1994 MIN JUNE 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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centers, the two Child Care Centers to be closed were those located at Paul J. Rogers and Cooley Schools because they were not under the grant umbrella. There was discussion on transportation of students to other centers, the liability, the anticipated savings of $123,752 for reduction of five site supervisor positions to part-time status, and the alternative options. Coordinator Fretz stated that parents, teachers and she were here to request that City Council fund the program from the general fund so that the centers can remain open and the staff intact. Director Anstine identified Option 3, which included an 8% fee. City Attorney Biggs advised that it is not possible to increase fees at this time as proper notice is required and this would require that the City Manager return the item to Council for public hearing. Councilmember Bennett inquired why the employee discount/ promotions were not included under Option 3. Director Anstine stated that these items were never allowable and were immediately terminated. After lengthy discussion, City Attorney Biggs advised that City Council did not have to take action at this time and that it could direct staff. With consensus of Council, Mayor Gonzales declared that the motion died for lack of action and further directs the City Manager to investigate the question of providing funds for this program. Agreement - Child Care Recreation and Human Services Anstine reported that in January of 1988 the City had entered into an agreement with the State Department of Education to provide latchkey child development services to the community. The contracts are renewable each fiscal year. In 1994-95 the latchkey program contract will offer $115,979 to the City and will provide subsidized fees for seventy-five families. In 1994-95 the alternative payment program contract will offer $113,659 to the City and will provide subsidized fees for 30 families. Director Anstine stated that for the last two years the program has suffered deficits in the amount of $55,000 annually due to high overhead charges by the City. Additionally, he declared the program has been operating in non-compliance with the State Department of Education for not adhering to mandated regulations of regular site visits and sharing of information with the daycare homes. He stated the program is burdened with too many centers and staff shortages. Director Anstine recommended the elimination of this contract to allow the child care program to focus on center -based programs and -- move into compliance with the Department of Education, while 8 JUN 21 1994