AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
BY:
MARTHA BAEZ
RECREATION COORDINATOR
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 fee waiver request from the Long Beach Mineral and Gem Society (LBMGS), a local non-profit organization, to host a Gems on the Hill event, at the Signal Hill Public Library Signal Point Terrace, Zinnia Courtyard, Children’s Area, and Community Room on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2025 and display two banners at the Library Terrace as well as Cherry and Hill Street in advance of the event.
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 request for a waiver of fees for the Signal Point Terrace, Zinnia Courtyard, Children’s Area, and the Community Room for Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 and display two banners at the Library Terrace and at the corner of Cherry and Hill Street.
body
Background:
The Long Beach Mineral and Gem Society (LBMGS), is a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering the study of mineralogy and collection of specimens, and the Art of Lapidary. The group’s passionate and knowledgeable members bring together a diverse range of skills and expertise spanning from geologic sciences and lapidary craftsmanship (jewelry and metalsmithing arts). The LBMGS membership consists of approximately 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 the event is open to the public, which will allow library patrons and community members to visit the family-friendly interactive activities, vendors, and guest speaker program.
In June 2022, May 2023, and May 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved a fee waiver request for the LBMGS to host their Gems on the Hill event each year. In good faith of fostering a partnership with the City, the LBMGS has hosted two to three programs each year ‘’
In consideration of this year’s facility fee waiver request, LBMGS has proposed to host up to three future library programs for the community. The proposed programs will be designed to engage children and families as well as offer an educational guest speaker for adults and seniors.
At each of the recent events, LBMGS showcased geology, provided public demonstrations on geode cutting and jewelry making. LBMGS also featured several interactive kids’ activities where children discovered various minerals and gems by digging in the sand. 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.
Analysis:
The Long Beach Mineral and Gem Society requested a waiver pursuant to the City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16 for City Facilities. The Long Beach Mineral and Gem Society plans to hold a Gems on the Hill event on October 11 and October 12, 2025. The LBMGS applied for Use of Indoor City Facilities and included a letter detailing the event (Attachment A).
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 Facilities (Attachment B). The Waiver Policy requires the Parks and Recreation Commission to make the following findings prior to 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.
LBMGS has been a supporter and partner with Signal Hill Public Library since 2022. Over the past three years, LBMGS has provided eight free programs to the Signal Hill community. The chart below shows the programs that LBMGS has provided to the Signal Hill community free of charge.
The cost of the facility use fees is estimated to be $8,220.75.
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, providing programs that are free of charge to the public and geared toward Signal Hill residents. Staff recommend approval of the fee waiver as requested and allow for the facility to be utilized on October 11 and 12, 2025; and banner hanging for event advertising.
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar
Attachments:
A. Application and Letter
B. Waiver of Fees Policy