Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Specialized Recreation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Interlocal agreement with Thurston County for Specialized Recreation Services, and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Interlocal agreement as written
Staff Contact:
Scott River, Associate Director; Parks, Arts & Recreation; 360.753.8506
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Thurston County has been the regional provider of recreation services for individuals with developmental disabilities since 1990. This agreement updates the previous agreement that expired at the end of 2017. Tumwater and Lacey have separate agreements with Thurston County for the same services.
The cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater all contribute financially to this program on an annual basis. There are business and customer benefits for the regionalization of this program due to the specific target audience. For each municipal department to try to offer the comprehensive services offered by Thurston County would be cost prohibitive as the market potential becomes too narrow. For the participants and their families, a lower level of customer service and convenience would result if each department offered only a selected segment of the larger service.
The City of Olympia does explore, on a case-by-case basis, inclusive programming with our existing programs either by requirement of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) or because sometimes it is simply the right thing to do. Inclusive programming is great for some participants or families. Others prefer or require services more tailored for their specific needs.
In 2017, nearly 200 unique participants accounted for at least 3,000 registrations for specialized recreation programs offered by the County. Approximately 22% of those participants resided in Olympia, followed by Lacey (16%), Tumwater (9%) and unincorporated Thurston County or Other (53%).
This agreement ensures that a minimum of 370 hours of services will be offered to participants in 2018, 2019, and 2020. It is likely that more hours will be offered. Thurston County will be responsible for the development, marketing, registration and program administration. As well, they will recruit and hire staff and volunteers as necessary.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities
Lacey Parks and Recreation
Tumwater Parks and Recreation
Options:
1. Approve the Interlocal agreement as submitted
2. Approve the Interlocal agreement with modifications. A decision to modify the agreement as submitted will delay a formal agreement and require staff to renegotiate any new language as well as send it back through the County’s approval process.
3. Do not approve the Interlocal agreement. A decision to not approve the agreement with no clarity for new direction creates several potential consequences including the need to expend Olympia resources on a local program or, in a worst case scenario, a stoppage in delivery of recreation services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Financial Impact:
The $13,720 attached to this agreement is annually funded in the department’s Operating Budget.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement