given, and any other relevant information necessary to effectuate an accepted
sponsorship or donation. The Department Director or designee will oversee the purpose and
application of this policy .
The following general principles shall apply for approvals:
• Only City staff authorized by this policy may accept donations or sponsorship.
• The City has no obligation to accept any donation or approve a sponsorship.
• All donations and sponsorships must be in the public's best interest, support the City's mission,
and reflect the City's public image in a positive manner.
• All donations and sponsorships must be in compliance with applicable state and federal law, City
policies, ordinances, and resolutions.
• The City does not provide legal, accounting, tax or other such advice. Each donor or sponsor is
ultimately responsible for ensuring the proposed donation meets and furthers their financial, and
estate planning goals. As such, each donor and sponsor is encouraged to meet with a professional
advisor before making any donation to the City.
• All donations must be used for official City business, and not for political activities or other
personal business.
• The City does not, under any circumstances, endorse, validate, or certify the products, services,
or ideas of any sponsor or donor, regardless of the level of sponsorship given to the City.
• A donor or sponsor may restrict a donation for a particular City department, location or purpose,
but may not designate a certain City official who may use the donation or sponsorship.
Authorized City Staff Approve sponsorships and donations up to $5,000
City Manager or Designee Approve sponsorships and donations $5,001 up to $49,999 provided
City Council approval is not otherwise required.
City Council Approve all sponsorships and donations equal to or greater than
$50,000.
Authorized City Staff, City Some agreements and public recognition display approval may require
Manager, City Council a combination of approvals in accordance with this policy.
Third Party Individuals
and/or Organizations
May solicit sponsorships and donations as outlined in written
ag reements, but cannot speak on behalf of, or negotiate on behalf of
the City of Denton.
SOLICITATION OF SPONSORSHIPS AND/OR DONATIONS WORK FLOW
•Authorized staff submit solicitation plan and list of potential sponsors/donors
for approval by next level supervisor
•Staff solicit sponsorships/donations in accordance with this policy
•Staff accept and report sponsorships/donations in accordance with this policy
•Authorized staff submit solicitation plan, agreement draft, and list of potential
sponsors/donors for approval by City Manager or designee.
•Staff solicit sponsorships/donations in accordance with this policy
•Staff accept and report sponsorship/donations in accordance with this policy
•Authorized staff or Director submit solicitation plan and list of potential
donors/sponsors to Purchasing for Request for Proposals (RFP)
•Soliciation is done through the RFP process
• Results of the RFP are taken to City Council for review and approval
If an unsolicited sponsorship or donation is offered to the City over $5,000, it must be accompanied
with an agreement and City Manager or designee's approval. If an unsolicited sponsorship or donation
is offered to the City over $50,000, it will require City Council's approval.
No City employee shall directly or indirectly solicit, seek, or accept anything of value in return for being
influenced in the performance of an official act; influenced to commit, aid in committing, collude or
allow fraud; or induced to perform or fail to perform an act in violation of the employee's official duty
or t he City's Employee Ethics Policy (10.00). In order to eliminate risk to City employees and to manage
any possible conflicts regarding solicitations of donations and offers to sponsor made to the City, no
City employee shall engage in any solicitation of donations or enter into an agreement on behalf of
the City unless expressly authorized by a City official or by the employee's Department Director or
Director's designee, or unless authorized under this policy.
IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS
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Administrative Building A City facility such as City Halls, Service Center, police and fire stations.
A written contractual arrangement with the City which details an
exchange of a cash or in-kind contribution and the benefits provided in
Agreement return. Agreements can originate in-house by Authorized City Staff and
approvals may vary in accordance with this policy. An agreement is
requi red for contributions valued over $5,000.
An item that enhances the user experience in a City facility or park,
Amenity such as shade structures, water fountains, benches, picnic tables,
playgrounds, equipment and/or furniture.
Asset A range of City property such as facilities, equipment, furniture,
amenities, parks, playgrounds, public open spaces, and/or trails, etc.
Authorized City Staff A City employee authorized by their supervisor, manager, or director.
Exists when an individual, organization, and/or business is reflected in
Conflict of Interest a negative manner which is contrary to department's mission,
competes with on-going programs, events, or partnerships, or
negatively compromises the integrity of the City's public image.
A name given to recognize an individual, organization or foundation
Commemorative Name who has made a significant contribution on a local, state, national or
world level.
A cash or in-kind contribution by an individual, organization, and/or
Donation business without restrictions or with restrictions specified by a donor
or outlined in an agreement, when applicable.
Memorial An asset or monument which honors a life or an event.
Public Recognition or A benefit that can only be leveraged by Authorized City Staff and/or
Display City Council in accordance with t h is policy.
Solicitation Plan A document that clearly outlines the sponsor/donor levels and the
benefits given in return for the sponsor/donor's contribution.
A cash or in-kind contribution by an individual, organization, and/or
business
Sponsorship in exchange for recognition in the form of publicity, promotional
consideration, and/or merchandising. Sponsorships should not be
confused with advertising. Advertising is a benefit that can be
leveraged.
