Open public discussion on closure of Camp Hutchins
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Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 12:00 am
Open public discussion on closure of Camp Hutchins
I recently learned about the closing of Lodi Camp Hutchins daycare. The closing came suddenly at the last Lodi City Council meeting. Parents with children at the Camp Hutchins daycare were notified on Feb. 2.
Camp Hutchins is one of the few places that allow for early and late daycare for parents who have odd work schedules and children who are too young to attend school.
I find the method and means used to surprise all the long-standing, faithful employees and parents somewhat dishonorable. This current action being taken by the Lodi City Council blindsided the current staff and parents.
The fact that the Lodi City Council has entertained a questionable way of handling a business transaction without input from all involved has brought to light some of the true intentions of the Lodi City Council. It appears that the Lodi City Council did not consider the financial repercussions that will affect the very individuals who help elect them into their public office.
I would like to suggest that the Lodi City Council hold another hearing and invite the parents and staff, to inform them of their intentions and what plans they might have for the Camp Hutchins daycare location, and to negotiate possible middle ground solutions to these urgent concerns.
Mike McCune
Galt
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013 12:00 am.
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Joanne Bobin posted at 7:03 am on Thu, Feb 7, 2013.
My kids attended Camp Hutchins when they were "off-track" when LUSD still had the year-round schedule.
The program was great and the counselors were amazing.
When Lodi Memorial took over the administration of Camp Hutchins many kids were suddenly booted from the program and the admittance process of who got in and who didn't became highly "selective," and the fees were out of reach for many families, especially those with more than one child - another way to "keep out the riff-raff."
Josh Morgan posted at 1:38 pm on Wed, Feb 6, 2013.
One small reminder.......the City asked Lodi Memorial Hospital to take over the program. Not the other way around.
Miranda Almarez posted at 1:01 pm on Wed, Feb 6, 2013.
Doug and Roy, point well made. It's refreshing to read some opinions that actually make sense. Thank you gentlemen.
roy bitz posted at 11:54 am on Wed, Feb 6, 2013.
I have always believed it is wrong for the city or any government entity to allocate resources to Camp Hutchins.
Day care is and should remain a competitive market driven business that should not be subsidized or provided by any government entity.
Doug Chaney posted at 6:35 am on Wed, Feb 6, 2013.
Mr. McCune, do you think it's unreasonable for the COL and its taxpayers to ask that the "new" Lodi Health pay their paltry fair share of their expenses and seemingly reasonable cost of leasing/renting/maintaining that program? This is a multi million, if not billion dollar non-profit, and it should be their responsibility to sign a contract and be financially responsible for the Camp Hutchins program. There is grant funding from the government that is available and Lodi Health should pursue that avenue if they feel that this program is getting too expensive to operate. This program also runs all sumer long, mostly at Lodi Lake, and I'd assume that the facilities there are also a freebie for Lodi Health. What child care program like this operates year round? Is it fair for other Lodians in financial struggles that are not lucky enough to be "chosen" to use the low cost child care at Camp Hutchins not to be given a chance to participate during the summer, off school months? So I wouldn't put the onus on city council or any COL director, since this whole issue seems to be stalled for the simple fact that Lodi Health is balking at, after fifteen years of a free ride, including utilities paid up until this year, paying their share of maintaining this program. I would suggest going to the hospital and talking to the administrators themselves to see where the problem lies and the best way to solve it. There are four more months left until the agreement expires, so there's plenty of time for a solution/resolution. Good Luck.