To: Board of Supervisors
From: Brian M. Balbas, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE a Lease of County-owned Property to Contra Costa Public Works Early Childhood Center (dba Kids at Work).
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute a lease with Contra Costa Public Works Early Childhood Center (dba Kids at Work) to lease approximately 2,603 square feet in a County-owned building located at 255 Glacier Drive, Martinez, as requested by the Public Works Department, for a 10-year term beginning February 1, 2024, in exchange for rent in the amount of $800 per month and the continued operation of a childcare facility for the children of County employees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Rent and occupancy costs are budgeted within the General Fund, Fund#100300. There is no negative impact on the General Fund. The lease permits the County to receive rent from this property.
BACKGROUND:
Kids At Work Early Childhood Center is a non-profit corporation that provides low-cost quality childcare for any Contra Costa County employee, as well as other public sector employees within the county, provided space is available, in the County-owned building located at 255 Glacier Drive in Martinez, known as the Public Works Department campus, for more than 20 years.
Kids At Work provides infant care (less than 1-year old), toddler care (ages 1 year to 3.5 years) and Pre-school (pre-kindergarten) care and teaching for children. Each phase of the Kids At Work curriculum is designed to provide a caring and teaching environment for the children of county employees, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. Kids At Work meets and exceeds all applicable licensing regulations and standards. These standards relate to the County’s facilities, staff, health and safety procedures, nutrition, teacher/child ratios, and recordkeeping. The school is subject to inspection by the state, county, city, health, fire, and licensing officials. Therefore, county employees know their children are being cared for and educated within an environment that can provide them with peace of mind and confidence so they can continue to serve the residents of Contra Costa County.
Providing this Childcare Care space on the Public Works campus has proven to be not only an investment in our children, but also a benefit to all County employees by providing this option.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the lease is not approved, the operation of the childcare facility at this location will be in jeopardy.