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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-30 City Council (8)TO: BUDGET 1996-98 City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Community Services ATTENTION:FINANCE COMMITTEE DATE:MAY 30, 1996 CMR: 280 SUBJECT:Review of Fee Reduction Proposal for Community Services Department On May 11, 1995, Council was apprised of a recommendation regarding proposed fee reductions for certain Community Service programs, which were brought forward by the Disability Awareness Task Force (DATF) and the Human Relation Commission (HRC) (CMR: 235:95). At that time, Council requested that staff review the ramifications of such a proposal, and provide analysis and recommendations to the Council. The purpose of this report is to relate staff discussions regarding a fee reduction for the disabled and to propose as an alternative a low-income fee reduction with recommendations as to its implementation. RECOMM~ Staff recommends establishing a program which will discount fees, by 20 percent, on designated City-run activities, costing $5.00 or more, for eligible, low-income residents. It is suggested that the program be established on a one-year trial basis; thereby evaluating the potential future need for the program. Additionally, when a participant is accompanied by an attendant that is required due to a disability, staff recommends that only a single fee be charged for City-sponsored activities. POLICY IMPLICATAOJ~ Should a pilot Fee Reduction Program be established, there will be necessary changes in policy to develop an income-eligible fee schedule for subsidized Palo Alto residents. EXECUTIVE SIZMMARY Background The HRC established the DATF to help improve the quality of life for Palo Altans with disabilities. The DATF is aware that many residents with disabilities have less discretionary CMR: 280:96 Page 1 of 5 income available to spe~. ~n recreational activities than other r - lents, because significant portions of their income go directly toward dealing with their disabilities. Because of this, residents with disabilities are less likely to participate fully in community programs and activities fully. To facilitate increased participation of residents with disabilities in recreational, educational and cultural City-run activities, the DATF recommended that a fee reduction for these activities be made available. In March of 1995, the DATF presented its report to the HRC. The DATF recommended: All residents of Palo Alto who have a disability documented by a medical physician or licensed therapist (including certification from a licensed Family Marriage & ChiM Counselor, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker therapisO, or who are ¯ already certified by otherprograms such as the City Utilities Rate Assistance Program, or the State Department of Motor Vehicles, would be entitled to at least a 50percent reduction in all Community Service Department-sponsored activities and services. The DATF also asked that fees be waived for attendants required to accompany an individual with a disability. The HRC established a subcommittee to research other jurisdictions regarding fee discounts for the disabled community. The subcommittee researched the matter and was unable to find another City that had initiated such a policy. Several communities were identified where outside groups sponsored partial subsidies for citizens based on economic need. No examples were found of discounting based on disability. At a subsequent meeting, the HRC suggested that a low-income eligibility criterion be added to the DATF proposal, so that citizens with disabilities would be eligible only if they did not have adequate resources to pay the registration fees. The DATF agreed with this change, and the HRC asked staff to review various eligibility scales and make a recommendation consistent with the City’s other subsidized programs. The HRC also recommended that staff transmit their recommendations to the City Council. Representatives from the Administrative Services Depa~ment, the Recreation, Open Space and Sciences Division, Library Division, Parks & Golf Division, Arts & Culture Division and the Office of Human Services formed an ad hoc committee to review the proposal. When staff researched the need for subsidies in these programs, it was found that many of these programs currently offer subsidies to low-income residents and users through a variety of sources. Staff questioned whether a Fee Reduction Policy was necessary, given the "Friends" groups and other sources that have provided scholarship assistance over the years. A review of these existing subsidized services currently available follows. Arts &CultureDi_vJsion The Palo Alto Cultural Center Guild provides tuition scholarships on a case-by-case basis. No written policy exists regarding tuition scholarships or discounts, other than a 20 percent CMR: 280:96 Page 2 of 5 discount on a one-class- .membership year for members oft ¯ Guild ($25 and above). Primary consideration for subsidized assistance is based on artistic ability and creative development, as well as financial need. Recently, much subsidized assistance has been awarded to youth recommended by art teachers in the Palo Alto Unified School District. The Friends of Palo Alto Children’s Theater have historically provided scholarships to young people who wish to take classes and/or workshops, but lack the financial means. Applicants typically write a letter of request to the Friends of the Children’s Theater detailing the need for scholarship assistance and to what extent a subsidy is needed. The Theater’s Director and a representative from the Friends evaluate the letter of request. Once a determination is made, the applicant is notified, and the Friends reimburse the City for the class and/or workshop fees that are subsidized. Recently, the Friends applied for and received a grant of $1,250 specifically for scholarship assistance. The Arts and Culture Division has also helped subsidize TheatreWorks’ "Pay What You Can" nights and West Bay Opera performances. These performances allow special populations and lower income people to attend theatrical events they may not otherwise be able to