TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM: P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT:Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Bellflower Rotary Club, for funding support of the City’s Dog Park at Ruth R. Caruthers Park and a donation for a future Parks and Recreation Foundation; and approve a proposed plan for the development of a Parks and Recreation Foundation.
DATE:November 24, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Bellflower Rotary Club and approve the proposed plan for establishing a Parks and Recreation Foundation.
The proposed agreement would govern the Rotary’s $8,000 contribution — supporting the new dog park at Ruth R. Caruthers Park and donating toward a future Foundation — consistent with the goals of the Bellflower Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2024) and the 2025-27 City Strategic Plan.
This action strengthens community partnerships and supports Strategic Plan Goal #4 (“Improve Quality of Life & Visual Appeal in the City”) by implementing Parks Master Plan initiatives and building new funding models for recreation.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Bellflower Rotary Club; and
2) Approve the proposed plan for development of a Parks and Recreation Foundation; or
3) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item. 14-D
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Staff Report – Bellflower Rotary Club 100th Anniversary Legacy Project November 24, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT
Rotary will donate $8,000 to the City. Funds will be applied as follows:
· $3,000 toward permanent dog park signage and recognition materials incorporating the Rotary name and logo.
· $5,000 to fund a Bellflower Parks & Recreation Foundation.
No additional General Fund allocation is required. If approved, staff will work with the Finance Department to set up proper accounting processes for managing Foundation seed funds and related expenses.
DISCUSSION
Rotary Partnership and Agreement Overview
The Bellflower Rotary Club approached the City of Bellflower with a desire to commemorate its 100th Anniversary with a community legacy project to benefit the City.
Staff developed several ideas and proposals that would best align with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan’s call for “creative partnerships” and “sustainable funding solutions.” After assessing the concepts and following several coordination meetings, Rotary confirmed and voted to approve its intent to donate $8,000 to the City — both to support the dog park project and to provide seed funding to establish a new Parks & Recreation Foundation.
The agreement will cause:
· Rotary to provide a one-time contribution of $8,000 to the City of Bellflower; · The City will incorporate, at minimum, the “Rotary” name into the dog park’s title, and will include the full “Bellflower Rotary Club” name and logo on all permanent signage and recognition materials, consistent with City standards; · A permanent plaque will be installed at or near the dog park honoring Rotary’s 100th Anniversary and contribution;
· Wayfinding signs directing visitors to the dog park within Caruthers Park will include the Rotary name and logo;
· The City will retain final approval authority over all signage to ensure conformance with City branding, design, and maintenance standards, while collaborating with Rotary during design review to share concepts and consider input prior to final approval;
· The City will retain ownership and maintenance responsibility for all signage and park improvements; and
· Remaining funds, estimated at $5,000, will be initial funding for a Bellflower Parks and Recreation Foundation.
2 Staff Report – Bellflower Rotary Club 100th Anniversary Legacy Project November 24, 2025
DISCUSSION – Continued
Foundation Development Framework and Plan
A Bellflower Parks & Recreation Foundation would be established as a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation designed to expand funding opportunities, promote community partnerships, and support implementation of the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Upon formation, the City Council will serve as the initial Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with City priorities during the startup phase.
Under the direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation, staff will prepare the Foundation’s transition plan, addressing the governance framework, bylaws, incorporation documents, and initial organizational development. Staff will also coordinate early community representation and prepare for long-term independence.
Within approximately 24 months, the Foundation will transition to an independent, community-based governing board, representing residents, service clubs, business stakeholders, and park advocates.
Purpose and Alignment - The Foundation will:
· Provide a charitable vehicle for individuals, service clubs, and businesses to contribute to park improvements, recreation programs, and community events. · Serve as a platform to secure grants, sponsorships, and endowments that often require nonprofit status or nonprofit partnerships.
· Reinforce the City’s mission “to protect and enrich the quality of life, making Bellflower an excellent place to live, work, and play.” Phase 1 – Formation (0–6 months)
· Draft Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for City Attorney review. · Appoint City Council as the initial Board of Directors to provide policy direction and fiduciary oversight during the establishment period.
· Develop the Foundation’s preliminary mission, vision, and focus areas consistent with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
· Designate the Director of Parks and Recreation as the City’s administrative liaison to coordinate formation activities and facilitate the transition process.
Phase 2 – Organizational Development (6–18 months)
· Apply for State and IRS nonprofit status (501(c)(3)). · Adopt formal governance policies (conflict of interest, financial oversight, donation acceptance, etc.).
· Begin public visibility efforts including branding, website presence, and community launch campaign.
· Identify early funding initiatives such as park enhancement micro-grants, memorial benches, or recreation program scholarships.
3 Staff Report – Bellflower Rotary Club 100th Anniversary Legacy Project November 24, 2025
DISCUSSION – Continued
Phase 3 – Transition to Independence (18–24 months)
· Recruit a community-based Board of Directors with broad representation (residents, service clubs, business community, and park advocates). · Establish an annual work plan aligning with City priorities and measurable outcomes.
· Gradually transition administrative responsibility from City staff to the Foundation’s independent Board, maintaining a liaison role for the Director of Parks and Recreation.
· Present an annual report to the Parks and Recreation Commission summarizing projects funded and alignment with the Master Plan.
This phased framework ensures an orderly transition from City-led inception to a sustainable, community-driven nonprofit capable of supporting Bellflower’s parks and recreation system for decades to come.
Strategic Alignment
·2025-27 Strategic Plan – Goal #4: Implement the Parks & Recreation Master Plan; pursue funding sources and partnerships to support park development. ·Parks & Recreation Master Plan – Implementation Chapter 5: Identifies the need for long-term funding tools such as local foundations and public-private partnerships to sustain recreation investment.
This project directly advances both planning documents by creating the structure to attract private donations, grants, and sponsorships to supplement City resources. 4