HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3775 ORDINANCE NO. 3775
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, READOPTING SECTION 62-10 OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS CODE OF
ORDINANCES READOPTING THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND
OF CARE,YOUTH PROGRAMS STANDARDS FOLLOW
ING A
PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AN
D
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of North Richland Hills, Texas ("The City") is a home rule city acting
under its power adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5
Texas Constitution and Ch
apter 9 of the Local Government Code;
of the ,
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and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Code; Section 42.041(b)(14), established
r operated for exempting recreational programs by
municipalities for elementary age (5-13) children from childcare licensing
requirements; and
WHEREAS, in order to receive exempt status for a youth recreational program, a
municipality must adopt standards of care by ordinance after a public
hearing for the program and a copy of the ordinance adopting the standards
forwarded to the State; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards of Care will
provide basic child care regulations for day camp activities operated by
Parks and Recreation and other departments in accordance with Section
42.041(b)(14) of the Human Resources Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS THAT:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds the recitals above to be true and correct, and
such recitals are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if written herein.
III I
SECTION 2. Sec. 62-10 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances is hereby
adopted as follows:
"Sec. 62-10.
-YOUTH PROG
RAMS STANDARDS OF CARE""The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills hereby adopted the City
r of Care for providing
North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards p g
bythe Parks
basic child care regulations for daycampactivities operated
g
and Recreation Department
rtment as wellas other departments. As required by
Ordinance No.3775
Page 1 of 3
Section 42.041(b)(14) of the Human Resources Code, the Standards
adopted by this ordinance include staffing ratios; minimum staff
qualifications; minimum facility, health, and safety standards; and
mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local standards. A
copy of the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs Standards of Care
is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all intents and purposes and
shall be available on the City's website under the Parks and Recreation
subhead."
SECTION 3. The City Secretaryis hereby au
thorized and directed to cause the
publication of the descriptive caption and applicable penalty clause of this
ordinance as an alternative method of publication provided by law.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills, except where the provisions
of this Ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances
and such Code, in which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances
and such Code are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. All rights and remedies of the City of North Richland Hills are expressly
saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of any ordinances in the
Code of Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills that have accrued at
the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; as to such accrued violations
and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court
or not, under such ordinances same shall not be affected by this Ordinance
but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
hphrases,' nofthe CityCouncil that the SECTION 6. It is herebydeclared to be the intention
clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are
severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this
ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
h remainingphrases, clauses, sentences, and
affect anyof the
' n of this ordinance, si
nce the same would have been enacted bythe
sections
City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 7. This ordinance shall be in full force and effective immediately after its
li passage and publication as required by law.
AND IT IS SO ORDAINED.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this 23rd day of January, 2023.
Ordinance No.3775
Page 2 of 3
AIL'',
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS
06164-eq
Tito Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tlem
ATTEST: �CH7q!(%--,f
Alicia Richardson xZi r
City Secretary/Chief Gnance ffio
APPROVED AS TO FOR
M AN EGALITY:
(11)".12311
aleshia B. McGinnis, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
Adri Pekurney
Director of Parks and Recreati
Ordinance No.3775
Page 3 of 3
City of North Richland Hills
Parks and Recreation Department
Youth Programs Standards of Care
GENERAL INFORMATION /ADMINISTRATION
Purpose: To provide basic childcare regulations for activities operated by the North Richland
Hills Parks and Recreation Department. This will allow the department to qualify as exempt from
requirements of the Texas Human Resources Code.
A. Organization:
1. The governing body of the City of North Richland Hills Youth Programs is the City of
North Richland Hills City Council.
2. Implementation of the Youth Programs Standards of Care is the responsibility of the
Assistant Director of Recreation and Recreation Division Staff.
3. The Youth Programs Standards of Care will apply to several fee based day camp
programs which are conducted by the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation
Department throughout the year.
4. Each Youth Program site will have available for public and staff a current copy of the
Standards of Care.
5. Parents of participants will be provided a current copy of the Standards of Care during
the registration process.
B. Implementation: The Standards of Care Program will be the responsibility of the Parks and
Recreation Department, with the Recreation Coordinator overseeing the overall program and
the Day Camp Director administering the program on-site.
Regulations apply to these on-going programs:
Winter Break Camp
Spring Break Camp
Summer Day Camp
Fall Break Camp
Other: Each camp will make available for public and staff a current copy of the
Standards of Care. Parents of participants will be provided a copy of
Standards of Care during the registration process and the Camp NRH
parent orientation prior to camp starting each year.
