STAFF REPORT
PARKS AND
RECREATION
DATE: April 9, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Park, Recreation, and Community Services Director VIA: Kristen Smith, Park, Recreation and Community Services Assistant Director
BY: Brenda Castaneda, Animal Shelter Superintendent
SUBJECT: Acceptance of a Donation of a New Concrete Play Yard, Fenced Dog Run, Donor Wall, and Renovations to the Existing Turtle Pond Valued at $48,260 from the Leadership Burbank Class of 2024 to be Installed at the Burbank Animal Shelter
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation of a new concrete play yard, fenced dog run, donor wall, and renovations to the existing turtle pond valued at $48,260 from the Leadership Burbank Class of 2024 to be installed at the Burbank Animal Shelter and authorize the City Manager or designee to take any necessary action to effectuate the donation (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND
Leadership Burbank , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides a leadership development program (Program) tailored for Burbank residents and professionals . The Program offers nine months of hands-on curriculum aimed at enhancing personal and professional skills, fostering a deeper understanding of community dynamics, and building a network within Burbank. Every year, participants choose a class project based on class values and the current needs in Burbank . From January to May, the class fundraises for and completes a project that will benefit the community.
In November 2023, representatives from the Leadership Burbank C lass of 2024 (Class) approached the Parks and Recreation Department ( Department) to discuss potential project ideas for consideration by the entire class. Subsequently, the Class decided to support homeless animals housed at the Burbank Animal Shelter (BAS). Since the 1950s, BAS has been providing animal services and is responsible for the temporary care and well-being of hundreds of animals each year . In 2023, BAS sheltered 650 dogs. With intake numbers steadily increasing annually and limited space for showcasing animals, especially large dogs, there is a need to optimize BAS's facilities for animal lifesaving
2 purposes. Currently, there is insufficient space for large dogs to exercise and be exhibited for adoption. By creating additional accommodations, BAS can showcase multiple dogs simultaneously to potential adopters, thereby increasing adoption rates . Moreover, providing more areas for canine exercise will promote their mental and physical well - being, enabling shy dogs to become more comfortable and confident during their time at the shelter.
DISCUSSION
Recognizing the need for additional space to accommodate large dogs for exercise and adoption consultations, BAS staff identified areas within the facility suitable for a new play yard and dog run. BAS staff also highlighted the need for renovations to the Turtle Pond to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for the turtles.
In December 2023, the Class officially announced that BAS had been selected as the recipient of this year's project, naming it "A Cause for Paws." Fundraising efforts began promptly, with the launch of a dedicated website
(www.leadershipburbank.org/acauseforpaws/) outlining the project and various donation avenues. To further raise awareness and contributions, the Class scheduled a fundraising fair at Johnny Carson Park on April 13, 2024 from 10am to 2pm.
Working i n collaboration, the Class and BAS staff outlined plans to create the new concrete play yard, fenced dog run, and renovations to the Turtle Pond . The identified areas include:
• An area that currently houses shelving where animal carriers are stored that will be repurposed and utilized as a play yard;
• A walkway near a perimeter wall where concrete and a fence will be installed to be utilized as a dog run; and
• The Turtle Pond.
In addition to revitalizing the areas mentioned, the Class will also coordinate a day to help relocate items and clean to prepare the areas for renovation.
A donor wall will be erected to acknowledge significant financial contributors to the "A Cause for Paws" project, including the Class and sponsors. The wall will be located adjacent to the dog run and will be 3 feet wide by 4 feet high. The tiles will be engraved with the sponsor’s name and will be sized based on sponsorship level, with tiles sizes of 4 inches by 4 inches, 8 inches by 8 inches, and 10 inches by 10 inches. Only names or company/organization names will be accepted. Leadership Burbank will provide the product specifications to the Department for any maintenance or replacement needs and will allocate designated funds for any product replacement of the wall through the Project Maintenance fund.
Responsibilities and obligations regarding the installation and maintenance of the project areas on City property are outlined in an Agreement (Attachment 2). Leadership Burbank will be overseeing design and installation of the concrete play yard, fenced dog run, donor wall, and Turtle Pond renovations . Additionally, Leadership Burbank will be required to obtain any necessary permits or approvals, while the City accepts the donation and provides space and BAS staff coordination.
3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity consists of minor alterations to existing City park land and facilities and the addition of a limited number of small structures and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs § § 15303 and 15304.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to accept the donation from the Leadership Burbank Class. BAS staff will provide oversight in assisting the Class with coordinating installation of the new play yard, the fenced dog run, donor wall, and Turtle Pond renovations. The Department will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair obligations which are anticipated to be mi nimal. Future maintenance or repairs will be considered as part of the City’s annual budget process.
CONCLUSION
Pursuant to Administrative Procedure VI-12, staff requests Council formally accept the donation of a new concrete play yard, a fenced dog run, a donor wall, and renovations to the existing Turtle Pond valued at $48,260, from the Leadership Burbank Class of 2024 commemorating their commitment to supporting and enhancing the Burbank community.
Additionally, staff recommends Council to authorize the City Manager or designee to take any necessary action to effectuate the donation.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Project Plans
Attachment 2 – Agreement