Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Lease Agreement for McNamara Youth Center with Students with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.) for Afterschool Youth Programming for a One Year Term with an Option to Extend the Term for an Additional Term of Two Years on a Year-to-Year Basis
REPORT IN BRIEF
In 2021 the lease agreement for McNamara Youth Center had expired and the City released a Request for Interest (RFI) from community groups who had a desire to provide community based, youth specific, after school programming in that location. After review of the proposals in relation to department goals and City Council priorities, it is the recommendation of Parks and Recreation Commission and staff that the City agree to lease the McNamara Community Center to Students with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Lease Agreement with S.W.A.G. for afterschool youth programming at the McNamara Youth Center for a one-year term with an option to extend for an additional two years; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by Staff and the Recreation and Parks Commission; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. 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 2022-23 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
In response to the City’s request for Request for Interest in 2021 regarding McNamara Community Center, two applicants supplied applications: Students with Aspiring Goals (SWAG) and ASSIST Academy and Daycare. Some of the criteria used to review applications include: a focus on afterschool opportunities for youth, collaborative efforts among agencies to maximize youth exposure to services, skills and supports, enrichment opportunities, and the ability to offer teen parenting, employment, and education assistance. Although both applicant proposals met some of the criteria, Students with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.) meets all of the sought criteria including a 6-week summer enrichment camp over summer break in which many youth could be served.
In addition, SWAG’s proposal includes a collaborative model in which Symple Equazion and the Merced Chapter of the NAACP serve as a coalition of service providers providing youth academic support, mentorship, civic and community engagement, and education specific to the advance of economic, educational, social and political status of ethnic minorities. It is for these reasons that the Department request your support of our recommendation of SWAG as the organization to run services out of McNamara Community Center.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Annually, City of Merced is responsible for not to exceed amount of $7,500 toward utilities services for this facility. Funding is available within the fiscal year 2022-23 budget for this expense.
Lessee and other leasing entities will be responsible to pay the costs of the monthly utility charges of this facility that exceeds the $7,500.
ATTACHMENTS
1. McNamara Youth Center Lease Agreement