SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve a lease agreement between the InterCultural Advocacy Institute, Inc. and the City of Clearwater for the premises located at 612 Franklin Street, Clearwater, Florida, for a period commencing November 1, 2020 and terminating on October 31, 2023, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
Since 2001, the City has been leasing their facility at 612 Franklin Street, Clearwater which has been used to create and operate a central facility that houses many relevant services needed by Clearwater’s Hispanic Community. The current lease agreement with InterCultural Advocacy Institute, Inc., will expire on October 31, 2020 for the operation of the Hispanic Outreach Center (HOC).
To date, all partnerships involving the premises known as the HOC and the attendant community programs have been very successful and have received public acclaim.
A current listing of some of the services/programs offered through the HOC include:
• Referring both victims and witnesses to the Clearwater Police Department (CPD).
• Referring individuals to civil court or other non-profits for assistance.
• Handling domestic injunctions and referrals.
• Training & Consultation. Topics include human trafficking, wage theft, refugee resettlement outreach, police-minority relations, and cultural integration.
• Collaborating with Community Organizations such as the Mexican Council of Tampa Bay, Suncoast Center, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, Gulfcoast Legal Services, and others, to provide on-site services for the Hispanic community.
• Managing the Hispanic Leadership Council, of which the City of Clearwater and the Clearwater Police Department are members, to enhance services and access for the Hispanic community.
• Providing both interpreter and victim advocacy services. These services respond to the needs of the Hispanic community and may include health matters, legal issues, and other concerns identified by the Hispanic community, the Lessee, or CPD.
• Providing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes coordinated by the HOC.
• Administering youth services. HOC administers various youth programs targeted toward at-risk youth from Hispanic and other ethnic or language groups. These programs focus on risk reduction and the development of individual and leadership skills needed in adulthood.
ICAI will be responsible for all maintenance of the inside of the premises and for all utility costs. The City will be responsible for all maintenance of the exterior of the premises, including the building and grounds. Either party may terminate the agreement on thirty days written notice if any single item of maintenance or repair exceeds $5,000.