Program Sites:
NRH Centre 6000 Hawk Avenue (Main Site)
Adventure World Playground 7451 Starnes Rd
Green Valley Community Park 7701 Smithfield Rd
John Barfield Trail 8201 Davis Blvd
The Lakes at Hometown 8700 Bridge St
Ordinance No.3775
Page 1 of 9
Northfield Park 7804 Davis Blvd
Stormy Plaza 9010 Grand Ave
Walker Creek Elementary 8780 Bridge St (parking lot and field)
Walker's Creek Park 8403 Emerald Hills Way
Walker's Creek Trail 8403 Emerald Hills Way
Dolce Place 9000 Grand Ave
C. Day Camp Objectives:
1. To provide youth with the opportunity to experience a variety of recreational activities
which include sports, games, arts and crafts, education, drama, special events, field
trips, tournaments, etc.
2. To provide an encouraging atmosphere emphasizing positive development of physical
skills, emotional growth and self-confidence.
3. To provide a safe environment; always promoting good health and welfare for all.
4. To teach children how to spend their leisure time wisely; in an effort to meet the
emotional, physical, and social needs of the child.
D. Exemption Status:
Once an exempt status is established, the Licensing Division will not monitor the recreational
program. The Licensing Division will be responsible for investigating complaints of unlicensed
child care and for referring other complaints to the municipal authorities or, in the case of
abuse/neglect allegation, to the local police authorities.
E. Standards of Care Review:
Standards will be reviewed annually and brought to the City Council for approval after a public
hearing is held to pass an ordinance regarding section 42.041(b) (14) of the Texas Human
Resources Code. Childcare Licensing will not regulate these programs nor be involved in
any complaint investigation related to the program.
Any parent, visitor or staff may register a complaint by contacting the North Richland Hills
NRH Centre Manager at 817-427-6600 or the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices
at 817-427-6620, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
IL STAFFING
A. Day Camp Director—The Day Camp Director directs a staff of 14-day camp counselors and
supervises the activities of children in a day camp setting.
1. Essential Job Functions:
a.) Direct and supervise all counselors including hiring and training.
b.) Complete and submit proper records including camp schedules, counselor work
schedules, payroll, accident/incident reports and attendance.
c.) Develop age appropriate camp curriculum (5-13 years) in accordance with the
philosophy of the program.
d.) Ensure staff is committed to following established guidelines, procedures and
standards.
e.) Maintain an orderly, clean and safe environment for the children while promoting
a non-competitive program directed toward accentuating positive behaviors,
physical development and emotional growth.
Ordinance No.3775
Page 2 of 9
f.) Develop and distribute a weekly schedule of activities.
g.) Complete facilityreservations and transportation needs for all camp activities.
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h.) Schedule, confirm, obtain and distribute payment for all field trips.
i.) Maintain supplies, equipment and all necessary documentation for the operation
of the camp.
j.) Communicate to parents about camper's progress and activities.
k.) Conduct on-going program evaluations implementing approved recommendations
as needed.
I.) Provide reports to the Membership Services Supervisor on a weekly basis to
monitor camp activities throughout the program.
2. Qualifications:
a.) Bachelor's Degree in Education or Recreation is preferred but not required.
b.) A minimum of three years' experience as a camp counselor and/or educator.
c.) Requires a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record over the last
three years.
d.) Must pass city criminal background check prior to hiring.
e.) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f.) Must complete First Aid and CPR certification prior to camp.
3. Requirements of Work:
a.) Director must complete the mandatory staff training program of at least 20 hours,
in addition to planning hours with site staff prior to the start of camp. This training
includes departmental orientation, customer service, sexual harassment training,
behavioral issues and discipline, training and examination program on sexual
abuse and child molestation, as well as practical skills on activities for children in
games, songs and crafts.
b.) Ability to be physically active and involved with children all day.
c.) Ability to lift 55 pounds.
d.) Knowledge of child development and age appropriate activities.
e.) Advanced organizational and communication skills.
f.) Team leadership abilities.
g.) Varied experience in a variety of activities including sports, arts, nature, drama and
cooperative activities.
B. Day Camp Counselor — The Day Camp Counselor is responsible for direct leadership of
youth ages 5-13 in a variety of activities including, but not limited to games, sports, crafts,
special events and field trips. The counselor assists in planning and organization of camp
schedules, activities, supplies and equipment, and is also responsible for cleanliness of the
areas used by camp participants. The counselor positions are also responsible for completing
necessary forms relating to attendance, check-in/check-out procedures, accidents, and
incidents.
