AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
RICARDO VELOZ
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES
BY: MARTHA BAEZ
RECREATION COORDINATOR
SUBJECT:
title
FEE WAIVER REQUEST FROM SIGNAL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR FACILITY USE
summary
Summary:
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a request from the Signal Hill Historical Society to hold their monthly board meetings for two hours each month beginning February 2027 through December 2027 at the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center. The Signal Hill Historical Society is a resident, non-profit group and qualifies in the Teir 1 category which is eligible to request a full fee waiver of facility fees, per the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16.
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 Signal Hill Historical Society request to waive facility fees for the use of the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center for its board meetings during the 2027 calendar year.
body
Background:
In May 2026, staff proposed updates to the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16 to create categories for group eligibility for fee waivers. The new policy, approved by the City Council, established seven categories, four of which allow for a 100 percent waiver (Teir 1) and three of which allow for organizations to request a reduced (modified) fee for the use of City facilities (Teir 2). The policy went into effect on July 1, 2026. Reduced fees are reflected by discounted rate in percentages in the City’s adopted fee schedule that went into effect July 1, 2026.
Staff received a request from the Signal Hill Historical Society (SHHS) to hold their board meetings during the months of February 2027 through December 2027 in the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center (Attachment A).
SHHS is a non-profit organization based in Signal Hill whose mission is “to develop, promote, perpetuate, and preserve the local historical background of the City of Signal Hill and its surrounding area.” They are regular community partners and work collaboratively with the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department to host free, public program offerings that further perpetuate education about the City’s history.
Analysis:
The City of Signal Hill Policy 4.9, Facility Use Permits states that the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department will accept facility use applications up to six months in advance of the requested date (Attachment B). The SHHS request includes 6 meeting dates during the months of February 2027 through December 2027; however, requests for the months between July and December 2027 are outside of the six-month window. Pending the Parks and Recreation Commission approval for the facility fee waiver request, specific meeting dates will be coordinated with SHHS six months in advance of the requests between July and December 2027 and in accordance with the Policy. As staff work to release availability six months in advance of each requested date, and should facility availability conflict with existing programs or services, the staff would work with SHHS to identify dates that are available and compatible with programming; however, the Policy does not preclude the City from advancing the fee waiver request for formal approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission for the proposed fee waiver total.
In accordance with the City’s policy 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 - Request for Modified Fee or Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities (Waiver Policy) (Attachment C). The Waiver Policy requires the Commission to make the following findings to ensure the organization is eligible to request a fee waiver prior to granting approval:
• The group is considered in good standing with the City, which includes but is not limited to, having no outstanding fees, or debts overdue with the City and documented history of compliance with previous City Facility use policies and procedures.
• The event or program is consistent with the City’s mission, values and objectives.
• There are no detrimental impacts on the existing facilities or City activities.
• There is a public benefit to Signal Hill residents.
• Program or event is non-discriminatory and non-political nature.
• Primary mission of organization is philanthropic and/or service-driven for the benefit of the community.
• Event or program is open to the public at no charge.
The Waiver Policy further outlines seven categories for fee waiver eligibility including:
1. Official City Partner/City Affiliated Organization
2. Intergovernmental Groups/Government Agencies
3. Resident Non-Profit
4. Non-Resident, Non-Profit
5. Schools and School Groups
6. Civic Organizations/Groups
7. Homeowners Association/Neighborhood Associations
Staff have reviewed the criteria identified in the Waiver Policy and confirmed that SHHS meets the requirements for a fee waiver based on their category of Teir 1 - Resident Non-Profit status.
On June 23, 2026, City Council approved the Uniform Schedule of Fees which identified that Signal Hill based non-profit organizations are eligible to request a full fee waiver. Staff estimate the total cost of the proposed fee waiver to be $888 of facility use fees. The following table details the Facility Fee Description, Hourly Rate, and totals for each category:
Staff recommend the Parks and Recreation Commission consider a full facility fee waiver for SHHS board meetings for two hours each month in February 2027 through December 2027 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center. The dates and times of the proposed meetings are scheduled during the library’s regular operating hours and do not necessitate additional staff hours for the rental of the room.
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar
Attachments:
A. Application, Fee Waiver/Reduction Request Form, Letter of Intent
B. Policy 4.9 - Facility Use Permits
C. Policy 4.16 - Request for Modified Fee or Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities