Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Enter Professional Services Agreements with Merced City School District for up to $197,474 for FY 2025-2026 to Scholarship 540 District Students in Youth Basketball and Youth Football
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving Professional Services Agreements with Merced City School District (MCSD) for the use of $197,474 in Expanded Learning Opportunity Program funding to scholarship up to 540 students from MCSD to participate in Parks & Community Services Youth Basketball and Youth Flag Football programs.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Professional Services Agreement with Merced City School District in amount of $78,815 to scholarship up to 200 students in youth flag football; and,
B. Approving Professional Services Agreement with Merced City School District in amount of $118,659 to scholarship up to 340 students in youth basketball; and,
C. Accepting funds from Merced City School District, increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services, for an amount not to exceed $99,985 and appropriating the same; and,
D. Authorize the use of pooled cash to cover expenditures until reimbursement is received; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
City of Merced Parks & Community Services requested the support of Merced City School District (MCSD) to reduce barriers to youth participation in recreational sports with the use of Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) funding. MCSD has agreed to fund an amount not to exceed $197,474 for up to 540 youth to participate free of charge in recreational flag football and basketball respectively.
For Council’s consideration, there are two Professional Services Agreements. The agreement for youth basketball in the amount of $118,659 will cover the registration for up to 340 students. The agreement for youth football in the amount of $78,815 will cover registration for up to 200 students. The Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Funding will ensure that every K-6th grade student from Merced City School District can participate in Youth Football or Youth Basketball free of charge for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Students in 7th & 8th grades or those who are not within MCSD will continue to be required to pay the program registration fee.
These agreements address a significant barrier to local youth participation in recreational sports. The department is committed to continual pursuits with other sources to reduce barriers for all youth participation in local recreation programs.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Approval of these two Service Agreement total $197,474 in revenue, $97,489 is included in the FY 25-26 adopted budget. Therefore, there is $99,985 available in increased funding for the Youth Sports Division.
Recommendation C will require 5 affirmative votes from Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement for Youth Football with MCSD
2. Professional Services Agreement for Youth Basketball with MCSD