Partnerships, contracts, and/or organizations that operate in support
Third Party Individuals of City programs, events, and/or assets. Authorized approvals are
and/or Organizations required in accordance with this policy by Authorized City Staff, the City
Manager, and/or City Council.
V. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
CASH SPONSORSHIP
A monetary payment on behalf of an individual, organization, and/or business that provides cash in
support of a City event or program in exchange for recognition in the form of publicity, promotional
consideration, and/or merchandising.
IN-KIND SPONSORSHIP
A contribution of goods and/or services on behalf of an individual, organization, and/or business in
support of a City event or program in exchange for recognition in the form of publicity, promotional
consideration, and/or merchandising.
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
Benefits are offered in the form of public recognition and/or merchandising and are subject to change.
They must be agreed upon in advance and be included in the written sponsorship agreement, when
applicable. Benefits vary based on the event or program, size and scope of sponsorship, and range of
financial resources.
The extent of recognition and promotional opportunities will depend on the level and nature of each
individual sponsorship. Opportunities across a range of online and offline media platforms may
include, but are not limited to:
• Appropriate mention on social media platform(s)
• Appropriate mention on posters, digital flyers, and press releases
• Appropriate mention on promotional merchandise, apparel, or uniform
SPONSORSHIP GUIDELINES
Sponsorships are voluntary and will be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis and assessed
for potential conflict of interest and alignment with the City's mission and values.
The City does not endorse the products, services, or ideas of any sponsor, regardless of level.
Sponsorship agreements shall not limit the City's ability to seek other sponsorships and sponsors
cannot commit the City to any financial or operational obligation beyond the terms of any applicable
agreement. Sponsors are required to be forthcoming and advise the City if a sponsorship is concurrent
with a planning, permit, or procurement application or if the sponsor is in litigation against the City.
Failure to disclose these issues or other relevant information may result in ineligibility to enter into a
City contract or other arrangement for goods, services, or real property, for a period of one (1) year
per City of Denton Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article XI.
VI. DONATIONS
CASH DONATION
A monetary donation on behalf of an individual, organization, and/or business in support of a City
asset, event, or program in exchange for public recognition or display.
IN-KIND DONATION
A donation of goods and/or services on behalf of an individual, organization, and/or business in
support of a City asset, event, or program in exchange for public recognition or display.
DONATION BENEFITS
Benefits are offered in the form of public recognition acknowledgments or mentions. They must be
agreed upon in advance, and be included in a written agreement, when applicable.
Examples may include, but are not limited to:
• Acknowledgement through social media or press release
• Acknowledgment on a donor wall or plaque
• Acknowledgement through installation of a memorial such as a bench, picket, or brick
DONATION GUIDELINES
Donations are voluntary and will be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis and assessed for
potential conflict of interest and alignment with the City's mission and values. The City will not accept
donations that are conditional upon endorsement or imply their products, services or ideas are
sanctioned by the City.
The City will not extend or offer accrued advantages in exchange for a donation. Donors are required
to be forthcoming and advise the City if a donation is concurrent with a planning, permit, or
procurement application or if the donor is in litigation against the City. Failure to disclose these issues
or other relevant information may result in ineligibility to enter into a City contract or other
arrangement for goods, services, or real property, for a period of one (1) year per City of Denton Code
of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article XI.
Donations that are being accumulated for a major project or campaign will be held in an appropriate
City account or reserve until sufficient funds for the proposed project have been obtained.
Donations become the property of the City of Denton and subject to the laws, policies, and procedures
that govern the City.
The City will ensure public interest will remain protected and recognition display guidelines will be
assessed and updated in accordance with this policy. As such, Authorized City Staff will implement the
following guidelines:
Anonymous Donations
Aesthetics, Safety, and Location
Agreements
Commercial Perception
Quality Specifications
Maintenance
Term
In all forms of recog n ition, the donor's wishes for anonymity
shall be respected.
Displays must not detract from the aesthetic quality or safety
of an asset, and/or the physical attributes of a location.
The City will evaluate each donation agreement in exchange
for recognition display on a case -by-case basis and will seek
City Manager and/or City Council approval as needed.
Displays must not be perceived as advertising or
commercializing the character of an asset or location and/or
create a feeling of proprietary interest. Displays must not
advertise promotions, non-brand slogans, or perceived
endorsements. Sponsorship opportunities will fit on one of
several, pre-determined sizes of sign per City specifications.
Sizes of signs to be determined by staff and to be appropriate
to the size of the asset to be spons o r ed.
The City will ensure displays are safe and durable, and meet
City design or quality specifications, standards, policies, and
City Ordinances.
The City is under no obligation to replace stolen, vandalized,
irreparably damaged, or destroyed donor displays.
Donor displays may not be in perpetuity. The duration may be
the asset's life span or term as specified in an agreement,
whichever comes first. The display is subject to replacement
or removal if one of these conditions is met. Displays may be
repaired/refurbished in cases of damage, if City funding is
available.
VII. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITY FACIL TIES AND AMENITIES
Sponsorship opportunities are voluntary and will be considered on an individual, case-by-case basis
and assessed for potential conflict of interest and alignment with the City's mission and values.
