Commission names subcommittee to review Steven Leonard Youth Center lease proposals from Merced College and community groups

The Merced Recreation and Parks Commission appointed a three-member subcommittee to review and rank proposals seeking to lease and operate the rehabilitated Steven Leonard Youth Center.

Christopher Jensen, Director of Parks and Community Services, said the city solicited a request for interest (RFI) and received six or seven proposals. Jensen asked the commission to form a subcommittee with staff to review and rank the proposals and return a recommendation to the full commission for a City Council recommendation.

Applicants who presented at the meeting included Kelly Avala, vice president of human resources for Merced College, who said Merced College would survey South Merced residents about desired programming and bring educational programming if selected. "We are beyond excited for the opportunity," Avala said.

Eli Saxs, a registered nurse and longtime community volunteer, described a coalition of seven organizations (including the American Red Cross) proposing community programming, accessible space for preparedness training, and multilingual services. "We put together a coalition of seven different organizations to provide community services at the center," Saxs said.

Crystal Ramos, program manager with Youth Leadership Institute, said her organization would center youth voice by surveying local young people to shape programming. "It's youth asking youth questions," Ramos said.

Commissioners discussed meeting windows for the subcommittee (the week of the 17th was proposed) and conflict-of-interest considerations for commissioners participating in the review. The record shows the subcommittee to review and rank proposals for the Steven Leonard Youth Center will be Commissioner Member Gonzalez, Commissioner Member Holloway and Commissioner Member Abong; staff indicated the subcommittee would complete rankings so the commission could receive an agenda report on March 23rd.