AGENDA #4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2001

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

BUDGET PRESENTATION TO THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL

2001-2002

MISSION STATEMENT

The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department will enhance the quality of life of all citizens and foster a sense of community by providing superior recreation, cultural, and educational services and through the effective maintenance and protection of the Town’s natural resources.

BRIEF SERVICES DESCRIPTION

The key services provided by the Department are:

· Youth and adult sports activities through league play, clinics, and drop-in freeplay. Sports activities include basketball, baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and bocce ball.

· Programs such as pottery, kayaking, karate, aqua-aerobics, teen club, scuba diving, magic, holiday arts, summer camps, rock climbing, dance, cheerleading, Explorers, family activities, fun days, and music events.

· Special events such as the 4^th of July Celebration, Festifall, Apple Chill, Halloween Carnival, Movies on the Plaza, Summer Concert Series.

The key facilities provided by the Department are:

· 14 parks with picnic and playground equipment

· 2 swimming pools

· 2 community centers

· 3 gymnasiums

· Outdoor gardens, athletic fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, and basketball courts, a skateboard park, a batting cage facility

· Extensive trail network and numerous open space areas

DEPARTMENTAL REVENUE ESTIMATES

	2000-01	2000-01			% Change
	Original	Revised	2000-01	2001-02	From Orig
DESCRIPTION	Budget	Budget	Estimated	Request	Budget

TOTAL DEPARTMENT REVENUES	372,600	372,600	414,070	414,720	11.30%

Key Revenue Issues

· Total rental income should stabilize from increases last two years. Until additional programming space is identified new program opportunities are limited

· Revenues for the skateboard park and batting cage are included

DEPARTMENTAL BASE BUDGET COST ESTIMATES

DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES
Personnel	1,328,261	1,327,124	1,308,534	1,366,746	2.90%
Operations	578,538	663,927	655,173	598,266	3.41%
Capital	4,050	4,050	5,250	1,800	-55.56%

TOTAL DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES	1,910,849	1,995,101	1,968,957	1,966,812	2.93%

Base Budget - Key Cost Issues

Support, administration, and facilities:

· Maintain overall support levels as currently exists

· Expand registration access through new computer software—will eventually enable registration at Hargraves and Community Centers

Programming:

· Maintain most programs at FY 00-01 levels

· Increased staffing levels during peak hours of operation, especially Northside Gymnasium

· Increased summer camp hours and include swim lesson time for camp participants

· Increased art, cultural, and nature programming, particularly one day workshops

· Focus on special event programming

KEY SERVICES GOING WELL

· Management of existing community events

· Management of existing athletics programs

· Management of existing classes and programs

· Management of field rentals

· Operation of facilities

· Grant writing

· Facilities planning and construction

KEY SERVICES THAT CAN BE IMPROVED

· Marketing and information services

· Special populations programs

· Partnerships with other agencies particularly for programming space

PROPOSED ADDITIONS

Below are descriptions of the Department’s main additional request:

· Fund the Mainstreaming Recreation Specialist Position: We propose that the position be funded once again, but we would revise the job description and focus to programming for special populations. While the Parks and Recreation Department prides itself in programming for all Chapel Hill citizens, we have not adequately developed and offered programs for individuals with disabilities since funding for the position has been deferred in FY1999-00 and FY2000-01. While the Special Olympics program is quite popular, its mission by definition is to provide strictly athletic opportunities for individuals with cognitive disabilities. We are currently unable to provide specific programming for individuals with only physical disabilities and non-athletic activities for all individuals with special needs. As individuals with disabilities are integrated into communities we find that to truly meet their needs we should offer a spectrum of leisure opportunities, from pure inclusion to specific programs for a special population. While we are confident our current programs meet the letter of the law, we believe a greater outreach is consistent with the Town’s mission. Costs would include salary and benefits, training, and supplies. Proposed expenditures do not include the anticipated costs of a special needs summer camp.