The City does not endorse the products, services, or ideas of any sponsor, regardless of level.
Sponsorship agreements shall not limit the City's ability to seek other sponsorships and cannot
commit the City to any financial or operational obligation beyond the terms of any applicable
agreement. Sponsors are required to be forthcoming and advise the City if a sponsorship is concurrent
with a planning, permit, or procurement application or if the sponsor is in litigation against the City.
Failure to disclose these issues or other relevant information may result in ineligi bility to enter into a
City contract or other arrangement for goods, services, or real property, for a period of one (1) year
per City of Denton Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article XI.
A. Guidelines for Sponsorship Opportunities for City Facilities and Amenities
1. Sponsorship opportunities will not be available for City administrative buildings.
However, opportunities may be available for specialized City facilities or amenities such
as, but not limited to: parks, playgrounds, spraygrounds, pavilions, shade structures, skate
parks, dog parks, athletic complexes and/or fields.
2. Sponsorship opportu nities will not be available for existing City facilities or amenities
that already have a commemorative name.
3. Sponsorship opportunities for a project can be accepted at any point before, during, or
after construction.
4. Once accepted by the City, all funds contributed to a City facility or amenity will be
nonrefundable.
5. When a sponsor contributes to a facility or amenity, the funds will be used for land
acquisition, design, construction, operation, improvements/upgrades, and/or capital
maintenance of said City facility or amenity.
6. Sponsors that contribute to a facility or amenity are not permitted to have the headlining
name of the facility or amenity but may be recognized with language such as "presented
by or sponsored by." For example, "Pavilion A, presented by Sponsor X."
7. The sponsor recognition will exist until the facility or amenity is repurposed, demolished,
met its life span, met its term per an agreement, or if the sponsor is found to be in
conflict with the City's mission or values.
8. Sponsorship opportunities will follow the same work flow outlined in the "SOLICITATION
OF SPONSORSHIPS AND/OR DONATIONS WORK FLOW" on page 2 ofthis policy with the
noted exceptions below in section B. and C.
8. Approval of Sponsorship Opportunities for City Facilities and Amenities $49,999 or Less
1. Sponsorship opportunities $49,999 or less will be for nominal amenities such as but not
limited to: shade structures and pavilions. As stated in section VII. A., sponsorship
opportunities will not be available for City administrative buildings.
2. City Council will be notified of any sponsorships for a City facility or amenity $49,999 or
less with the placement of the sponsorship agreement on Consent Agenda .
C. Approval of Sponsorship Opportunities for City Facilities and Amenities $50,000 or
More
1. Once a sponsorship opportunity reaches the $50,000 threshold, t he City Council may
appoint a seven-member ad hoc committee to review said opportunity. Such committee
shall be nominated by individual City Council members. At least two members of t he ad
hoc committee shall be selected from any impacted advisory or governing board as
determined by City Council.
2. The ad hoc committee will provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding
acceptance of the sponsorship opportunity and the language to be used on the name of
the facility or amenity as well as the term of the sponsorship.
3. The final decision shall be made by the City Council regarding acceptance of the
sponsorship opportunity and the language to be used on the name of the facility or
amenity as well as the term of the sponsorship.
VIII. PAYMENTS, REPORTS, AND ALLOCATION
PAYMENT PROCESS
Sponsorships or donations are required in full unless otherwise stated in a written agreement. Any
donation or sponsorship valued over $5,000 must be accompanied with a written agreement. Upon
acceptance of either a sponsorship or donation, Authorized City Staff must document contribution
details in the appropriate software. Details will include:
• Contact information of donor or sponsor (unless donor/sponsor wishes to remain
anonymous)
• Value, allocation, and benefit received, if applicable
• If in-kind, description of goods or services
• Name of staff member accepting donation or sponsorship
REPORTING
Departments collecting sponsorships and/or donations are required to meet the following reporting
guidelines
at minimum on an annual basis:
• Provide a listing of sponsors and/or donors solicited
• Provide a listing of the amount of sponsorships and/or donations collected
• Publish a listing of vendors that have made contributions, for example on a website or in a
report that is accessible to the public
DONATION AND SPONSORSHIP ALLOCATIONS
Payments will be deposited into designated City funds, unless otherwise reallocated by the City
Manager and/or City Council. Every year as part of the budget process, City Council will have the
authority to reallocate unrestricted donations. Funds contributed for sponsorship opportunities for
facilities or amenities are not eligible for reallocation per section VII.A.S. above.
IX. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENTS
The City reserves the right to accept or reject a sponsorship or donation in accordance with this policy.
If the City elects to terminate an agreement, any funds, unused materials or services, or other in-kind
contribution received by the City prior to such termination, will be refunded or returned by the City,
unless such termination is due to a material breach of the agreement by the sponsor or donor, in
which case the City may retain all or a part of the compensation if the City determines that such is
necessary to compensate the City for any losses incurred by the City due to such material breach.
Funds contributed for sponsorship opportunities for facilities or amenities are not eligible for refund
per section VII.A.4. above.