1. Essential Job Functions:
a.) Promote a non-competitive, positive, self-image enhancing environment for each
participant through the direction of non-competitive, fun, varied and well-organized
activities.
b.) Directly lead activities using a method that will provide opportunity for the
involvement of all children on an equal level. The Counselor prepares, in advance,
directions for activities, daily schedules and required equipment used during the
Ordinance No.3775
Page 3 of 9
activities.
c.) Exhibit enthusiasm for the activity to impart a feeling of excitement to camp
participants.
d.) Follow procedures for camper check-in/check-out. Reports accidents/incidents,
behavioral modifications and camp schedules.
e.) Follow guidelines for safety and storage of equipment, including inventory of
supplies.
f.) Ensure safety of youth during transportation while on field trips.
g.) Provide and adhere to established guidelines set forth for the safety, behavior,
communication and discipline of the camp participants.
h.) Recognize and reward positive, improved and outstanding behavior and/or
accomplishments of camp participants.
2. Minimum Qualifications:
a.) High school diploma with two years of college preferred but not required.
b.) One-year experience working with children in a day camp setting.
c.) A valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record over the last three years.
d.) Must pass criminal background check prior to hiring.
e.) Must pass pre-employment drug screen and/or physical.
f.) Must complete First Aid and CPR certification prior to camp.
3. Other Requirements:
a.) Staff must complete the mandatory staff training program of at least 20 hours, in
addition to planning hours with site staff prior to the start of camp. This training
includes departmental orientation, customer service, sexual harassment training,
behavioral issues and discipline, training and examination program on sexual abuse
and child molestation, as well as practical skills on activities for children in games,
songs and crafts.
b.) Staff must exhibit competency, good judgment and self-control throughout the
duration of the camp.
c.) Staff should relate to the children with courtesy, respect, acceptance and patience.
d.) Staff will be evaluated at least once during the summer prior to the completion of
camp. Evaluations will be reviewed with the campcounselors to discuss anyareas
p
of improvement or suggestions.
4. Criminal Background Checks: Criminal background checks will be conducted on
prospective day camp employees. Applicants may be disqualified if they have a job
related criminal conviction. A prospective employee will be subject to a pre-employment
drug test and/or physical prior to hiring.
5. Staffing Ratios: The state required ratio for number of children (ages 5-13) may not
exceed 15:1 children to staff. Camp NRH Day Camp maintains 12:1 children (ages 5-
13) to staff ratio. On all field trips, Camp NRH Day Camp maintains 8:1 children to staff
ratio.
III. FACILITY STANDARDS
A. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility. Program
employees will inspect sites frequently for any sanitation or safety concerns. Those concerns
should be passed on to the Membership Services Supervisor or NRH Centre Manager
immediately.
B. Each camp must have a fully stocked first aid kit. This shall be checked and stocked on a
Ordinance No.3775
Page 4 of 9
weekly basis by the Camp Director. It shall include but is not limited to bandages and Band-
Aids, first aid cream, rubber gloves, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, hot/cold packs, gauze,
tweezers and scissors.
C. In a situation where evacuation is necessary, the first priority of staff is to make sure all
participants are in a safe location. Program sites will be inspected by the Fire Marshall
annually. Each Facility Manager is responsible for compliance with Fire Marshall's directives.
The recommended number of fire extinguishers shall be inspected quarterly and available
and "primed"for use. Fire drills should be conducted once a month during the summer camp.
D. Medication will only be administered with written parent consent completed on ePACT
Network as provided by the City of North Richland Hills. Prescription medications shall be
left with staff in their original container, labeled with the child's name, date, directions, photo
of the child and the child's physician's name. Medication will be logged until dispense to child.
Medication shall be dispensed only as stated on the bottle unless directed otherwise by
parent/guardian or physician, and not past the expiration date.
E. Non-prescription medicine with the child's name and date on the medication may be brought
if in the original container. This medication will also be logged and be dispensed only as
stated on the bottle unless directed otherwise by parent/guardian or physician.
F. Each indoor site shall have adequate indoor toilets and lavatories located such that children
can use them independently and program staff can supervise as needed. There shall be one
flush toilet per 30 children. Outdoor sites shall provide portable toilets based on number of
children attending each day. Sinks shall be provided based on 1 sink per 30 children.
