HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.C.3. HOPE Program Policy-Res. No. 6894
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
MEMORANDUM S. c. 3.
To: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
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From: Travis Karlen, Recreation Supervisor '. '~i~'
Meeting Date: April 7, 2009
Subject: HOPE Program Policy - Res. No. 6894
INTRODUCTION
City Council is being asked to adopt a revised Scholarship Program with implementation at the start of the
2009 - 2010 school year renamed the HOPE program.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At the March 23rd PRAB meeting the board recommended a revised sCholarship program policy to replace the
City's current scholarship program for implementation at the beginning of the 2009 - 2010 school year. The
new program would be called the HOPE program which stands for Helping Other People Excel. The
recommended application and guidelines are attached.
BUDGET IMPACT
In 2007/2008 there were approximately 60 participants who took part in the Fee Reduction program with a
subsidization of $4545.00. The city subsidized $1880.00 for programs, $580.00 for memberships, and $585.00
for pool punch cards. Associations subsidized $1500.00 for their programs during the same term.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE VISION
A. Active and Healthy Community
B. High Quality of Life
C. Great place for kids to grow up.
E. Financially Strong
REQUESTED ACTION
The City Council, if it concurs, offer Resolution No. 6894 A Resolution of the City of Shakopee, Minnesota,
Establishing a Policy for the HOPE Program, and move its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. 6894
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA, ESTABLISHING A
POLICY FOR THE HOPE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, The City offers numerous programs through the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
Department each year; and,
WHEREAS, The City offers assistance to individuals who want to participate in the City's programs but
cannot afford to do so; and
WHEREAS, The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources funds the HOPE (Helping Other People Excel)
Program through the operating budget; and,
WHEREAS, It is desirable to establish guidelines and procedures for the HOPE Program in order to
manage the budget and continue to offer a program to benefit individuals in need; and,
WHEREAS, The Park and Recreation Advisory Board recommends adopting the HOPE Program; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide a program to the Citizens of Shakopee offering financial
assistance to participate in Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources programs,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE,
MINNESOTA, that the HOPE PROGRAM, dated April 7, 2009, attached hereto and made a part hereof,
is hereby adopted.
Adopted in session of the City Council of the City of Shakopee, Minnesota, held this 7th day
of April, 2009.
Mayor of the City of Shakopee
Attest:
City Clerk
What is the HOPE Program?
The HOPE program enables Shakopee Residents to participate in City of Shakopee recreation programs that may otherwise
be unable, due to financial constraints.
How does the program work?
Participants will receive a punch card worth $75 per school year. Families are capped at a $300.00 limit per school year. A
Family is defined as anyone living in the same household that are supported by the head of the household. The qualifying
school year is from September 1 - August 31. Participants can register for qualified programs by paying the first half of the
program and using the issued punch card for the remainder of the fees.
- Punch Cards will be issued upon approval.
- Punch Cards will be treated like cash and will not be replaced iflost.
- Punch Cards are not transferrable.
How can the program be used?
Participants may use their punch cards to receive a reduced rate on recreation programs priced at more than $10. Programs
that do not qualify for the program are:
. Programs which fees are already under $10,
. Special Events
. Facility Rentals
. One Day Programs
. Aquatic Park Memberships
. Ski Club
. Additional Fees in programs (supplies, trip or equipment rental)
. Birthday Party Packages
. Adult Team Registrations
Participants may use this program for one 20 punch card for the Aquatic Park annually.
Who is eligible to participate in this program?
To qualify, applicants must be a Shakopee Resident. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria and submit
supporting documentation.
. Participation in a Free or Reduced Lunch Program through the Shakopee School District.
. Eligibility to receive fmancial aid from Scott County.
. Eligibility to receive Social Security Disability.
. A financial hardship that prevents full payment of a program fee (short term or long term),
How do I apply?
Each applying individual fills out the HOPE Financial Assistance Program Application (one per person), attaches verification
material and mails it to Shakopee Parks and Recreation, Judy Techam, 1255 Fuller Street South, Shakopee, MN 55379,
When your eligibility has been verified (usually within a week), you will receive a letter of notification with your punch
card(s). Because it takes one week to verify eligibility, we cannot process your recreation registration the same day.
Please plan ahead if you would like to register on the first day of registration.
How often must I apply?
Each school year program participants must obtain a new application and renew their accounts, if they choose,
Why is the City offering this program?
It is the City's belief that all people should be encouraged to participate in recreation programs: the City is committed to
helping people overcome financial limitations that may make participation difficult.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Judy Techam at 952-233-9506
tOpy must OIl file
Family (Head of household)
Address
Home Phone Work Phone
List all additional family members:
Name Birthdate Use
Name Birthdate Use
Name Birthdate Use
Name Birthdate Use
The City of Shakopee Parks and Recreation provides recreational programs for the residents of Shakopee. It is
the City's belief that all people should be encouraged to participate in recreation programs. The City is
committed to helping people overcome financial limitations that may make participation difficult. The HOPE
Program may be offered for individuals meeting one or more ofthe following requirements:
1. Participation in a Free or Reduced Lunch Program through the Shakopee School District.
2. Eligibility to receive financial aid from Scott County case# or card required,
3. Eligibility to receive Social Security Benefits,
4. A financial hardship that prevents full payment of a program fee (short term or long term).
5. Participant must be a Shakopee Resident. (Townships are not eligible.)
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY:
I have read and understand the requirements to be eligible for the HOPE Financial Assistance Program. I have provided the City of
Shakopee with verification of my eligibility. My signature verifies my child's/my own eligibility. I understand that falsification of
any information provided will result in cancellation of this privilege,
Signature (parent or guardian if under 18) Date
FEE REDUCTIONS DO NOT QUALIFY FOR SOME SERVICES
(SEE FEE REDUCTION INFORMATION SHEET)
OFFICE USE ONLY
For approval - One of the Following must be attached,
Proof of Free or Reduced Lunch
_Eligibility to receive financial aid through Scott County - Case #
_Eligibility to receive Social Security Disability
_Financial Hardship