Title
Boys and Girls Club Memorandum of Understanding
Issue:
Consider whether to approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia, the Olympia School District, and the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County.
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Olympia, the Olympia School District, and the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County.
Staff Contact:
Tom Morrill, City Attorney, Legal Department, 360.753.8338
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8370
Presenter(s):
N/A - Consent Calendar
Background and Analysis:
At its May 8, 2012 regular meeting, the City Council considered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City, the Olympia School District, and the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County. Having reviewed the written materials and after hearing oral presentations from staff and interested parties, the Council directed the City Attorney to make several modifications to the MOU and bring it back to Council on the May 15, 2012 Consent Calendar.
The attached proposed MOU contains edits intended to capture Council's directions. The edits are set forth in underline and strikethrough format. The Boys and Girls Club and School District staffs have reviewed and will recommend the revised MOU to their respective Boards. If Council approves the suggested changes, a clean version of the proposed MOU will be prepared for signature.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City facilitated two community meetings, one in March and one in April; and several residents have testified during Public Comment at recent City Council meetings. Individuals have a number of opinions about the pros and cons of using a portion of either Woodruff Park or the School District's Garfield Elementary property for a Boys and Girls Club. There is not unanimous support for either location, although each site has its supporters. Also, some individuals have advocated for an entirely different location adjacent to Jefferson Middle School. Residents have also shared concerns about potential impact on neighborhood traffic, the effect on the Y-Care program at Garfield School, and future availability of ballfields on the School District property.
The parties to the MOU, if passed, will continue to reach out to neighbors to share the Club's mission and operational plans, the concepts for Club planning and design, and efforts to minimize impacts on the park.
Options:
1. Approve the proposed Boys and Girls Club Memorandum of Understanding.
2. Provide additional direction concerning other potential changes to the proposed Boys and Girls Club Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Do not approve the MOU.
Financial Impact:
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, the City indicates its willingness to relocate up to two tennis courts in Woodruff Park in order to accommodate the siting for the Boys and Girls Club. The estimated cost for the relocation of the tennis courts is between $80,000 and $100,000.