G. All participants must wear athletic shoes daily. Sandals will not be allowed.
IV. SERVICE STANDARDS—Day Camp Staff
A. This information will be provided to each staff member as a part of the day camp staff manual:
1. Appropriate shirts, shorts and tennis shoes are to be worn at all times. Camp NRH staff
shirts are to be worn on the designated days. Shorts should be at a respectable length,
no cut-offs. No clothing should bear any inappropriate logos, phrases, or pictures. Any
staff member, who does not adhere to the dress code, will be sent home for the day
without pay.
2. Staff will be provided with four to five Camp NRH T-shirts. Uniform schedules will be
given to staff during training and should be followed throughout the summer. Any
deviation must be approved by the Membership Services Supervisor.
3. Men and women's swimsuits should provide full coverage when swimming activities are
held at the NRH Centre, NRH2O or other aquatic facilities.
4. Name tags/IDs should be worn and clearly visible at all times.
5. Camp participants and parents will be treated with respect at all times.
6. Camp staff will take it upon themselves to resolve complaints. Do not refer the customer
to another staff member, unless necessary. If you are unable to resolve the complaint
on the spot, take the customer's name and phone number, investigate the complaint
and follow up with the customer. All complaints should be recorded (problem and
resolution) on a Customer Comment Form provided by the Membership Services
Ordinance No.3775
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Supervisor.
7. Camp staff will keep parents informed of camp activities. A weekly schedule will be
distributed one week in advance and extra copies will be kept with the daily sign in log.
In addition to hard copies of the weekly schedule parents will be notified of changes to
the schedule via email correspondence and campnrh.com. Camp staff will note details
of behavior of campers (accomplishments, discipline problems, general activities, etc.)
in the daily campers log and verbally update parents as much as possible.
8. Camp staff will monitor the check-in/check-out log at all times.
9. Camp staff will clean program areas after each activity. Floors will be swept/vacuumed,
mirrors cleaned, sanitized and supplies put away. This is extremely important due to the
fact that rooms are used throughout the day by other groups.
10. Camp staff will spend the majority of their time actively involved with campers and/or
parents. Camp staff will check all messages for the day, prior to beginning any camp
activities.
VI. OPERATIONAL ISSUES
A. Emergency phone numbers are kept at the NRH Centre front desk, as well as with the Day
Camp Director on field trips. Those numbers include fire, police, and ambulance services.
B. The Day Camp Manual is provided to every staff member and outlines the following:
1. Behavior Management and Discipline Procedures
2. Rules and Regulations
3. Forms
4. Service Standards
5. Game/Activity Leadership
6. Guidelines for Communication with children and parents
C. Check-in/check-out forms will be used every day. Only adults listed on the camper's release
form will be allowed to pick up children. The authorized parent/guardian must enter the
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buildingand sign the check-out form in order for staff to release the child.s
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D. Emergency evacuation and relocation plans will be posted at each facility.
E. Transportation Requirements
Texas law requires that all children younger than 8 years old, unless they are taller than 4
feet 9 inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children
II
who have outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt.
In compliance with this law, parents will be required to provide a booster seat for their child
if that child is under 8 years old and measures less than 4'9". Camp NRH will have five
booster seats on-site for transportation services required for field trips and other Camp NRH
activities in the event that a camper forgets to bring their booster seat with them to camp.
Camp NRH staff will be trained to identify children that are required to be in a booster based
on birth date of camper identifying the legal age of the child and by utilizing a height
measuring tool.
I'I Ordinance No.3775
Page 6 of 9
F. Parents will be notified regarding planned field trips and provided the required release forms.
Enrollment information will be kept and maintained on each vehicle while traveling to and
from field trip sites.
G. Enrollment information will be kept and maintained using ePACT Network for each child and
shall include:
1. Child's name, birth date, home address, home telephone number, physician's phone
number and address and phone numbers where parents may be reached during the
day.
2. Name, driver's license number and telephone number of persons to whom the child can
be released.
3. Field trip release form as needed.
4. Liability waiver.
5. Parental consent to administer medication, medical information and release on
participant.
H. Staff shall immediately notify the parent or other person authorized by the parent when the
child is injured or has been involved in any situation, which placed the child at risk.
I. The Membership Services Supervisor shall notify the parents/guardians of participants'
if/when there is an outbreak of a communicable disease in the facility as required by the
County Department of Health. Staff must notify parents of children in a group when there is
an outbreak of lice or other infestation in the group.
VII. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
A. Program employees will implement discipline and guidance in a consistent manner based on
an understanding of individual needs and development with the best interests of program
participants in mind.
