DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 2
SUBJECT:
Lease Agreement with Martinez Street Women's Center for Lockwood Park Building
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of a lease agreement with Martinez Street Women's Center for the Lockwood Park building at 801 N. Olive Street for a term of three (3) years commencing on May 1, 2014, located in Council District 2.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 29, 2013, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Martinez Street Women's Center (MSWC), a local 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, offering an after-school program and a summer camp for girls ages 9-14. That agreement allowed MSWC use of the Lockwood Park building for its girls summer camp held June 17 through July 26, 2013, in lieu of providing volunteer service hours. MSWC fulfilled this agreement by completing a beautification project with 65 youth participants and 6 adult educators, which included gardening, painting park benches, trash removal, and removing weeds and graffiti.
At the end of the summer term, MSWC approached the City about the possibility of signing a lease agreement for the vacant Lockwood Park building to use for its health and education programming. The City agreed to pursue a lease after it determined that the building was feasible for MSWC's youth centered programming needs and that allowing such use would further the City's interest by reactivating the park and an underutilized City asset. The City worked with MSWC to develop a lease agreement whereby MSWC would utilize the building for a term of three (3) years.
Under the lease, MSWC pays no direct rent, but agreed to be responsible for interior maintenance of the building as well as for the payment of quarterly utility costs over and above the 2013 quarterly baseline amount. MSWC can make the space available to community groups for short-term and occasional use, such as the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association (DHNA). Entering into this lease will provide a continuous and positive presence in the Park with intrinsic benefits to the surrounding neighborhood. The execution of the lease will also support the City's EastPoint initiative by expanding access to health and education programming opportunities to local residents and youth. The term of the lease agreement will commence on May 1, 2014, and end on April 30, 2017, with the option for a term of two (2) more years.
The lease agreement was endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Board at its February 24, 2014, meeting. A letter of support was received from the DHNA for the lease agreement.
ISSUE:
Entering into this lease agreement will facilitate the use, maintenance and occupation of a currently vacant building in Lockwood Park. This lease agreement is for a period of three (3) years and is subject to approval by City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City could elect not to enter into this lease agreement and continue to maintain this property.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Under the terms of the lease, MSWC will pay no direct rent but will be responsible for the payment of quarterly utility costs over and above the 2013 quarterly baseline amount. MSCW will also remain responsible for all costs associated with interior maintenance of the facility. The City will incur no additional fiscal impact as a result of this lease agreement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this lease agreement with Martinez Street Women's Center.
The Discretionary Contracts Disclosure Form required by the Ethics ordinance is attached.