afford. Recreation,DpenSpaceand SciencesDJvJsjon Scholarship t’rogrmns Scholarships are made available from two sources. The Palo Alto Unified School District provides scholarship funds for the Middle School Athletic (MSA) Program, and the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation provides support for many other programs in the Division. Any middle school student wishing to participate in the MSA Program is welcomed; and the School District and the Recreation Foundation equally share any fees that the student’s family cannot afford. Last year, sixty students received scholarship support for a total of $4,160. Individuals who cannot afford the full fee for other programs may apply to the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation for a partial or full scholarship. Typically, the Foundation grants scholarships for children’s and senior citizens’ programs based solely on economic need. Last year, seventy-eight individuals received support in the amount of $4,978. The Recreation Division’s Therapeutic Summer Camp is heavily subsidized; last year’s fees provided $2,160 of the $7,000 cost to conduct the camp. Fees are intentionally set at a low level in recognition of the participants’ means, and scholarships are available for those who cannot make any contribution. Discounts are offered to senior citizens at Foothills Park, the swimming pools and the community gardens. Utilities~Department RateAssisianceProgram The Utilities Department currently operates a Rate Assistance Program which gives discounted utility rates to eligible residents. The discounts are based on both medical or financial needs. Customers can request a 15 percent discount on water, gas and electric charges simply by showing proof of being an SSI, AFDC, or Food Stamp recipient. Approximately 100 households make use of the program annually. Disabled-Lo~ Income or Low-Ancome_Onl_y CMR: 280:96 ,,Page 3 of 5 The City-staffed ad hoc, .nmittee also raised concerns about t~ "erification of disabilities. The proposal by the DATF and HRC indicated that certification by a Marriage and Family Counselor (MFCC) ’would be a basis for establishing and/or verifying eligibility. Should certification by an MFCC as to a psychological dysfunction "qualify" a person for a discount? Staff feels it is not qualified to be placed in a position where such distinctions ( i.e., what defines a disability) would need to be determined. For these reasons, staff decided that eligibility would be more appropriate based on income rather than disability. If the recommendation to assist residents by increasing their accessibility to City programs was based on a lack of financial resources, staff could address that issue without reviewing the disability criterion. Programs eligible for potential fee reductions include recreational classes, day camps, theater and cultural classes, swimming pool and park admission fees. It is evident that not all offerings from the Community Services Department should be included. The Library Division was eliminated, as the fines for the late return of materials are structured to reduce such occurrences. There is no cost for borrowing materials and returning them before overdue fines accrue. Also, users may renew by phone, twenty-four hours a day, in order to avoid fines. Similarly, the fee for reserving materials is nominal and partially pays for the cost of providing the service. The Golf Course, which is a full cost recovery program, was also eliminated. Performances and concerts provided by contract with not-for-profit performing arts organizations should be eliminated, since the City has no control over admission fees, or the collection of such fees. Children’s Theatre admission fees should be eliminated as well, since the fees are already purposefully kept low so that any family can afford to attend. Fees are only $2.00 for young people through high school age, and $4.00 for adults. Additionally, the administrative cost of providing a 20 percent discount for all fees under $5.00 is determined to be too substantial for the potential benefit. Finally, rates for reserving time and space in the Visual Art Program studios should be eliminated, as the fee charged is the actual cost of maintaining the space for the community. C_on~ [usJoi1 This review demonstrated that some subsidies are available for many Community Service Department programs. However, there may be some residents who do not participate in programs based on costs, and may not be aware of existing potential subsidies. To determine whether additional subsidies or discounts are needed to enable all Palo Altans to enjoy community programs, staff suggests establishing a one-year trial program that provides a 20 percent discount on specific recreation and cultural instruction and programs costing $5.00 or more. These programs include instructional and recreational activities provided by the Divisions of Arts and Culture and Recreation, Open Space and Sciences..Programs exempt from discounts include theatre and event admission, rates for reserving time and space at Visual Art Program studios. Staff also recommends that only a single fee be charged to the participant and the participant’s attendant, whom a physician has required to accompany the participant to Department-sponsored activities. This program would be administered by the Community Services Department’s office of Human Services. CMR: 280:96 Page 4 of 5 The aforementioned Utilities Department Rate Assistance Program’s eligibility requirements would be used, with’necessary modification, as the model for this program. Staff recommends returning to Council in April of 1997 with an assessment of the program. During the initial year of the program, staff will pursue the possibility of augmenting City resources with philanthropic community support for the program. F/SCALJMP~ If approved, there could be a revenue loss to the Community Services Department’s operating budget of approximately $5,000 during the one-year trial period. ENYIRONMENTALIMPACLT This program is not a project as def’med by the California Environmental Quality Act and is not subject to CEQA requirements. Prepared By: David F. Martin, Administrator, Human Services Department Head Review: PAUL THILTGEN Director of Community Services City Manager Approval: FLEMII~ Manager Related CMR:235:95 CC: Human Relations Commission CMR: 280:96 Page 5 of 5 City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Community Services DATE:MAY 11, 1995 CMR: 235:95 SUBJECT:Transmittal of Human Relations Commission Recommendations for Certain Fee Reductions for the Disabled REQUEST The purpose of this report is to transmit the Human Relations Commission (HRC) recommendations for certain fee reductions for the disabled. RECOMMENDATIONS There are no recommendations for action at this time. POLICY IMPLICATIONS There are no policy implications related to this report. