HomeMy WebLinkAbout46 - NB-2 - Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Be - 6/15/2021 1
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JUNE 15, 2021 ITEM NUMBER: NB-2
SUBJECT: APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF COSTA MESA AND THE SAVE OUR YOUTH (SOY) FOR
JOINT RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES
DATE: JUNE 10, 2021
FROM: PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION BY: JASON MINTER
PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT:
JASON MINTER, DIRECTOR
Jason.minter@costamesaca.gov (714) 754-5009
RECOMMENDATION:
It is the recommendation of the Parks & Community Services Director that the City Council:
1. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Costa Mesa and the
Save Our Youth (SOY) for joint recreational programming opportunities; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to enter into any and all documents
needed to implement the MOU and absorb the estimated cost of $42,000 from the
City Manager’s Contingency included in the FY 2021-22 Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The Save Our Youth (SOY) was established in 1993 through the hard work and steadfast
vision of parents on the Westside of Costa Mesa as a non-profit agency serving low-income
youth that often lack opportunities due to limited economic means. SOY provides a
productive and healthy environment where teens receive mentoring, tutoring, and college
preparedness. The impact that SOY and its programs have had on the youth in the Westside
has been immeasurable, with countless success stories of individuals in the community that
have gone on to succeed in college and in their professional careers despite SOY’s limited
funding.
SOY hopes to expand its reach and continue to find new opportunities to offer teens
especially given the recent challenges brought on by the pandemic and adverse impacts to
the local economy. SOY has an outstanding facility and connections to private partners that
allow its staff and volunteers to offer wonderful opportunities, including scholarships and
grants. Overall, the value SOY delivers to the community has been integral in the lives of
countless teens, many that give back to SOY and its members in ways that perpetuate the
overall mission of the organization.
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ANALYSIS:
The City recognizes the value of having a partnership with the Save Our Youth (SOY) as
together the community thrives when multiple organizations join for the collective good of
the community. One of the ways the City can assist in SOY’s efforts is to partner with the
City’s Parks and Community Services Department for shared use of City staff, facilities and
equipment.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reflects a partnership between the
City and SOY to identify targeted areas for recreational programs to enhance the current
recreation offerings to approximately 260 children ages 13-18 from Costa Mesa. The original
term proposed is for three (3) years, with an option for two (2) additional years if both the
City and SOY agree to continue.
As many of the City’s recreational programs are fee-based, teens from lower income
households are not able to take full advantage of the City’s recreational programming and
offerings. SOY came about, in part, as an organization to fill this void, albeit with private and
donor funds. As City taxpayer funds are for the benefit of the entire community in Costa
Mesa, this MOU will help to ensure more equitable access to the City’s Parks and
Community Services programs moving forward.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council could choose not to approve the MOU, however this option is not
recommended, as it is a goal of the City to provide high quality services to all residents.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The estimated cost of $42,000 will be absorbed from the existing City Manager’s
Contingency budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and approved the proposed MOU as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES
This MOU works towards achieving the following City Council Goals and Objectives:
Strengthen public safety and keep the community safe
Maintain and enhance the City’s infrastructure, facilities, equipment and technology.
CONCLUSION:
The City is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by enhancing
recreational and educational opportunities and providing access to programs and
services for all youth in the City of Costa Mesa. The City recognizes SOY as a valued
community partner whose goals are in direct alignment with the City’s mission to promote
a safe, inclusive and vibrant community (Attachment 2). Staff recommends that the City
Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Save
Our Youth (SOY) for joint recreational programming opportunities.
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LORI ANN FARRELL HARRISON JASON MINTER
City Manager Parks and Community Services
Director
CAROL MOLINA KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW
Finance Director City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS: 1.
2.
Memorandum of Understanding with Save Our Youth (SOY)
Center
Mission Statement for Save Our Youth (SOY) Center