Advisory committee approves fee waiver for local after‑school youth program

The Pickleweed Advisory Committee on Aug. 5 approved a full facility fee waiver valued at $11,781 for a proposed youth after‑school program that will run September 2026 through June 2027. The committee voted in favor of the waiver during its regular meeting; Members Arbit, Campos, Ruez and Vasquez cast recorded yes votes.

The presenters, who identified themselves as co‑founders and co‑directors, described a Monday–Friday after‑school program using the teen/multi‑purpose room from about 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Activities will include reading and homework help, sewing and arts, literacy and health sessions, environmental education and monthly family service days. Staff told the committee the program meets the city’s co‑sponsorship criteria and recommended a 100% fee waiver. "Staff are recommending this. We feel that this program really does align with the values of the community," a city staff member said during the presentation.

Program leaders said the offering charges no participant fees and that funding currently comes from community foundations and county grants while they pursue additional state and federal grants. "We're actually a program that has no fees for any participants and we make a point to remove all the barriers to entry and all the financial obstacles," one presenter said.

Committee members probed enrollment and operations, noting the presenters reported typical day‑to‑day attendance of about 12–15 children (grades 1–5) and a teen‑room capacity of 18. Presenters said they plan to expand recruitment via school referrals and increase staffing as the program grows. The committee approved the fee waiver motion after questions and a second, and the presenter was thanked and excused.