===== PDF PAGE 69 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: __7.G__ Program Partnership Agreement with WeGo Together for Kids for the WeGo First Responders COMMITTEE DATE: N/A Academy COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: July 6, 2026 Resolution No. 26-R-0061 STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD SIGNATURE _______________________ ITEM SUMMARY: The Program Partnership Agreement between the City of West Chicago and WeGo Together for Kids, a community collaboration hosted by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, establishes the framework for implementation of the inaugural WeGo First Responders Academy, a five-week summer career exploration program for up to fifteen (15) West Chicago Community High School students. The Academy will introduce students to careers in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, emergency communications, and healthcare through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, facility tours, and job shadowing experiences. The program supports youth career exploration, workforce development, and positive engagement between local first responders and the community. The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget included up to $10,000 to support implementation of the Academy. Under the proposed Agreement, funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible documented expenses, with administrative costs capped at $1,500. Up to $6,000 of the City's contribution will be funded through the Crime Free Program budget through the Police Department, with the balance funded through the Business & Community Relations Department budget. The Agreement also establishes responsibilities for program administration, participant recruitment, insurance, indemnification, reporting, and parental consent. Because the Academy is scheduled to begin on July 6, 2026, there is insufficient time to accommodate the normal committee review process while allowing for execution of the Agreement and final program preparations. Funding for the program was included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, and staff recommends direct City Council consideration to allow the Academy to proceed as scheduled. ACTIONS PROPOSED: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Program Partnership Agreement with WeGo Together for Kids, a community collaboration hosted by Metro Family Services DuPage, for the WeGo First Responders Academy in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: This program was budgeted and due to timing, the item did not go to a Committee. Attachment: Resolution No. 26-R-0061. A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Program Partnership Agreement with WeGo Together for Kids for the WeGo First Responders Academy in an Amount not to Exceed $10,000.00 ===== PDF PAGE 70 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] RESOLUTION NO. 2026-R-0061 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH WEGO TOGETHER FOR KIDS FOR THE WEGO FIRST RESPONDERS ACADEMY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00 BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of West Chicago, in regular session assembled, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a Program Partnership Agreement by and between WeGo Together for Kids, a community collaboration hosted by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage and the City of West Chicago, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 1. APPROVED this 6th day of July 2026. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Mayor Daniel Bovey ATTEST: Executive Office Manager Valeria Perez Page 1 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 71 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] EXHIBIT 1 to Resolution No. 26-R-0061 PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WeGo First Responders Academy This Program Partnership Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between the City of West Chicago, Illinois, an Illinois municipal corporation (“City”), and WeGo Together for Kids, a community collaboration hosted by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, an Illinois nonprofit organization (“Partner”). The City and Partner may be referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.” 1. Purpose and Public Purpose The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a collaborative partnership between the City and the Partner to implement the WeGo First Responders Academy, a summer career exploration program designed to introduce West Chicago Community High School students to careers in public safety and first responder professions. The Parties acknowledge that this program serves a legitimate public purpose by: • Supporting youth career exploration and workforce development; • Providing educational exposure to public safety careers; • Strengthening relationships between local first responder agencies and the community; and • Promoting civic engagement and understanding of public safety services. 2. Program Description The WeGo First Responders Academy will operate as a five-week summer program serving up to fifteen (15) students from West Chicago Community High School in 2026. The program will generally operate three mornings per week from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Program activities may include: • Classroom instruction from guest speakers and instructors • Hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises • Job shadowing opportunities and field experiences • Tours of first responder facilities • Career guidance and academic planning • A concluding recognition or graduation event Weekly themes may include: • Introduction to First Responder Careers Page 2 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 72 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] • Police and Law Enforcement • Sheriff’s Office Operations • Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services • Emergency Communications / 911 Dispatch • Frontline Healthcare Professions • Program Reflection and Academic Pathways The 2026 program curriculum and schedule are anticipated to be substantially consistent with Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The Partner may modify the curriculum or schedule as necessary to accommodate instructor availability, operational needs, weather, or other circumstances, provided the Program continues to fulfill the objectives of this Agreement. 3. Program Administration The Partner shall serve as the primary administrator of the program and shall be responsible for: a. Program planning and coordination; b. Recruitment and application management; c. Student selection and enrollment; d. Scheduling program instructors and activities; e. Coordinating field experiences and job shadowing opportunities; f. Supervising students during program activities; g. Managing program logistics and materials; h. Conducting program evaluations; and i. Organizing the program recognition or graduation event. The Partner shall maintain adequate staffing to ensure appropriate supervision of participating students during all program activities. 