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: RICARDO VELOZ
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES
SUBJECT:
title
FEE WAIVER REQUEST FROM SIGNAL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR FACILITY USE IN AUGUST, OCTOBER, AND NOVEMBER, 2026
summary
Summary:
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a fee waiver request from Signal Hill Historical Society, to hold board meetings the first Thursday of the month in August, October, and November 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center.
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 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 on the first Thursday in August, October, and November for the 2026 calendar year.
body
Background:
Staff received a request from the Signal Hill Historical Society (SHHS) to hold their board meetings on the first Thursday of the month in August, October, and November 2026 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 special program offerings.
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) (Attachment B). 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 full fee waiver based on their category of 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 $444.00 of facility use fees. The following table details the Facility Fee Description, Hourly Rate, and totals for each category:
|
FACILITY/FEEDESCRIPTION |
RATE |
HOURS/STAFF |
SUBTOTAL |
|
Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center |
$74/hour |
|
|
|
1st Thursday of August |
|
|
|
|
SUBTOTAL |
|
$74/hour x 2 hours |
$148.00 |
|
Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center |
$74/hour |
|
|
|
1st Thursday of October |
|
|
|
|
SUBTOTAL |
|
$74/hour x 2 hours |
$148.00 |
|
Signal Hill Public Library Learning Center |
$74/hour |
|
|
|
1st Thursday of November |
|
|
|
|
SUBTOTAL |
|
$74/hour x 2 hours |
$148.00 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
$444.00 |
Staff recommend the Parks and Recreation Commission consider a full fee waiver request for SHHS board meetings on the first Thursday of each month in August, October, and November 2026, 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, & Proof of Non-Profit Status
B. Policy 4.16 - Request for Modified Fee or Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities