Submitted By: Julie Johnson
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Presentation By: John Spencer
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Department: Recreation and Parks
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve agreement with Marion County Public Schools for the rental of buses for the City’s summer programs in the amount of $1,600
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Recreation and Parks Department offers organized summer camps, with several hundred children participating annually. Summer camp programs provide recreational opportunities and affordable childcare options when school is on summer break.
Field trips are a part of the weekly summer camp schedule. Field trip destinations include but are not limited to movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement parks, and museums. Since 2010, the Recreation and Parks Department has leased school buses from the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS), to support the transportation needs of summer programs.
The City employs bus drivers as seasonal summer staff. This staff has the appropriate licenses, credentials, and training to operate the buses.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Field trips are an essential part of the summer camp experience. Leasing two 83-passenger school buses from the MCPS offers a cost-effective solution to fulfill the City’s transportation requirements. The rental term is May 31, 2025 - August 1, 2025. The rental fee is $400 per bus per month for a total expenditure of $1,600. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The contract amount is $1,600, and does not include additional expenses, such as unforeseen repairs, routine maintenance, and fuel, which are necessary for the City’s operation of the buses. All costs are budgeted in the Recreation and Parks Department’s budget, Recreation/ Rentals & Leases (001-021-132-579-57-44010). Adequate funds are budgeted to cover the cost of these services.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
Agreements between the City and local governmental entities are exempt from formal competitive solicitation requirements under Procurement Policy No. PRO-070. The Cooperative Agreement has been reviewed and complies with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This agreement will be approved for form and legality by the City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny