4/10/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DATE: TO: THRU: FROM: SUBJECT: April 3, 2001 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS James E. Chandler, County Administrator Thomas W. Frame, General Services Director � cj(h4-4�R� Resolution Approving the Lease of Pleasant Ridge School (Winter Beach School) to Ross Small World (Non-profit Childcare Provided 6500 Old Dixie Hityhwav BACKGROUND: Pleasant Ridge School a.k.a. Winter Beach School and its surrounding property was deeded to the County from the School Board in a warranty deed dated November 9, 1970. At that time, the use of the property was restricted to public education purposes. Subsequently, on August 27`s, 1981, the School Board modified the restriction on the use of the property from public educational purposes to public purposes. On January 10, 1973, the Board of County Commissioners entered an agreement with the Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County. The building was thus used to house a Head Stan program through February 2000. At that time. the County was advised by Jean Strawter, Executive Director, that the Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County, Inc., would be vacatine the facility as of February 29, 2000, due to down sizing. She further advised that A.L.P.I. (Agricultural Labor Program, Inc.) had expressed interests in the building to continue their child care programs in Indian River County. Shortly afterwards. Mr. William Holt contacted this office and introduced Mercy Ross, CEO and operator of Ross Small World Child Care (Ross Small World. Inc.) a non-profit corporation. The Board may recall a presentation made by Pat Telfer, Contracts Manager for Subsidized Childcare Services to A.L.P.I. on January 23, 2001. She identified that there are over 1,000 children on the waiting list for various types of children's services including 600 children for subsidized care. Ross Small World Child Care would reduce this unmet need by providing a minimum of 25 % of the total enrollment for subsidized childcare through contract with A.L.P.I. A proposed ten-year lease has been prepared which places all financial responsibility of future maintenance and operational cost of the building on the Lessee. In addition, it provides for historical enhancement through efforts by both the lessee and the County. As provided by the Florida Statutes, a resolution has also been prepared which is required to be adopted approving the proposed lease. RECOMMENDATION: Considering that Indian River County has not had to budget maintenance funds for the Pleasant Ridge School for over approximately 28 years, and considering the opportunity to address some of the unmet needs for children and having another agency assuming the costs of operating and maintaining the Physical plant, it makes sense to provide the facility at no charge to a non-profit organization. Staff recommends the Boards approval of the resolution authorizing this agreement for a penod of ten (10) years APRIL 10, 2001 -36-