University of Redlands Donates Thousands to City

The city has accepted a donation totaling over $56,000 from the University of Redlands. The Redlands City Council voted unanimously to approve the $56,500 donation from the university, which will be delegated amongst several departments. The council also approved the appropriation of $45,000 to the General Fund. The donations were given as "above budget" enhancements for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, a letter addressed to Mayor Paul Foster by University of Redlands President Ralph Kuncl dated Jan. 31 states. "One of our university's priorities is support of projects that benefit the educational, cultural, social and economic interests of the Redlands community," Kuncl wrote. "The university has been pleased for many years to voluntarily contribute on an annual basis to sponsor new programs, services and improvements that reflect our commitment to this priority." Upon acceptance of the funds the city council agreed to designate $11,500 to the city's A.K. Smiley Public Library to fund its TERC electronic database, financially support the library's Geography Day, Lincoln/Reconstruction symposium, Redlands in WWI books, and semi-annual employment boot camps to assist job seekers; $10,000 to the city's Human Resources department to fund jobs and internships for University of Redlands students in the police, library, recreation and other city departments; $20,000 to the Redlands Police department to fund one new unmarked police vehicle; and $15,000 to the Redlands Fire department to fund one new Ford Fiesta fire prevention inspector's vehicle, as stipulated by the letter from the university. As the A.K. Smiley Library's board of trustees is responsible for the receipt and use of the $11,500 donated funds, no appropriation of this portion of the donation was required in the city's General or other funds, according to staff reports. The University of Redlands has been making the donations annually for several years, as city council members pointed out. In his letter, Kuncl said the total amount in donations given by the university to the city is now at $886,500. Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison expressed thanks to the university for the gift and Councilmember Pat Gilbreath said it seemed as if the donations were larger each year. Mayor Paul Foster said, "We are very grateful for their support and we are very grateful for the university's ongoing commitment to partnership with the city." "The university's relationship with the city of Redlands is deeply important and highly valued," wrote Kuncl. "My hope is that we will continue to build upon our wonderful partnership as we seek new ways to enhance the quality of life for both our students and the community, now and into the future."