TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, Florida and the American National Red Cross
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, Florida and the American National Red Cross.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, FL and the American National Red Cross.
• Pros: Maintains third-party auditing that has been in place since 2021; ensures consistency in evaluation methodology; provides unbiased, expert assessments of staff performance and training effectiveness; supports continued alignment with national standards for safety and program quality.
• Cons: Estimated annual financial commitment of $4,410.
Option 2: Deny the Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, FL and the American National Red Cross.
• Pros: Allows funding in the amount of $4,410 to be redirected to other operational or programming needs.
• Cons: Discontinues the independent, third-party auditing; potential for increased liability in the event of incidents; staff will no longer receive external evaluation reports identifying strengths, areas for improved performance and safety, and compliance with national standards.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on January 12, 2021, the City Commission approved a 12-month Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement with the American National Red Cross (ARC) to conduct lifeguard operations assessments, including observation and evaluation audits. Upon expiration of this agreement, staff submitted a revised agreement from the ARC for legal review; however, the City and the ARC were unable to reach consensus on renewal terms.
In response, staff explored alternative providers and identified Counsilman-Hunsaker as a qualified firm offering comparable evaluation services through its aquatic management program. During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on July 26, 2022, the City Commission approved the Aquatics Operations Agreement for Consulting Services with Counsilman-Hunsaker for a 36-month term. As that Agreement nears its end, City staff successfully worked with the ARC to establish mutually acceptable terms for renewing the Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement.
The Aquatic Examiner Service is a specialized program offered by the ARC that provides the following:
Ø On-site assessments of lifeguard skills and surveillance techniques.
Ø Review of emergency action plans and facility safety procedures.
Ø Detailed feedback with actionable recommendations for improvement.
Ø Certification and compliance verification aligned with the American National Red Cross standards.
To uphold national best practices and maintain high operational standards, staff recommends re-engaging the American National Red Cross to conduct professional evaluations of lifeguard performance, facility safety protocols and emergency response preparedness.
The Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and it is legally correct as to form.
The Aquatic Examiner Service Agreement was submitted to the City Clerk’s Office on October 29, 2025, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Funding in the amount of $4,410 is available in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget in account number 001-3037-572.34-00.
Procurement
This service is being procured under City of North Port Procurement Code Section 2-403 (a) (2) - Exemptions - Procurement contracts between the city and nonprofit organizations, other governments or other public entities.
Attachments:
1. Agreement
2. Exemption Form
3. January 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes
4. July 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes
5. Florida Division of Corporations
Prepared by: Rachael Payne, Business Services Coordinator
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director