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47 IV. Fundraising As discussed at the April 21, 2009 Public Hearing, Schools and Athletic Programs are required to be more creative to keep pace with the funding of their distinct programs. Unfortunately, St. Anthony is not exempt from this situation. In order to continue to provide a reputable youth and high school athletics program available for all children, combined with offering the opportunity for life-long athletics, SAVHS and the Sports Boosters, in coordination with organizations such as SABA, need to look to the greater community to fund these endeavors so as not to unfairly levy taxpayers for these charges. While the individual athletic programs perform a variety of fundraising from "Gold Cards" to bake sales and car washes, by itself the budget cuts have continued at a rate faster than the fundraising can keep up with. The signage method has been successful in other towns—in fact, its nostalgic feel has been a drawing point to other small towns rural and suburban, given the popularity of "Town Ball Baseball"—and could assist St. Anthony to be considered a part of these unparalleled communities. Because of the unique circumstances and times we are under, and because of a lack of any track record, it would likely not be fair at this point to require a cap on fundraising. To be sure, it is not likely that a signage program will anytime soon produce sufficient funds to run an athletics program—and if it did, such would not be a terrible problem to have. However, it is anticipated that the Conditional Use process would require a presentation as to how the funds would be used for a particular signage program. Therefore we oppose any cap on fundraising since it is not likely that the signage program will produce funds in a range that would necessitate such a cap. Furthermore, the desire here is to enable local businesses to be involved—and given the cost limitations that local businesses have in their advertising budgets, a cap would not be helpful. V. Conclusion This Ordinance Amendment would provide sufficient flexibility in allowing signage commonly found in other communities supporting local athletics, yet forbidden by St. Anthony's Code, while at the same time ensuring that any signage utilized through the Amendment is appropriate and respectful considering its circumstances. This Ordinance Amendment is merely the pathway to allow signage to be erected, and is not the destination itself—it is the doorway that would eliminate signage that never would be acceptable. Approval of this Ordinance Amendment will not yield carte blanche for the School District to start placing commercial signs around its athletic facilities; rather, it will allow only SABA to present a plan for a signage program for consideration under the Conditional Use process through the Planning Commission. Thus, we encourage the adoption and approval of this Ordinance Amendment, as we believe it in the best interest of the Cormmunity, and any potential drawbacks are still protected by the Conditional Use process.