AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES
BY: ALISON DOBAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
SUBJECT:
title
FEE WAIVER REQUEST FROM SAINT ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL FOR FACILITY USE OF SPUD FIELD
summary
Summary:
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a partial fee waiver request from Saint Anthony High School, to hold practices and games for their girls’ softball team from January 2027 through May 2027, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Signal Hill Park Spud Field. Saint Anthony High School is a school based in the City of Long Beach and qualifies as a Teir 2 category which is eligible to request a 50% fee reduction for facility fees, per City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 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 review and approve the Saint Anthony High School request for a 50% fee reduction for the use of the Signal Hill Park Spud Field for their girls’ softball practices and games from January 2027 through May 2027.
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 in May 2026 with an effective date of July 1, 2026, established seven categories, four of which allow for a full fee waiver (Teir 1) and three of which allow organizations to request a reduced (modified) fee for the use of City facilities (Teir 2). Reduced fees are reflected by discounted rate in percentages in the City’s adopted fee scheduled that went into effect July 1, 2026. The policy and fee schedule went into effect on July 1, 2026.
On July 26, 2026, staff received a request from Saint Anthony High School (SAHS) to hold their softball practices and games at the Signal Hill Park Spud Field (Spud Field) from on weekdays beginning January 2027 through May 2027 (Attachment A).
SAHS is a school in the City of Long Beach. Under the new policy, SAHS qualifies as a Teir 2 group and is eligible for a 50% fee waiver, with the exception of staffing fees.
Analysis:
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). The Waiver Policy requires the Commission to make the following findings to ensure the organization is eligible to request a waiver prior to granting approval (Attachment B):
• 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:
Teir 1 - Organizations, programs, or groups eligible for fee waiver:
Group 1 - Official City Partner/City Affiliated Organization
Group 2 - Intergovernmental Groups/Government Agencies
Group 3 - Resident Non-Profit
Group 4 - Civic Organizations/Groups
Teir 2 - Organizations, programs, or groups eligible for fee reduction:
Group 5 - Homeowners Association/Neighborhood Associations
Group 6 - Non-Resident, Non-Profit
Group 7 - Schools and School Groups
Staff have reviewed the criteria identified in the Policy and confirmed that SAHS meets the requirements to be eligible to request a reduced fee waiver based on their category of Teir 2 - Schools and School Groups.
On June 23, 2026, City Council approved the Uniform Schedule of Fees which identified that Tier 2 groups are eligible to request a 50% reduction for facility fees. Staff estimate the total cost of the proposed Spud Field facility use to be $31,000.00, if the group uses the facilities on all requested days and times. If approved, SAHS would be eligible for up to a $15,500.00 discount off the facility use fee, which would be modified and calculated based actual use, but would not exceed the $15,500.00.
The following table details the facility fee description, hourly rate, and totals for each category:
Additionally, due to the Policy identifying the use of the field for youth ages 12 and younger, the City Council made an exception for SAHS to utilize the field if field improvements are made in accordance with an executed agreement. Use of the field and accompany fee reductions would be contingent upon completion of all field improvements in accordance with the agreement.
Staff recommend the Parks and Recreation Commission consider a reduced fee waiver request for Saint Anthony High School to hold its girls’ softball practices and games from January 2027 through May 2027 at Spud Field.
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar
Attachments:
A. Application, Fee Waiver/Reduction Request Form, Letter, & Proof of Non-Profit Status
B. Policy 4.16 - Request for Modified Fee or Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities