Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Shon Sylvia doing business as Leisure Connection to conduct the Summer Express Program at Sunnyvale Middle School for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The City of Sunnyvale has conducted summer youth programs at various school sites for several years. In the past, the programs were designed, promoted and conducted by City staff assisted by temporary employees.

For the last five years, however, the City has contracted with Leisure Connection to provide "turnkey" operation of the Summer Express Program. The Summer Express Program is a non-academic summer school for children five to fourteen years of age and consists of classes in the arts, sports, games and special interest topics. Leisure Connection has designed and promoted the program; interviewed, selected, trained and supervised the instructors; and otherwise assumed responsibility for conducting the program.

Outsourcing the Summer Express Program has proven to be a very successful and cost effective means of providing a quality summer program for Sunnyvale children. Parks and Recreation staff recommend taking the same approach this year.

Section 2.08.070 of the Municipal Code exempts contracts for specialized services from competitive bidding.

Leisure Connection is the only firm known to provide such a full service program.

The total dollar value of the contract will depend upon the number of registrations received as the contractor will receive a flat fee of $8,500 plus a percentage of the registration fees. It is anticipated, however, that the contract value will be approximately $80,000. Funds are available in Parks and Recreation Department Account #642290-5300.

It is recommended that Council award a contract in an amount not to exceed $80,000 to Shon Sylvia doing business as Leisure Connection to conduct the Summer Express Program.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by: 

Mary Bradley
Director of Finance

Reviewed by:

Robert Walker
Director of Parks and Recreation

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager