PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Board of County Commissioners' Vision of “A Community with Vibrant Arts, Culture, Recreation and Learning Opportunities.” Goal 1: "Provide diverse artistic, cultural, educational and historical amenities and programs that contribute to a vibrant, multicultural and economically viable community." And, Goal 2: "In coordination with our community partners, maintain and enhance a premier system of parks and libraries that provide a variety of recreational, cultural and learning opportunities for our residents and visitors."
The original 20-year agreement, as amended, will expire on May 31, 2014. Pursuant to Section 1006.261(1)(c) F.S., which provides for the use of school buses to transport school-age children for agency-sponsored activities, Parks is requesting approval to enter into a new Agreement with SBBC in order to continue providing transportation for youth in County-sponsored programs. SBBC has proposed a new Agreement providing for a three-year term, an increase of the current transportation reimbursement rate from $68 per hour to $70 per hour, and establishing an approved bus attendant reimbursement rate of $28 per hour should a wheelchair lift-equipped bus be required. A minimum of three hours per day is set for each of the reimbursement rates.
Parks conducts an annual eight-week summer recreation program that is customarily held between June and August and is hosted at Roosevelt Gardens, Franklin, Reverend Samuel Delevoe, Sunview, Boulevard Gardens, and Lafayette Hart Parks. Approximately 900 youths, ages six through 17, are enrolled. Each has the opportunity to participate in various educational, recreational, and cultural field trips throughout the tri-county area. An average of one field trip per park per six weeks, or approximately 36 field trips, plus four special events, are planned. The school buses are needed to transport the youths on these field trips.
Additionally, Parks conducts an after school-hours program from September through May. Approximately 300 participants are enrolled in this program. Participants are transported to sports development, disc golf, and environmental programs, as well as seasonal/holiday special events. The programs and special events enhance youth development by improving sports skills and fitness, social interaction skills, fostering team play and cooperation, expanding educational opportunities, and introducing participants to communities that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit.
All activity and admittance fees associated with the field trips are borne by the participants for both programs.
Due to the minimal number of field trips scheduled and Parks’ increased use of County vehicles to transport program participants, the increase in the transportation reimbursement rate will not affect Parks’ ability to provide transportation for these youth.
The Agreement also allows for use of the buses for community service needs and for evacuation transportation in the event of an emergency.
Staff has researched the availability of alternative transportation services, including the County’s bus fleet and private providers, and found that the use of SBBC's school buses is a cost-effective choice with the added benefit of supporting safety considerations by meeting the County's background screening requirements and by employing trained drivers.
The Agreement is in a non-County standard format. SBBC has requested that the County execute the Agreement first. The Office of the County Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and approved as to form. |