C7Q - Fund $105k for Kids' Rec Offerings

Resolutions - C7 Q

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that while the Commission considers the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to expand kids’ Parks and Recreation offerings to include additional weekend classes, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY 2026:

1.The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program. 2.Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years. 3.The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values.

These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding reopening the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Saturdays and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Sundays align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Committee recommends funding expanding kids’ Parks and Recreation offerings to include Sunday classes for $105,000 the Administration recommends it be considered part of the FY 2026 budget process.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

During the February 3, 2025, City Commission meeting, at the request of Vice-Mayor Tanya K. Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion item to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (“FERC”), a discussion regarding expanding kids’ Parks and Recreation offerings to include Sunday classes. (Exhibit A)

At the June 4, 2025 FERC meeting, the item was recommended to be sent to the June Commission meeting with a recommendation to be considered as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. (Exhibit B)

ANALYSIS

The Parks and Recreation Department offers various weekend programs and events for all age groups. As shown in Exhibit C, numerous programs and facilities are available, which are heavily utilized by the community. Some of these offerings include a swim team, dance lessons, open play chess, an adult art club, floral workshops, ice skating lessons, gymnastics programs, youth

soccer and baseball, beach volleyball, and multiple swim lesson classes. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department provides free community weekend access for Miami Beach residents at both the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Sundays, and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Saturdays, where visitors can enjoy the fitness center, game rooms, bowling alley, and gymnasium.

As part of the budget process during the COVID pandemic, the Department closed the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Saturdays and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Sundays as a cost- saving measure. The recommendation for closure was also based on the very limited usage of the facilities by the public at the time.

Beginning in the fall of 2025, the Department proposes to reopen the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Saturdays and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Sundays to gain interest. This can be achieved through the addition of four (4) Part-time Recreation Leader I positions that would be a re-occurring budget expense. The Department will evaluate community use to determine whether remaining open year-round at each of these facilities on the identified weekend days is warranted based on attendance numbers.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

If the Commission accepts the Committee recommendation to reopen the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Saturdays and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Sundays to gain interest, a budget amendment would be necessary to add four (4) Part-time Recreation Leader I positions at a total budgetary impact of $105,000.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

The Parks and Recreation Department proposes to reopen the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Saturdays and the North Shore Park Youth Center on Sundays to gain interest, if desired by the Commission.

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Parks and Recreation

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Expand Kids Parks and Recreation Offerings, Include Sunday Classes. (Bhatt) PKS

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)