AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
PARKS, RECREATION & LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
BY:
MARTHA BAEZ
SENIOR RECRETION SPECIALIST
SUBJECT:
title
FEE WAIVER REQUEST FOR THE LONG BEACH MINERAL AND GEM SOCIETY GEMS ON THE HILL EVENT
summary
Summary:
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a waiver request from the Long Beach Mineral and Gem Society (LBMGS), a local non-profit, for facility fees for its annual Gems on the Hill event, to be held at the Signal Hill Public Library on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13, 2024. The LBMGS is requesting a waiver of rental fees for the use of the Signal Point Terrace, Zinnia Courtyard, Children's Area, and the Community Room. The City's adopted policy states that non-profit agencies meeting specific criteria are eligible for a fee waiver consideration.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Staff recommend the Parks and Recreation Commission approve the LBMGS fee waiver request for the following:
1. A waiver of fees for the use of the Signal Point Terrace; Zinnia Courtyard; Children's Area; and the Community Room, on Saturday, October 12, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and,
2. Display a banner on the exterior of the Library and at Cherry and Hill Street in advance of the event.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost of the facility use fees is estimated to be $7,877.50.
body
Background:
The LBMGS requested a waiver for the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16, Waiver of Fees for City Facilities. The LBMGS is a non-profit organization located in Long Beach that promotes the study of geologic sciences and lapidary arts (jewelry and metalsmithing arts). LBMGS membership consists of about 40 volunteers, all knowledgeable in the fields of geology, gemology, mining, and lapidary arts.
The purpose of the Gems on the Hill event is to educate the community on gems and minerals and is open to the public, which will allow library patrons and community members to visit the family-friendly activities, vendors, and guest speaker program.
In June 2022 and in May 2023, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved a fee waiver request for the LBMGS to host their first Gems on the Hill event in the fall of 2022 and 2023 respectively.
At both events, LBMGS showcased geology, provided public demonstrations on geode cutting and jewelry making. LBMGS also featured several kids' activities where children discovered various minerals and gems by digging in the sand. In each of the two years, the two-day event attracted more than 600 attendees to the Signal Hill Public Library which also included more than 20 vendors. Funds raised from the vendor fees are used for the club to provide free programs to the community, including in the City of Signal Hill throughout the year.
In anticipation of this year's event, LBMGS reached out to staff to discuss the possibility of holding their fundraiser at the Signal Hill Public Library again in October 2024.
Analysis:
Staff received a request from Long Beach Gem & Mineral Society for a fee waiver for their Gems on the Hill event on October 12 and October 13, 2024 (Attachment A). The event is proposed to be held at the Signal Point Terrace, Zinnia Courtyard, Children's Area, and in the Library Community Room.
LBMGS has been a supporter and partner with Signal Hill Public Library throughout the past two years. In 2024, LBMGS has provided the following free programs to the Signal Hill community:
In consideration of this year's facility fee waiver request, LBMGS will continue to sponsor future library programs for the community:
* Interactive program for children and families
* Guest speaker presentation for adults and seniors
The Waiver of Fees Policy allows the Parks and Recreation Commission to waive fees based on the following criteria, and allows the Community Services Director to grant exceptions (Attachment B):
A. Applicant Must be a Signal Hill Resident. Proof of residency must be furnished to City staff.
B. Individual or Organization Must Have Nonprofit Status with the Internal Revenue Service. Proof of nonprofit status by the I.R.S. must be furnished to City staff.
C. Organization's Primary Focus Must be on Serving the Residents of Signal Hill. Proof of such service by way of programs, services or activities offered to the community must be provided.
D. Organization's Voting Board Must be Comprised of at Least 51% Signal Hill Residents.
Although the applicant does not meet all the listed criteria, Long Beach Gem & Mineral Society has supported the Signal Hill Public Library and has served the Signal Hill community since 2022. The group has submitted the attached letter of intent (Attachment C) detailing their benefits to the City. Staff recommend approval of the fee waiver as requested and allow for the facility to be utilized on October 12 and 13, 2024; and banner hanging for event advertising.
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar
Attachments:
A. Application
B. Waiver of Fees Policy
C. Letter