COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST: REQUEST TO STUDY DISCOUNTED USER FEES FOR DISABLED PERSONS AND VETERANS
Staff Contact and Presenter: Erik Strunk, Director, Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events
Purpose and Policy Guidance
This item is follow up to a Council Item of Special Interest (CIOSI) by Councilmember Malnar related to the possible adoption of reduced fees for disabled persons and veterans, for programs and services offered by the Parks and Recreation Division.
Background
At the June 7, 2016 regular City Council Workshop, Councilmember Malnar asked staff to develop a policy providing disabled citizens and veterans a reduced fee schedule for services provided by the Parks and Recreation Division. In following newly established City Council protocol for requesting a CIOSI, the purpose of this item is to seek further Council direction as to whether there is consensus to conduct further research and analysis into the proposal.
Analysis
If Council does provide staff direction to move forward, it is envisioned this CIOSI will consist of the following four policy development phases:
1. Phase I of this initiative would consist of a follow-up Council Workshop discussion to provide an overview and direction of key items such as:
a. The need to establish a definition of "disability", "veteran status" and identify best practices used to "prove" such status in order to provide discount.
b. Identification of any legal concerns related to the American with Disabilities Act as related to proof of disability claim and/or reasonable accommodations.
c. Review of City demographic data to determine population size of the disabled community and the veterans' community in Glendale.
d. Review and feedback of recommended fee adjustments and identification of the estimated financial and operating impact on the City; to include any necessary staff training to ensure new operating guidelines followed appropriately.
e. Comparative analysis of like-facilities ...
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