CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
June 5, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted By: Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director SUBJECT: AWARD A SOLE SOURCE AGREEMENT TO YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YMCA) OF GREATER LONG BEACH FOR RESIDENTIAL CAMP SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $135,750 FOR FY 2022-23 AND $150,000 FOR FY 2023-24 RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Award a two-year sole source agreement to Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Long Beach for Residential Camp Services for an amount not to exceed $285,750; and, Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Award of a two-year sole source agreement with the YMCA of Greater Long Beach will enable the Neighborhood Services Department’s Community Services staff to secure Residential Camp Services for the current camp season and next year’s camp season through the YMCA of Greater Long Beach as the Sole Source provider.
FISCAL IMPACT:
For FY 2022-23, funding in in the amount of $135,750 is available in the General Fund Neighborhood Services Department, Community Services Division-Youth Commitment funds (101-4191-52285-00000).
For FY 2023-24, funding in the amount of $150,000 is budgeted in the General Fund Neighborhood Services Department, Community Services Division-Youth Commitment (101-4191-52285-00000 to carry out planned camp services with YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
DISCUSSION:
Community Services is committed to providing safe, meaningful recreational programming to all youth in Pomona.
Over the years, staff have worked to advocate and raise visibility to youth’s needs within the community. Particularly, since COVID-19 has had a significant impact on youth educationally, recreationally, socially and emotionally, as students have been unable to interact with others and participate in activities as they were preCOVID. The lengthy duration of the pandemic and the deprivation of these interactions and activities, has also negatively impacted the physical and mental health of youth, leading to a decrease in recreational/physical activity, increased sense of isolation and depression.
Youth in lower socio-economic communities, like many in Pomona, are disproportionately impacted by the above mentioned, as they are less likely to have access to safe recreational spaces, the financial means to engage in paid activities or interventions and the lack of availability of such activities in their community. This lack of access to recreation, also leads to inactivity and consequently higher rates of obesity. Pomona Unified School District also identified and confirmed that they were concerned with the academic, social and emotional losses students have experienced.
The City Manager approved a Sole Source Award in the amount of $100,000 to procure camp services for youth with the YMCA of Greater Long Beach at Camp Oakes. As of May 8, 2023, $47,125 was expended; however, it is currently projected that an additional $135,750 will be expended between May and June of FY 2023-24. Staff is also anticipating $150,000 in camp services in FY 2023-24. Accordingly, staff is seeking Council’s authorization for a new sole source for $135,750 for FY 2022-23 and $150,000 in FY 2023-24 as the threshold exceeds City Manager’s level of approval.
The City has reached out to several camps, with YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear, CA, overseen by the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, being only one that has responded with availability and ability to accommodate the intended number of participants. The cost of each person for a weeklong camp is approximately between $300 and $625, and the goal is to send as many qualified participants as possible within the approved budget. Since YMCA of Greater Long Beach has successfully met the City’s youth needs for camp, staff recommends continuing with the established provider to ensure continuity and quality service delivery.
Specifically, staff is proposing to offer intensive summer programming to address these critical needs. Using Youth Commitment funds, the City will pay for low-moderate income youth to attend well rounded immersive programs that will offer a wide variety of educational, recreational and socioemotional growth opportunities while learning about nature.
Examples of activities could include:
Team building
Leadership development
Learning about nature / exploring nature hiking
Canoeing
Paddle boarding
Rock Climbing
Ropes / challenge courses
Archery
Shooting Range
Swimming
These activities might otherwise not be affordable to the average Pomona family. In communities like Pomona, these types of activities are less likely to be offered (availability) and due to lower socio-economics which makes programs such as the Camping Out less accessible due to cost. Transportation presents further challenges parents who work, single parents or families that do not have access to a vehicle. Another factor that may add barriers is the lack safe spaces to recreate (parks) or that those parks lack amenities.
All participants would be surveyed in order to demonstrate the positive impact of these interactions and activities. Among things to be measured will be the change in their attitudes, learning outcomes, self-confidence as well as their experience and exposure.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal B: Improve efficiency and effectiveness of City services to businesses and residents.
Prepared by:
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Loreal Tatone
Management Analyst
Award Sole Source Agreement for Residential Camp Services