REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Sean Joyce, Interim City Manager
VIA: Chris Slama, Director of Community & Library Services
PREPARED BY: Ashley Wysocki, Deputy Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
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Approve and authorize execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Central Park Conservancy, Inc. (HBCPC)
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Statement of Issue:
City staff, together with the Huntington Beach Central Park Conservancy, Inc. (HBCPC), have been working to enhance and preserve Huntington Central Park (HCP) as a vital urban green space and as a cultural and recreational resource that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors of the City. There is a need to memorialize the relationship with HBCPC through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Financial Impact:
Not applicable. An account has been established within the City’s Master Chart of Accounts for receipt of future monetary donations from the HBCPC.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the “Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Central Park Conservancy, Inc.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
HCP is the largest park in Huntington Beach, covering over 350 acres. HCP offers a variety of amenities, activities and events year-round for all ages, and is a popular location for leisurely community uses such as picnics, biking, and passive enjoyment of green space.
The collaboration between the City and HBCPC has been created for the purpose of supporting advocacy, preservation, and enhancement of HCP. HBCPC has been instrumental in enabling the establishment of an ongoing funding effort associated with a Park Ranger program specific to HCP. To date, HBCPC has raised $70,000 to support the new HCP Park Ranger program. Thanks to HBCPC’s efforts, the City has executed a contract with Lyons Security Service, Inc. (Lyons) to patrol all areas within HCP eight hours per day, seven days per week throughout the year. With an emphasis on fostering a welcoming environment at HCP, ranger services will enhance monitoring and oversight of the park to promote general safety and enjoyable visitations for the community. Since the Park Ranger program inception in April 2022, Lyons has completed a familiarization period, and the ranger’s presence has been well received by the community. The Park Ranger will continue to build relationships with HCP visitors, serving as a liaison to help provide directions to various amenities, and ensure park goers are abiding by park rules. Based on daily reports, the most common contacts with the public include education regarding dogs off leash, use of tobacco and alcohol in parks and conducting general welfare checks.
Given HBCPC’s ongoing support of the Park Ranger program and desire to contribute financially to future HCP programs and projects, staff and HBCPC wish to memorialize the HBCPC mission to improve the quality of open space for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors and to be a “Welcome Mat Promoting Outdoor Recreation.” The proposed MOU has a five-year term with the option to renew for an additional five-year term. In general, the proposed MOU provides the HBCPC with access to City facilities for meetings and fundraising events, as well as donor and sponsorship recognition programs. HBCPC will be required to maintain a 501(c)3 non-profit status and will remain HCP’s primary fundraising agent. The City Attorney has waived the City’s standard insurance requirements given that the services contemplated in the MOU are limited to fundraising efforts of HBCPC. However, certain events coordinated by HBCPC on City property may subsequently require general liability insurance coverage on a case by case basis. Upon mutual agreement, HBCPC may conduct certain operations, fundraising and/or capital campaigns during the term of the MOU. HBCPC will be responsible for managing all of the funds raised as a result of their efforts, and upon mutual agreement, will donate funds to the City to support HCP programs, such as the Park Ranger program and a range of capital improvement projects. Additionally, HBCPC will provide volunteer support and community outreach to cultivate advocacy and partnerships for HCP.
The City will maintain complete authority to make all decisions regarding HCP operations and projects, including but not limited to maintenance, repair, programming, infrastructure equipment and signage.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Community Engagement
Attachment(s):
1) Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Huntington Beach and Huntington Beach Central Park Conservancy, Inc.