Title
Vote on a request to approve the Joint Use Agreement for the Chatham Grove Elementary School Gymnasium/Community Center.
Abstract
Action Requested: Approve the Joint Use Agreement for the Chatham Grove Elementary School Gymnasium/Community Center
Introduction & Background: As both Chatham County and Chatham County Schools are mutually interested in quality education and recreation programs for Chatham County students and citizens, both parties seek to engage in a mutually cooperative and long-term joint use association at Chatham Grove Elementary School (CGES). With these interests in mind, the recently constructed, and now in operation, CGES was designed and built to include a facility to be used as a community center adjacent to the CGES gymnasium. Intending the community center to be occupied and operated by the Chatham County Department of Parks and Recreation and with the intent that the gymnasium, parking area, and certain outdoor recreation space are to be shared between the County and the Schools, the proposed Joint Use Agreement memorializes and details the nature of this relationship, the agreed to manner of use of shared facilities and spaces, and the responsibilities and expectations of each party engaging in the same.
Discussion & Analysis: The Chatham County Board of Commissioners is asked to consider the approval of the agreement herein described, which will authorize the shared use, between Chatham County and Chatham County Schools, of certain facilities and spaces of the Chatham Grove Elementary School. The approval of this agreement will also add an additional recreation amenity for the community and to the County’s programing offerings.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: If approved, this agreement will create the opportunity to expand recreational program offerings to the community and improve access to active recreation. Accordingly, the approval of this agreement aligns with the sixth goal of Plan Chatham by expanding recreational opportunities and improved access to parks and community facilities.
Budgetary Impact: Costs associated with additional programing and the purchase of certain supplies and materials for operating purposes are anticipated to be the initial and primary budgetary expense impacts. In small part, these expenses are anticipated to be matched with some level of cost recovery revenue through registration and other such programming fees. In addition to supplies and materials, this facility will be staffed during times that programs are offered. It is anticipated that much of this will be absorbed by current regular and temp employees. We do, however, contemplate the need for additional staffing, either increased temp hours or the addition of an FTE in future budget years as programming and utilization of this space increases.
Recommendation: Approve the Joint Use Agreement for the Chatham Grove Elementary School Gymnasium/Community Center.