REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
PREPARED BY: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
title
Approve and authorize execution of a License Agreement by and between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of City facilities and operation of the Surf Museum
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Statement of Issue:
There is a need to approve a License Agreement (Agreement) between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM) for use of space at the Main Street Branch Library (Library) for operation of the Surf Museum.
Financial Impact:
The Agreement establishes a monthly base rent of $500 paid by HBISM to the City. There is no impact on the City’s General Fund associated with approval of the proposed Agreement beyond standard facility maintenance. Rent revenues would be dedicated to the General Fund (Account Number 10000100.43125).
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the “License Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum” for use of City facilities and operation of the Surf Museum at the Main Street Branch Library.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
On July 1, 2025, Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and Council Woman Van Der Mark brought forward a Councilmember Item directing staff to evaluate the feasibility of co-locating the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM) within the underutilized space at the Main Street Library (Library). On December 16, 2025, City Council conducted a study session to discuss the feasibility study.
HBISM is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving surfing history and culture. The Surf Museum enhances the City’s cultural offerings and tourism appeal. The MOU will authorize HBISM to occupy designated spaces at the Library, paying $500 monthly base rent, and will assume responsibility for all costs related to desired improvements, and for artifact management, programming, and compliance with City policies. The City will provide space, utilities, and promotional support. This partnership aligns with the City’s cultural and educational goals and strengthens Huntington Beach’s identity as Surf City USA.
The co-location of HBISM within the Library creates a unique cultural hub in downtown Huntington Beach, complementing the Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC) located across the street. Together, the Library, HBAC and HBISM will offer residents and visitors a dynamic combination of literary, artistic, and surf history experiences. This synergy will encourage cross-promotion of programs, increase foot traffic, and foster community engagement through a myriad of community and cultural offerings. The collaborative opportunities of the Library, HBAC and HBISM reinforces Huntington Beach’s brand as “Surf City USA,” providing a distinctive cultural identity that celebrates the City’s surfing heritage.
HBISM’s stewardship of the “P.T. Collection,” one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of surfing history and culture from early Polynesia through modern eras, will complement the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center (HBPL). This is a non-circulating collection that HBISM will be solely responsible for organizing, preserving, and maintaining in accordance with best practices for archival storage. The collection provides educational opportunities for patrons, supports research, and offers unique exhibits that celebrate Huntington Beach’s surfing legacy. Its integration into Library programming will enrich the visitor experience and create a distinctive destination for surf culture enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Obligations of City of Huntington Beach:
• Provide designated space at Main Street Branch Library for Surf Museum operations.
• Maintain common areas and provide common area cleaning at no charge.
• Supply cabling, power, and access for HBISM’s network setup.
• Promote HBISM events through City channels such as the City’s website, social media, and newsletters.
• Co-sponsor up to eight (8) Surfin’ Sundays events and provide Show Mobile at no cost. HBISM is responsible for covering any related City staffing costs.
• Permit HBISM to use meeting rooms for up to twelve (12) meetings annually at no charge.
• Allow use of parking at Huntington Beach Art Center.
• Provide recommendations on resources for best practices for artifact preservation and storage.
Obligations of Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM):
• Pay $500 monthly base rent to the City; a late charge will apply for overdue payments.
• Curate and manage Surf Museum exhibitions and collections, including the “P.T. Collection.”
• Cover costs for improvements, maintenance, and cleaning of Surf Museum spaces, including permits.
• Obtain and maintain required insurance.
• Adhere to City policies, building/fire codes, and obtain permits for any modifications.
• Develop surfing-related programming and collaborate on special events and grant applications.
• Track visitor statistics and provide monthly reports to the City.
• Handle all sales and donations related to Surf Museum operations.
• Ensure HBISM employees and volunteers comply with fingerprinting requirements.
If approved, a project team will be developed to determine next steps, including the development of a timeline for improvements, relocation and opening.
Environmental Status:
Administrative Item:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. License Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum