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Home My WebLink About15.A.5. Prosed Teen Center CITY OF SHAKOPEE IS. fl, 6: MEMORANDUM To: Shakopee City Council Mark Themig, Facilities and Recreation Director From: Brad Eller, Recreation Supervisor Date: December 16. 2003 Subject: Proposed Teen Center Introduction Staff has previously presented on this topic and was given direction to explore specific aspects . of a proposed teen center facility within the Community Center. Background Earlier this fall, the City Council indicated support for the concept of a teen center and cited the large number of youth and teens 'hanging out' at the Community Center in the evenings. Council inquired about behavior policies and rules that would be used as guidelines in the facility, and the funds needed to operate such a facility in its first year and each year thereafter. It was requested that Parks and Recreation research existing teen facilities in the area and begin acquiring community support for the proposed teen center, and discuss further with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Since that time, staff held two teen meetings to discuss the concept in more detail, and get feedback from the teens on policies and procedures. Each meeting had 40-50 participants. Staff also presented information on policies, procedures and revenue/expenditures to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at their November 24th meeting. Several teens and parents also attended the November 24th Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting to show support for the proposed facility. Advisory Board members moved unanimously to move the concept forward to City Council for implementation, and expressed appreciation to the teens in attendance for their willingness to answer questions and to get involved in the planning of the teen center. . On Friday, Dec. 5, a teen Battle of the Bands event was held in the multi-purpose room. Six bands played and 210 individuals signed a petition that supported a teen facility for community youth/teens. Discussion Based on the feedback from teens, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and City Council, the following information will outline proposed operating procedures, behavior policies, rules, program possibilities, and budget for the proposed teen center. Proposed Operating Procedures . The Teen Center would be open to 6th-1ih graders. . The Teen Center would be a free drop in center with charges for events and programs. . Teen Center participants would be requested to scan in using the current Community Center membership program or sign in at the teen center front desk each day that they . attend the center. . Adults and siblings that fall outside of the specified age group for the facility would not be permitted into the facility unless there is a special event or program that warrants participation. Volunteers, parent meetings, and participant pickups are exceptions. . Personal items of 'significant value' must be left as collateral at the front desk in order to check out a movie, video game, controllers or any other equipment. The personal item is returned when the checkout item is returned in good condition. . Individuals watching TV or a movie would have priority when it comes to listening and volume levels. Those playing video games would have limited or no volume allowed. . The teen center would be available for private rentals outside of normal operating hours (This is a popular revenue generator at other teen centers). Behavior Policies It would be stressed that teen users police each other in order to maintain a healthy and positive environment. The teen center would operate under the current Shakopee Community Center Zero-Tolerance Policy and would be enforced by the teen center staff. Follow up on specific issues would be the responsibility of the Recreation Supervisor. Our Zero-Tolerance Policy reads as follows: "The respect and safety of our guests and staff is required from all facility users. Shakopee . Community Center will not tolerate certain behavior. Guests who conduct behavior outlined below will be immediately expelled from the facility: . Fighting . Profanity . Alcohol, tobacco, or substance use . Rowdy, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior . Theft or vandalism . Gang signing/wearing of colors . Possession or use of weapons/ unsafe objects of any kind . Behavior that requires a second warning . Verbal abuse of patrons or staff If a guest is expelled for the above behavior, Shakopee Parks and Recreation will review the incident and determine if an extended expulsion is warranted. The length of any such expulsion is the sole decision of Shakopee Parks and Recreation." Incident reports are required to be filled out by staff for any actions that violate the zero- tolerance policy. A procedure that we have been utilizing at the Community Center would also be used at the teen center. The procedure is a valuable tool in creating accountability with the youth/teens and relationships with the parents/guardians. It implements the following when a . behavior incident occurs: . Talking privately with a youth/teen regarding a behavior incident. . Requiring a youth/teen to contact their parent/guardian in order to discuss the applicable incident by phone or in person. . Follow up of the incident description by the Teen Center Supervisor or Recreation Supervisor during the same phone call. . Appropriate action or consequence conveyed to the youth/teen and parent by Staff. . The youth/teen may be asked to leave for the evening and the parent asked to pick up their child. A Recreation Supervisor will determine length of expulsions in excess of one evening. . Submit the report to the appropriate Recreation Supervisor for follow up if not available during the original incident. Other Rules . Refrain from damaging equipment, supplies and facilities. . Movies must be rated G, PG, or PG-13. . Video games must be rated E (everyone) or T (teen). . Respect yourself and those around you. No 'making out' is allowed. . Finally, we would implement a "no-loitering policy" for the Community Center's common areas. Although it won't totally eliminate congregating at certain times (such as when waiting for rides or during events), it will give staff the ability to direct teens to certain areas of the building. Program Possibilities One of the significant discussion items at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was whether or not this would be a facility that could provide positive, proactive programs for teens, rather than simply be a place to "hang out". With a designated space and identity, a variety of programs are possible through collaboration with community organizations. In fact, several individuals and organizations have already contacted Parks and