B. There will be no harsh, cruel, or corporal punishment used as a method of discipline.
C. Program employees may use brief, supervised separation from the group if necessary.
Children will be aware of all camp rules prior to the start of any activity. Their understanding
of the rules is an integral part of behavior management. When negative behavior occurs they
will know there is a consequence for their chosen action.
D. Incident reports will be filled out on any disciplinary cases, and information is to be shared
with parents when picking up the child (or sooner when extreme cases occur). Parents will
be asked to sign the incident reports to indicate they have been advised about specific
problems and/or negative behaviors.
E. A sufficient number and/or severe nature of discipline reports as detailed in the program
manual may result in a participant being suspended from the program. Parents/guardians
will be contacted to pick up their child immediately.
F. In instances where there is danger including physical harm or threat of physical harm to
participants, staff, or themselves; the offending participant(s) will be removed from the
Ordinance No.3775
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program immediately. Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up their child immediately.
VIII. ILLNESS OR INJURY
A. Participants shall have and maintain immunizations in accordance with those required by the
Texas Department of Health for public school attendance according to age.
B. Parents shall be notified in cases of illness or injury.
C. An ill child will not be allowed to participate if the child is suspected of having a temperature
and/or accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms until a medical
evaluation indicates that the child can be included in the activities. In the event an injury
cannot be remedied through basic first aid, staff shall notify paramedics.
D. When an injury occurs, an incident report shall be filled out immediately after the incident,
with the original sent to the NRH Centre Manager's office with a copy kept in the Day Camp
files.
E. In the event of suspected abuse, pro ram employees will report suspected abuse or neglect
in accordance with the Texas FamilyCode. In the case where a Cityemployee is involved in
an incident with a child that could be construed as child abuse, the incident must be
immediately reported to the Assistant Director of Recreation. The Assistant Director will
immediately notify the Police Department and any other agency as may be appropriate.
F. Texas state law requires the staff of youth programs to report any suspected abuse or neglect
of a child to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or a law enforcement
agency. Failure to report suspected abuse is punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or
confinement up to 180 days. Confidential reports may be made by calling 1-800-252-5400.
IX. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN
A. As a part of the Day Camp Manual, staff should be given the following information:
1. A child is not allowed to use the phone unless it is an emergency. In this case, Day
Camp staff should make the call for the child.
2. Children must stay off tables, counter tops, ping pong tables, etc.
3. Children should walk in the building. Running is only permitted in the gym and outside
areas.
4. Bouncing and throwing balls is permitted only in the gym or designated game area with
direct supervision from staff.
5. Active games using equipment that can cause damage to window, shades, lights, and
ceilings must be played only in the gym or outdoors.
6. Children must respect staff and each other.
7. Children must wear closed toe shoes at all times.
8. Children must be contained and not allowed to filter in the general public.
III
B. The program will provide activities for each group according to the participants' ages,
interests and abilities. The activities should be flexible and promote social and educational
Ordinance No.3775
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advancement.
1. A weekly calendar of activities will be posted for parents the Friday prior to the next
week of camp.
2. When taking field trips, staff will:
a.) Count everyone before they leave the program site as well as prior to leaving the
field trip site.
b.) Carry medical information on each child and necessary medication with them on
the trip.
c.) Carry a first aid kit and mobile phone in all vehicles and while on-site.
d.) All participants are required to wear wristbands that have Camp NRH and NRH
Centre phone number inscribed on them. Participants are also encouraged to wear
camp shirts so that children are easily identified.
X. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT
A. Standards of Care established by the City of North Richland Hills will be monitored and
enforced by City Departments responsible for their respective areas. Health and safety
standards will be monitored and enforced by the City's Police, Fire, and Consumer Health
Departments when applicable.
B. Staff and program issues will be monitored and enforced by the North Richland Hills Parks
and Recreation Department. The NRH Centre Manager shall visit each site on a bi-weekly
basis. The Membership Services Supervisor is responsible for visually checking the camp
activities on a daily basis. When not available, another full-time staff person is responsible
for that check.
C. Monthly reporting by the Membership Services Supervisor to the NRH Centre Manager will
include a review of adherence to the Standards of Care as well as operational summaries of
the programming month.
For further information regarding the Youth Program Standards of Care or any other information about
the youth programs offered through the City of North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department
please contact the NRH Centre Manager or Membership Services Supervisor at 817-427-6600 or email
NRHPARDAnrhtx.com.
Ordinance No.3775
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