TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the acceptance of an $80,000 contribution from the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation in exchange for agreeing to purchase, install, insure, and maintain a special needs playground to the standards outlined in the mutual agreement.
SUMMARY
DATE: April 18, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Brett E. Williams, Executive Director of Community Services
SUBJECT: Greater Killeen Lions Foundation Special Needs Playground Agreement
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Staff made a presentation to the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation in the fall of 2016 to gauge the organization’s interest in partnering to fund the construction of a special needs playground within Lions Club Park. The Greater Killeen Lions Foundation, which is comprised of members from the Killeen Evening Lions Club and Killeen Noon Lions Club, committed $40,000 to serve as the required matching contribution for the organization to be the recipient of a $40,000 grant from the Lions Club International Foundation. The partnership with the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation would enable the scope of the project to be doubled in funding from $80,000 to $160,000.
The Greater Killeen Lions Foundation seeks to have a signed agreement in place to ensure the City of Killeen is committed to maintaining a special needs playground for the duration of the life of Lions Club Park. The organization seeks assurances that the City of Killeen provides annual funding to ensure that any repairs required to the special needs playground as a result of normal wear and tear, vandalism, or misuse will be repaired in a timely fashion. The organization also seeks assurances that the City of Killeen is committed to guarantee any necessary repairs are done in compliance with the originally-approved layout.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Funding the project without the support of the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation would reduce the scope of the project by fifty percent. The reduction would result in a roughly fifty percent decrease in the size of the play surface. Amenities eliminated due to the reduced funding would be the following:
• Shade structures
• ADA swing structures
• Spinning structures
• Climbers
• Balance beam structure
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends City Council authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation to access $80,000 for the construction of a special needs playground with the stipulations outlined in the mutual agreement.
The proposed partnership with the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation doubles the size of the project in terms of play surface. The partnership also results in added features that specifically target youth that encounter accessibility issues at traditional play structures in our community. The project as presented provides added value and amenities for the community.
Parks and Recreation recognizes the value added to projects when partnerships are formed with local clubs/organizations. Partnerships such as this promote community involvement and ownership. Parks and Recreation has partnered with several local organizations to facilitate added value to projects. Groups such as Mickey’s Convenience Stores, Junior Service League of Killeen, and the Kiwanis Club are some of the organizations that the City of Killeen has successfully partnered with over the years. These partnerships have resulted in over a $500,000 in capital projects done within our parks system.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The proposed Parks Master Plan Update identifies the need for an all abilities / special needs playground to be constructed within Killeen’s park system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
Fiscal Year 2016-2017 fiscal impact would be $80,000.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This agreement outlines the requirements of the City to maintain the special needs playground to the standards of the original specifications at a minimum. The City will be obligated to allocate funds on an annual basis to provide specific maintenance related to this facility. In addition, replacement costs will be incurred as equipment becomes worn and outdated. Staff would recommend an annual line item budget of $10,000 with the requirement that all purchases via this account are exclusively for compliance with the attached agreement.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Funds in the amount of $80,000 are available in account 348-3490-800.58-91 (Lions Park Playground) for the City’s matching portion of the $160,000 project.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with the Greater Killeen Lions Foundation to access $80,000 for the construction of a special needs playground with the stipulations outlined in the mutual agreement.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Attorney
Purchasing
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
2017 Lions Foundation Special Needs Playground Agreement
Exhibit A - Greater Killeen Lions Foundation Agreement
Exhibit B - Greater Killeen Lions Foundation Agreement