Recreation in an effort to work on such programs. One of the most significant potential partners is the Scott/Carver Co-Op. The Co-Op has secured grant funds to be used for teen programs and equipment, but they are seeking space to offer such programs and are working with a timeline in order to implement their programs. Parks and Recreation Staff feels that the relationship could be a good fit, given the available space we would be providing for teens. The Co-Op also has funds to hire a 20 hr/wk staff person. That individual could work a portion of their time on Shakopee teen programs. Certain Co-Op grant funds are earmarked for specific equipment purchases. Equipment that . could be purchased through a partnership with the Co-Op includes: various teen center items (big screen lV was mentioned), an indoor rock climbing wall/or shared use of a portable rock climbing wall, and fitness equipment designed specifically for youth and teens. Staff will continue to discuss program options and partnerships with the Co-Op, as well as other organizations. A few program examples that have been specifically discussed with the Co-Op and others are: Homework Help Boys and Girls Groups Chemical Health Parent/Teen Nights Rock Climbing Sports Event Parties Literary Journal Live Bands Regularly Art and Murals Dances/Hip Hop Nights Rock Climbing Crafts Physical Education/Fitness Open Microphone Night Karate/Kickboxing Teen Garage Sale Fundraiser Birthday Parties Though there are many more possibilities, the preceding list is an example of the diverse programs that may be offered. . Costs . The 2004 budget that is being reviewed at the Dec. 16, 2003 City Council meeting includes $25,000 in teen center funding. This funding 'provides staff and operating expenses for the first year. Approximately $15,000-$20,000 would be needed in start up costs for the facility. Community support has also been sought for the proposed teen center under direction of Council. Letters have been sent to civic organizations and area business' requesting a commitment of donation for the proposed facility. These donations would help to fulfill the approximate start up costs the first year. We have already been successful in receiving several donations that help to reduce our start up costs. Below is a table that lists the estimated start up and operating costs of the proposed teen center: Item 1st Current Donations Year Electric Work 1,000 Paint 400 Desk 400 400 (Desk/Counters) Computer 750 Larae lV 1200 Various lV's 500 . VCR/DVD 200 Stereo/Sound System 1500 Cable Setup 200 Phone 580 Hiah Top Tables 750 Furniture 1000 Staae Materials 300 Liahts 600 Storaqe 500 500 (shelves/cabinets) Video Game Svstems 1500 Locks 200 Movies 400 Foosball 500 Pina Pona 500 Air Hockev 500 Pool Table 1000 1000 (received) Operatina Supplies 200 Office Supplies 200 Misc. Supplies 300 Build. Maint. Supplies 200 . Cash 800 (Wal-Mart) Equipment/Supplv Total 15380 2700 In our initial discussions with potential donors, there is a reluctance to commit funds until a decision has been made by the City on whether or not a teen center will be authorized. Having authorization will allow staff to more aggressively pursue donors. Opening of the teen center could be contingent upon fundraising efforts reaching a minimum dollar/equipment amount of $10,000. This would meet start up cost needs (adequate front desk, video games/systems, lV's, furniture, VCR/DVD, sound, game tables, paint, electric) and would provide an adequate foundation for the teen center to open its doors. Once the initial dollar amount has been reached and the doors are open, fund raising efforts can continue in order to obtain .additional equipment. It would also provide the opportunity to move ahead with the establishment of a teen advisory board. The board would then have something tangible to work with, which is an important component in holding young people's interest. Revenue The following reflects potential revenues that could be obtained through the operation of the proposed teen center facility annually, based on other teen center facilities and our current revenue sources: . Source Amount Rentals, Programs, $10,000 Admission for Special Events Increase in Community Center Vending Profits $5,000 ( Approx.30% increase based on previous years of $17,000- $20,000) Vending Machines, Pav Games, Misc. Items $5,000 Donations/Grants $5,000 Total $25,000 We believe that this revenue scenario is realistic, and will meet our projected expenditures. Teen Advisorv Board A significant component of the Teen Center concept is the formation of a teen advisory board. The teen advisory board would be modeled after other teen center advisory boards. Ideally, it would be comprised of 5-10 teens that have a strong interest in creating, maintaining, and operating the teen center. There would be a mix of junior high and senior high board members. Staff and possibly other community members would provide leadership and guidance for the advisory board. Although the teen advisory board would provide advice to staff on the teen center, they could also help staff develop programs that would be of interest to teens outside of the teen center facility. . Conclusion The teen center would be operated as a 'drop in' center that is enhanced by the offering of various program and facility ideas that are recommended by the teen board. Input from teens and involvement on a regularly scheduled basis would govern the day-to-day operation of the facility. Adult oversight and wisdom would be offered to the teens to aid in decision-making. There has been a strong showing of community support for the proposed teen center. The donation process has been implemented and several organizations are preparing to discuss the teen center at upcoming meetings. Staff will be attending these meetings in order to answer any questions that the organizations may have. Teen involvement has been strong during the preliminary meetings and events. Parks and Recreation Staff feel that the success of the Battle of the Bands event is a good example of the type of opportunities a teen center can provide. . Alternatives 1. Proceed with creation of the teen center and teen advisory board once the minimum donation levels have been met. 2. Do not authorize the creation of the teen center and teen advisory board. 3. Table for additional information. Requested Action If Council concurs, move to 1. Authorize Staff to proceed with the creation of a teen center using the multi-purpose room at the Community Center once minimum donation levels have been met. 2. Authorize Staff to create a teen advisory board that would provide direction to Staff for establishing and operating the teen center. ~ Recreation Supervisor - .. I 1!!i'I! iD nil . - - n WI . - ~ ~ u.;I ..... 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