4. Student Participation Participation in the program shall be determined through an application and selection process administered by the Partner. Selection criteria may include: • Enrollment at West Chicago Community High School; • Demonstrated interest in first responder careers; • Commitment to attend program sessions; and • Academic eligibility criteria established by the Partner. The program may prioritize outreach to students historically underrepresented in first responder professions, including Spanish-speaking students, while remaining open to all eligible students. 5. Responsibilities of the City Page 3 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 73 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The City agrees to: a. Provide financial support for the program as described in Section 7 of this Agreement. b. Assist, when feasible, in coordinating participation from City public safety personnel and departments. c. Share information about the program through the City's standard communication channels, when appropriate. d. Assist with coordination of City facilities or resources when appropriate and operationally feasible. Nothing in this Agreement shall require participation by any specific City department or employee if operational needs prevent such participation. 6. Responsibilities of the Partner The Partner shall: a. Administer and coordinate the program described in this Agreement. b. Maintain accurate financial records documenting program expenses. c. Submit reimbursement requests with appropriate supporting documentation. d. Ensure appropriate supervision of students during all program activities. e. Obtain parental or guardian consent and liability waivers for all participating students substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B, or in another form approved by the City. f. Maintain emergency contact information for all participating students. g. Coordinate transportation for field experiences when applicable. h. Ensure that staff and volunteers who supervise participating students have undergone appropriate background screening consistent with the Partner’s youth protection policies and applicable law. i. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. j. Provide the City with a program report as described in Section 12. k. Actively market and promote the program to prospective participants and the community, including direct outreach, recruitment efforts, coordination with partner organizations, and recognition of the City as a funding and program partner in promotional materials and public communications, where practical. 7. Program Funding and Reimbursement The City has allocated up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to support implementation of the WeGo First Responders Academy in 2026. Eligible reimbursable expenses, budget categories, and funding allocations are set forth in Exhibit C, which is incorporated herein. Administrative or coordination costs shall not exceed One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) and must be directly related to program implementation. Funding shall be provided on a reimbursement basis only. The Partner shall submit reimbursement requests that include: a. Itemized documentation of expenses; Page 4 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 74 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] b. Copies of receipts or invoices; c. Proof of payment; and d. A brief description of the program-related expense. The City shall reimburse only eligible expenses actually incurred and paid by the Partner for the 2026 program, which must be fully supported by itemized receipts, invoices, and proof of payment, up to a maximum total reimbursement of $10,000. The City reserves the right to deny reimbursement for expenses that are: a. not adequately documented; b. not directly related to the program; or c. inconsistent with the program budget. The Partner shall submit its request for reimbursement, together with all documentation required under this Section. The request for reimbursement shall not be processed until the summary report required by Section 12 has been submitted to the City. The request for reimbursement and all supporting documentation shall be submitted no later than October 16, 2026. Requests submitted after October 16, 2026, shall not be eligible for reimbursement unless otherwise approved in writing by the City. 8. Transportation To the extent that transportation is provided for student field experiences, the Partner shall be responsible for coordinating transportation services. The Partner shall ensure that transportation providers maintain appropriate licensing, insurance, and safety compliance as required by applicable law. The City shall not be responsible for arranging or supervising transportation services unless expressly agreed to in writing. 9. Supervision of Students The Partner shall retain primary responsibility for supervision, safety, and conduct of participating students during all program activities. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as transferring supervisory responsibility for students to the City. City personnel who participate in program activities do so as guest instructors or hosts and shall not be responsible for direct supervision of program participants. 10. Insurance The Partner shall maintain insurance coverage throughout the term of this Agreement with insurers authorized to do business in the State of Illinois. Page 5 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 75 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Minimum required coverage shall include: Commercial General Liability • $1,000,000 per occurrence • $2,000,000 aggregate Coverage shall include: • bodily injury • property damage • personal injury • contractual liability The City of West Chicago, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents shall be named as Additional Insureds on the Partner’s liability insurance policy. The Partner shall provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance prior to commencement of program activities using City resources or personnel. 11. Indemnification To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partner agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of West Chicago and its officers, officials, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or resulting from: • the Partner’s administration or operation of the program; • acts or omissions of the Partner, its employees, contractors, volunteers, or agents; • student participation in program activities; and • transportation arrangements coordinated by the Partner. This indemnification obligation shall not apply to claims resulting solely from the negligence or willful misconduct of the City. 12. Program Evaluation and Reporting The Partner shall provide the City with a summary report no later than September 11, 2026. The report shall, at a minimum, include: • number of student participants; • program activities conducted; • student feedback and survey results; • program outcomes and observations; and • recommendations for future program improvements. 