Item Description:
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Award a $125,000 water safety grant to V3 Sports utilizing Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants (HCYAG); Authorize the County Administrator to negotiate, finalize, and sign the agreement and any amendments
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners authorizes the award of a $125,000 grant from the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants (HCYAG) Program to V3 Sports for the purpose of providing swim lessons, water safety education, and lifeguard and swim instructor certification and training; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is authorized to negotiate, an the agreement with V3 Sports for water safety; and that the following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to approve and sign amendments to the V3 Sports Agreement to extend their term; and
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Background:
In 2020 the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners declared racism a public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning rates are more than five times higher for Black youth than for white youth. This action aims to improve youth water safety in North Minneapolis and neighboring cities by providing a $125,000 grant to V3 Sports for the purpose of providing swim lessons, water safety education, and lifeguard and swim instructor certification and training.
In 2021, the County Board passed Resolution 21-0337, which restricted Youth Activities Grants awards to local government units. However, V3 Sports is unique in its capacity and ability to meet the need for youth water safety in North Minneapolis. No other organization has the facilities to serve this particular population. Accordingly, county staff recommend the county contract directly with V3, and county staff will provide the administrative oversight typically provided by the local government partner. V3 Sports will be subject to all HCYAG award terms and conditions as outlined in the grant agreement.
V3 Sports’ facility is located in North Minneapolis and their mission is to elevate the community through wellness, fitness, and education. The community center offers a range of services, including a 25-yard swimming pool open to the community for swim lessons and water activities. Coming soon, is an Olympic trials 50-meter pool.
With these grant funds, V3 Sports agrees to host water safety festivals; facilitate family water safety workshops; offer Red Cross certification trainings and continuing education for current lifeguards; offer local schools swim lessons for youth; and provide adaptive lifeguard training and adaptive swim lessons for youth with disabilities.
V3 Sports already receives a Youth Activities Grant for lifeguard services through its partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools. However, the lifeguard services grant focuses on increasing opportunities for youth to acquire lifeguard skills by providing safe transportation, incentives to attend pre-lifeguard skills courses, and improved access to the swim facility.
In 2023, the County Board passed Resolution 23-0087, which delegated the authority to the Purchasing Director to sign all agreements awarding funds pursuant to the Hennepin County Youth Activities Program. However, the Grants Management and Administration Department is now managing the grant program and providing oversight and ongoing review of criteria for the award of funds to ensure public purpose. The HCYAG Program moved from the Purchasing and Contracts Services Department to the Grants Management and Administration Department on January 1, 2024. As such, Board Resolution 23-0087 should be amended to reflect the Grants Management and Administration Director’s authority to sign all agreements awarding HCYAG funds upon the County Board’s approval of grant award recommendations and resolutions, and review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office. Additionally, the Grants Management and Administrator Director should be authorized to approve amendments to agreements to extend their term.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval