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 and discount policies for disabled persons and veterans at both publicly and privately-owned/operated facilities in other local/national jurisdictions.
Approximately 12 staff hours would be required for Phase I and would be completed within three-four weeks.
2. Phase II would involve a presentation and discussion of all recommended fee adjustments (after review and approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission) to the Parks and Recreation fee schedule, as a part of the FY 17-18 city budget process. This is already planned for February/March 2017. Approximately six staff hours would be required for Phase II, which would be completed by January 2017.
3. If Council direction is received, Phase III would consist of properly publicly posting (as required by state law) any and all fee-revisions to the Parks and Recreation fee schedule. This is expected to occur in April 2017. Approximately two hours would be required for Phase III, which would be a posting of fees for a 60 day commentary period (as required by state law).
4. Phase IV will consist of a presentation of all proposed fee adjustments to the Parks and Recreation fee schedule by resolution, at a Spring 2017 City Council Regular Meeting. Approximately two hours would be required for Phase IV and would be completed by April 25, 2017.
It is estimated this CIOSI should be completed in approximately six months and would amount to approximately 22 staff hours.
Community/Public Benefit
This would be determined as part of the CIOSI.
Budget and Financial Impacts
This would be determined as part of the CIOSI.