13. Term This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by both Parties and shall remain in effect through December 31, 2026, unless terminated earlier as provided herein. Page 6 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 76 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] 14. Termination Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other Party. In the event of termination, the City shall reimburse only eligible expenses incurred prior to the termination date. 15. Independent Contractor The Partner is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or representative of the City. 16. Non-Discrimination The Partner shall administer the program in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws. 17. Entire Agreement This Agreement, including Exhibits A, B and C attached hereto and incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and may be amended only by written agreement signed by both Parties. Signatures CITY OF WEST CHICAGO By: ______________________________ Name: Title: Date: WEGO TOGETHER FOR KIDS / METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES DUPAGE By: ______________________________ Name: Title: Date: Page 7 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 77 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] EXHIBIT A Program Curriculum and Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Notes 9:00 am-12:00 pm 9:00 am-12:00 pm 9:00 am-12:00 pm July 6 July 7 July 8 Intro to academy & Classroom→ career CPR Training career apt test discussion & presentation July 13 July 14 July 15 Tour & presentation @ Police Police Dispatch July 20 July 21 July 22 Fire dept @ high school Tour & presentation Tour & presentation @ students need Police Social Worker @ Sheriff dept Fire Dept to wear closed presentation toed shoes July 27 July 28 July 29 Northwestern @ high school Tour & presentation @ presentation @ high De-Escalation Northwestern Hospital school Training/Crisis • Transportation • Transportation Services Presentation August 3 August 4 Wrap Up Graduation @ high school @ high school Page 8 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 78 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] EXHIBIT B Parent/Guardian Consent and Liability Waiver WeGo First Responders Academy Student Information Student Name: __________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________ Address: __________________________ Phone: __________________________ Emergency Contact: __________________________ Consent for Participation I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, grant permission for my child to participate in the WeGo First Responders Academy, administered by WeGo Together for Kids, a division of Metro Family Services, in partnership with the City of West Chicago. I understand the program includes educational activities such as: • classroom instruction • hands-on demonstrations • tours of public safety facilities • job shadowing experiences • transportation to field locations These activities may involve visits to facilities operated by: • police departments • fire departments • emergency dispatch centers • healthcare facilities • other public safety organizations. Transportation Consent I authorize my child to travel to program field experiences using transportation arranged by the program administrators, which may include bus transportation or other organized travel. Page 9 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 79 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Assumption of Risk I understand that participation in program activities may involve inherent risks associated with travel, facility visits, and hands-on demonstrations. I voluntarily assume these risks and permit my child to participate in the program. Liability Release To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless: • WeGo Together for Kids • Metro Family Services • The City of West Chicago • participating first responder agencies • their respective officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from my child’s participation in program activities, except in cases of willful misconduct. Medical Authorization In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize program staff to obtain necessary medical treatment for my child if I cannot be reached immediately. Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________ Photo and Media Consent (Optional) ☐ I grant permission for my child to be photographed or recorded during program activities for educational or promotional purposes related to the program. ☐ I do not grant permission. Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________ Page 10 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 80 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] EXHIBIT C Program Budget and Cost Sharing WeGo First Responders Academy The following budget outlines anticipated expenses associated with the 2026 WeGo First Responders Academy. The City of West Chicago will reimburse eligible program expenses actually incurred by the Partner, subject to the terms of the Program Partnership Agreement and up to a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Estimated Program Budget Cost per Number of Estimated Expense Category Notes Unit Units Total II 11=11 Maximum reimbursable Program Coordinator — — $1,500 administrative costI ID I Teaching Staff II $250 6 $1,500 II Guest instructors Books, equipment, training Teaching Materials $150 15 $2,250 materialsI II~ I Bus transportation for field Transportation $650 5 $3,250 visitsI ID I Breakfast I $15 210 $3,150 II 14 meals × 15 students Marketing / Recruitment, logo — — $500 Communication developmentI D I Student Giveaways I $30 15 $450 II Program materials Miscellaneous I — — $500 II Contingency Estimated Program $13,100 CostI D I Anticipated Cost Sharing The program will also benefit from contributions from participating organizations and community partners. Cost Sharing Contribution Amount Source Transportation Subsidy $1,000 Community High School District 94 Teaching Staff $1,500 Donated by participating first responder agencies Teaching Materials $2,000 Donated by participating units Graphic Design Services $500 Donated by WeGo Together for Kids Total Cost Sharing $5,000 Page 11 of 12 ===== PDF PAGE 81 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] City Contribution The City of West Chicago will provide reimbursement funding up to $10,000 for eligible program expenses in 2026. Of the total City contribution of up to $10,000, up to Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) is allocated from Crime Free Program funding and shall be used for eligible expenses that support community safety, youth engagement, and positive interaction with public safety personnel. Crime Free Program funds may be used for the following eligible expense categories: • Teaching staff and guest instructors; • Program materials and supplies; • Transportation for field experiences; and • Program-related activities that support public safety education and engagement. The remaining City funding ($4,000) may be used for any eligible program expenses consistent with this Agreement. All reimbursements shall: • be limited to actual expenses incurred; • be supported by receipts or invoices; • include proof of payment; and • be directly related to program implementation. Reimbursement requests shall be submitted in accordance with the terms of the Program Partnership Agreement. Page 12 of 12