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 ide...
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