TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Learning for Life, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, to allow the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department to educate youth in the animal care profession through the Explorer Academy Program, in an annual amount not to exceed $1,260, for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods through December 31, 2024, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, Animal Care Services Bureau (ACS), to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Learning for Life’s Exploring Program, which is an education resource program. The MOU allows ACS to utilize licensed materials required to offer an Explorer Academy (Post) Program, through Learning for Life, for qualified young people in the Long Beach area who wish to learn about domestic animals and wildlife care in a shelter setting. Youth applicants (Explorers) who join the Exploring Post program must have completed 8th grade, be less than 21 years of age, maintain a school “C” grade point average, have a good citizenship record, be willing to attend monthly Post meetings, and participate in Post community projects and events. Explorers attending Long Beach Unified School District are eligible to receive credit toward their service credit graduation requirement through this program.
The purpose of the ACS Explorer Post is to provide young people with:
• exposure to careers in public safety and the humane treatment of animals with opportunities to grow through a program of community service;
• the necessary knowledge and skills of animal care services, as they pertain to serving the public as animal care professionals; and,
• a climate emphasizing leadership and responsibility.
The Post is directed by ACS staff. Hands-on learning experiences can include domestic animal, reptile, and horse handling, marine animal rescue, urban wildlife education, veterinary medicine, cruelty investigations, and the many careers in law enforcement, animal care, and public health service professions. The annual cost to Learning for Life is estimated to be $1,260, which will be paid by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on March 3, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on March 9, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 14, 2020, to allow ACS to host the 2020 Explorer Post in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual cost of the MOU is $1,260 and will cover program costs including access to licensed materials from Learning for Life. The cost is currently unbudgeted. The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will request these funds during a FY 20 citywide budget adjustment process, offset by revenue from the Animals Care Services Explorer Post Assistance Trust Account. For annual costs beyond FY 20, if funding in the trust is insufficient to support the MOU, the department will fund the cost within available resources. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
STEPHEN P. SCOTT
INTERIM DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER