AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: CHARLES HUGHES
CITY LIBRARIAN
SUBJECT:
title
APPROVE A FEE WAIVER REQUEST FROM THE FRIENDS OF SIGNAL HILL LIBRARY FOR THE BOOK SALE
summary
Summary:
Staff received a request from the Friends of Signal Hill Library (FOSHL), a Signal Hill based non-profit, for a facility fee waiver in the amount of $1,580 for the use the Signal Hill Public Library to host a book sale fundraiser on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The City Council will consider the waiver request from FOSHL for facility and staff fees.
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 recommends the City Council approve the Friends of the Signal Hill Library (FOSHL) request for the waiver of fees for the use of the Signal Hill Library Community Room, supplies, and allow FOSHL to display promotional banners for the book sale.
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Fiscal Impact:
The total fee waiver request for the use of the facility, staff time, and supplies is estimated to be $1,580.00.
Background:
FOSHL, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community support for the Signal Hill Public Library (Library), meets on a bi-monthly basis at the Library.
FOSHL has made significant contributions to the Library by sponsoring various reading, literacy, and library programs. Each year, FOSHL hosts book sales to help fundraise to support additional community literacy programs. FOSHL plans to continue its support of the Library by holding a sale in April 2025 to raise funds for upcoming library programs.
Analysis:
Staff received a request from the Friends of the Signal Hill Library to hold their book sale fundraiser at the Library. If the fee waiver is approved, FOSHL would hold a book sale fundraiser on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. FOSHL requested a waiver based on City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16, Waiver of Fees for City Facilities (Attachment A). The date and time of the proposed book sale is scheduled during the Library’s regular operating hours. However, additional staff would be needed to assist with setting up tables and chairs and hanging of banners.
The City has a policy which allows the City Council to waive facility use and staff fees based on the following criteria (Attachment B).
a) The applicant must be a Signal Hill resident. Applicant must provide proof of
residency.
b) The individual or organization must have nonprofit status with the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Applicant must provide proof of non-profit status issued by the IRS.
c) The organization’s primary focus must be on serving the residents of Signal
Hill. The organization must provide proof of such service by way of programs, services, or activities offered to the community.
d) The organization’s voting board must be comprised of at least 51% Signal Hill
residents.
FOSHL meets all four criteria outlined in the policy. In addition to requesting the fee waiver, FOSHL seeks approval to display two banners at the Library and use specific equipment and City supplies, as outlined below.
• Ten (10) tables;
• Six (6) chairs;
• Four (4) library book carts,
• Library front entryway as an extension of the Community Room; and
• Display of two (2) banners on the Signal Hill Point Terrace railing and at the intersection of Hill Street and Temple Avenue from March 21, 2025, through April 11, 2025.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends City Council approval for fees to be waived for the FOSHL book sale on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The date and time of the proposed book sale is scheduled during the Library’s regular operating hours. However, additional staff will be needed to assist with setting up tables and chairs and hanging two banners.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachments:
A. Application and Letter
B. Waiver of Fees Policy