2011 2:00:00 PM

Monday, September 12, 2011 2:00 PM
City Council Chambers, Legislative Building, 745 Fourth Street, Sparks, Nevada

General Business: 6.6

Title: Consideration and possible approval of a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation in the amount of $7,000.00 for the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department to complete the 2011 Teen Discovery program-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION.

Petitioner/Presenter: Tracy Domingues, Parks and Recreation Director/Shauna Nelson, Recreation Supervisor

Recommendation: That the Council allow the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department to accept this grant as outlined from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation in the amount of $7,000.00 (seven thousand dollars) for the completion of the 2011 Teen Discovery program.

Financial Impact: None

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: Acceptance of this grant will enable the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department to offer programming for teens with disabilities while they are out of school in November, 2011. All other 2011 funding has been utilized.

Background: The City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department continues its lead role in creating awareness and providing recreational programming for people with disabilities in the Truckee Meadows. The Leisure Without Limits program provides programming for people with developmental and/or physical limitations who wish to meet new friends through recreational activities. This program encompasses activites such as: arts and crafts through a partnership with VSA arts; Special Olympics Bowling averaging 80 bowlers weekly; Teen Discovery Camp for teens out of school (off track); Mark Wellman Adventure Day and various social dance events. Although we have worked hard to maintain quality services through community partnerships and new revenue sources, severe departmental cutbacks as a result of the continuing economic conditions forced staff to eliminate low-to non-revenue generating programs such as the programs detailed in this report beginning in 2009. Without this grant, these programs will be cancelled.

Analysis: Teen Discovery is a weekly, social and recreational full day program for young adults ages 13-22 with disabilities. The fee of $180 per participant, per week does not recover the cost of specialized staff and care required to meet the needs of the participants. A participant with multiple disabilities may require two staff to meet their daily needs. Teen Discovery alone costs approximately $30,000 for the 12 weeks these students are out of school. This program is in its 8th year and has succ

Alternatives: The Council may elect to not accept this grant funding.

Recommended Motion: I move that the Council accept this grant as outlined from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation in the amount of $7,000.00 (seven thousand dollars) for the completion of the 2011 Teen Discovery program.

Attached Files:

2011 Hawkins Grant.pdf

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