AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: MARTHA BAEZ
RECREATION COORDINATOR
SUBJECT: FEE WAIVE REQUEST FROM THE FRIENDS OF SIGNAL HILL
LIBRARY TO HOLD A BOOK SALE AT THE SIGNAL HILL PUBLIC
LIBRARY
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summary
Summary:
The City Council will consider a waiver request from the Friends of Signal Hill Library (FOSHL) for facility fees and staff waiver to hold a book sale to be held at the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center (Learning Center) on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Staff estimates the cost of the facility fees and staff time for the proposed book sale is estimated at $1,108.00.
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 City Council consider the request submitted by FOSHL to waive facility fees and staff time for use of the Learning Center and provide staff with direction.
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Fiscal Impact:
Staff estimates the cost of the facility fees and staff time for the proposed book sale is estimated at $1,108.00.
Background:
FOSHL is a non-profit organization located in Signal Hill whose purpose and mission statement are to build and maintain an association of persons interested in the library, its services, facilities, and needs, and to develop supplemental funding to assist in promoting the use and enjoyment of the library by the local community.
FOSHL has made significant contributions to the Library by sponsoring various reading, literacy, and library programs. Each year, FOSHL hosts book sales to fundraise to support additional community literacy programs. FOSHL plans to continue its support of the Library by holding a sale on Friday, March 27, 2026, to raise funds for upcoming library programs.
Analysis:
FOSHL submitted an Application for Use of Indoor Facility and requested a fee waiver for facility and staff fees to hold its annual book sale fundraiser (Attachment A). FOSHL plans to hold the book sale on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Learning Center. The proposed book sale is preliminarily scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In order for FOSHL to have time to prepare for the book sale and prepare for the fundraiser, the organization has requested additional time on Thursday, March 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department staff will require time to set up and break down tables for the book sale.
In accordance with the City’s policies granting fee waivers for City facilities, the applicant must submit a waiver request and meet the general requirements and criteria established by the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16 - Waiver of Fees for City Facilities (Attachment B). The Waiver Policy requires the City Council to make the following findings before granting approval:
1. The group is currently registered as a non-profit organization with the California Secretary of State.
2. The group is considered “in good standing” with the City.
3. The event or activity proposed directly benefits the residents of Signal Hill.
4. The group is domiciled within Signal Hill.
5. The group has a membership of at least 51% Signal Hill residents or 51% Signal Hill business employees.
Staff reviewed the criteria identified in the Waiver Policy and confirmed that FOSHL meets the requirements and criteria established by the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16 - Waiver of Fees for City Facilities.
In addition to requesting the fee waiver, FOSHL seeks approval to display two banners at the Library’s Signal Point Terrace and on Temple Avenue and Hill Street. FOSHL has also requested the use of the following equipment and City supplies:
• Eight (8) tables;
• Two (2) library book carts, and
• Display of two (2) banners on the Signal Hill Point Terrace railing and at the intersection of Hill Street and Temple Avenue, up to three weeks prior to the book sale date.
Staff estimates the total cost of the proposed fee waiver to be $1,108.00 for facility use and staff fees for the book sale at the Learning Center. The following table details the Facility Fee Description, Hourly Rate, and totals for each category:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the fee waiver request for FOSHL to hold a book sale on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a set-up time frame on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and time allocated to hang advertisement banners at the Library Signal Point Terrace, and on Temple Avenue and Hill Street.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
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Siamlu Cox
Attachments:
A. Application
B. Waiver of Fees for City Facilities Policy