11-09-1994 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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10/28/94 10:12 NW YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES 4 484 4538 B. PROPOSED PROJECT NO.316 P08 The project NYFS proposes to develop is a Youth Activity Center designed to meet the needs of youth ages 10-15. The Activity Center would be developed and operated in conjunction with a minimum of seven municipalities of northwest suburban Ramsey County, and two school districts within NYFS' service area. The significant need for a Youth Activity Center for middle - school aged youth has been identified by area city, school and other concerned groups and individuals. NYFS was developed as a result of a joint powers agreement with the ten cities, and throughout the years NYFS has developed programming to meet identified community needs. Thus, the agency is seen by the municipalities it serves, as an appropriate vehicle for developing and providing the Youth Activity Center. In order to implement the proposed project, facility renovation needs to occur and program equipment needs to be purchased. NYFS is approaching the Minnesota Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation to request the start-up facility and equipment costs of implementing a Youth Activity Center. The Youth Activity Center would be a new activity for the agency. Currently, NYFS provides programming at its offices, in school buildings and on -site at local community centers. The idea of developing a multi-city Youth Activity Center did not become a reality until recently, when NYFS started the process of purchasing a building with enough square footage to dedicate 3,000 square feet to a Youth Activity Center. Recreational and other activities would be available to youth in this drug and smoke free environment monitored by NYFS youth workers. A large screen television, computer stations, study areas, tables for crafts and games, pool tables, and other opportunities would be offered. Efforts would be made to link Activity Center participants to employment, counseling, and other program offerings of the organization. A youth run business will be conducted at the Youth Activity Center. Youth will operate a concessions area (Teen Canteen) and provide low cost food and beverages to Center participants. Start -up funds are needed to renovate the Youth Activity Center space to make it usable for youth, and to purchase needed equipment. The grant would be used to; build a separate entrance to the Youth Activity Center portion of the building, including signage and a canopy; - add security lighting on the building and in the parking lot; - remove ceiling tiles in the area to open up the space; - remove existing walls and erect walls within the Youth Activity Center, - build a fire exit; - install handicapped restrooms within the Center area - Install a security door between the Center and the other parts of the facility - in order to make the Center usable outside of normal NYFS business hours; - carpet the Youth Activity Center; - purchase the following items of equipment: lounge furniture (including tables, chairs, couches), pool table, television and VCR, cash register, refrigerator, pop machine, toaster oven, microwave, tables & chairs for "Teen Page 35