Title
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL, REJECTION, AMENDMENT, AND/OR POSTPONEMENT TO SUBMIT A 2021 COMMUNITY HOPE CENTERS APPLICATION FOR CONTRACT K-2021-124, A CHILD CARE PROVIDER CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AND THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (ODHS) TO ALLOW FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILD CARE SERVICES PROVIDED AT CITY OF NORMAN PARK FACILITIES INCLUDING AN ADDENDUM GRANTING PERMISSION FOR A CITY REPRESENTATIVE TO SERVE AS THE PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT, SIGN ANY DOCUMENTATION, AND ENGAGE IN COMMUNICATIONS.
Body
BACKGROUND: In October of 2020, the City of Norman accepted a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (ODHS) to open HOPE centers at three City of Norman recreation centers. The State set aside $15 Million of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CACRF) for these Community HOPE Centers. HOPE Centers are designed to utilize community partnerships and provide critical services to families using the science of HOPE as their foundation. The City of Norman Community HOPE Center had mental health professionals, OKDHS staff, virtual learning tools such as computers and iPads, meals and snacks, a weekend backpack program and other programming available to support families. In October of 2020, the City Council approved the City’s acceptance of grant funds for $237,329 pursuant to one such program pursuant to Contract K-2021-64.
DISCUSSION: The City of Norman now seeks to apply for a reimbursement program through the ODHS Community HOPE Centers. Applying for and entering into a Child Care Provider Contract with the ODHS will allow the City to seek reimbursement for qualifying child care provided at City recreation facilities. The City of Norman’s Director of Parks and Recreation has engaged in all necessary training and preparation to coordinate this OKDHS program and is certified and qualified to oversee operations and execute any documents required for OKDHS to carry on the purposes of the program and take advantage of the reimbursement opportunity.
The main contract, if approved, would be approved by the City through its Mayor; however, an addendum has been created which allows a City Representative, in this case the Parks and Recreation Director, to serve as a primary point of contact and sign any documentation and engage in any communications that are consistent with the terms of the main contract.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City of Norman, through its City Representative, be permitted to submit an application for acceptance of Contract K-2021-124 with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.