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The HRC established the Disability Awareness Task Force (DATF) to help improve the quality of life for Palo Alto residents with disabilities. The disabled often have fewer resources to spend on Community Services activities. Therefore, they are less likely to participate in community programs and activities. To encourage .these residents to participate in the programs that the City offers, the HRC and DATF recommend a fee reduction program be initiated for a one-year trial period. From the Human Relations Commission, staff received the attached proposal that the Disability Awareness Task Force prepared. At this time, staff is forwarding the proposal for Council’s information. The proposal has significant implications for oversight and administration. Staff will review.the proposal and then retum to Council in the fall of 1995, with their analysis and recrmmendations. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. CMR: 235:95 Page 1 of 2 CITY OF PALO ALTO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION DISABILITY AWARENESS TASK FORCE FEE REDUCTION PROPOSAL The City of Palo Alto, Human Relations Commission (HRC) established the Disability Awareness Task Force (DATF) to help improve the quality of life for Palo Altans with disabilities. The DATF is aware that residents with disabilities have less monies to ~pend on recreational activities than other residents because portions of their income go directly toward dealing with their disabilities. With limited discretionary monies, residents with disabilities are less likely to fully participate in community programs and activities, which is a loss to the community as a whole. To help ensure full participation of residents with disabilities in activities which fall under the aegis of the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department, the HRC and DATF recommend a fee reduction in these activities. The HRC and DATF believe a fee reduction of at least 50 percent of the fees charged for these activities will lead to an improvement in the quality of life for residents with disabilities, along with family and friends. THE MOTION The HRC andoDATF endorse a one year pilot program be implemented to reduce fees for residents with disabilities participating in activities which fall under the aegis of the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department. Specifically, the HRC and DATF endorse the following fee reduction proposal: Qualifying Criteria: Individual must be a resident of Palo Alto, and have a disability documented and certified by a medical physician or licensed therapist. A licensed therapist includes: licensed Marriage, Family & Child Counselor, licensed Clinical Social Worker, or licensed psychologist, or a!ready be certified by other programs such as the City’s RAP, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, or para-transit eligible, and have income at or below the median income for Santa Clara County. Applicant provides proof of income. Children with disabilities qualify based on parental income. CITY OF PALO ALTO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION DISABILITY AWARENESS TASK FORCE FEE REDUCTION PROPOSAL ST3LTEMENT OF PURPOSE The City of Palo Alto, Human Relations Commission (HRC) established the Disability Awareness Task Force (DATF) to help improve the quality of life for Palo Altans with disabilities. The DATF is aware that residents with disabilities have less monies to ~pend on recreational activities than other residents because portions of their income go directly toward dealing with their disabilities. With limited discretionary monies, residents with disabilities are less likely to fully participate in community programs and activities, which is a loss to the community as a whole. To help ensure full participation of residents with disabilities in activities which fall under the aegis of the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department, the HRC and DATF recommend a fee reduction in these activities. The HRC and DATF believe a fee reduction of at least 50 percent of the fees charged for these activities will lead to an improvement in the quality of life for residents with disabilities, along with family and friends. THE MOTION The HRC and0DATF endorse a one year pilot program be implemented to reduce fees for residents with disabilities participating in activities which fall under the aegis of the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department. Specifically, the HRC and DATF endorse the following fee reduction proposal: Qualifying Criteria: Individual must be a resident of Palo Alto, and have a disability documented and certified by a medical physician or licensed therapist. A licensed therapist includes: licensed Marriage, Family & Child Counselor, licensed Clinical Social Worker, or licensed psychologist, or ’ already be certified by other programs such as the City’s RAP, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, or para-transit eligible, and have income at or below the median income for Santa Clara County. Applicant provides proof of income. Children with disabilities qualify based on parental income. Reduction Amount: At least 50 percent of full charges;no charge for any required attendant. Scope: Activities which fall under the aegis of the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department. Therefore, the HRC and DATF encourage the Palo Alto City Council to adopt and implement this motion to be effective fiscal year 95/96, on a one year pilot basis.