DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Frank Fanara, Parks Manager
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO THE LICENSE AGREEMENT AND TO THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR ADDITIONAL
GARDEN BOXES AT THE FOSTER CITY COMMUNITY GARDEN
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by resolution, approve an amendment to the existing License Agreement with Island United Church (IUC) to authorize the installation of additional garden boxes at the Foster City Community Garden located at 1130 Balclutha Drive; and authorize staff to coordinate with the Foster City Community Garden Association (FCCGA) and IUC to implement the expansion in accordance with the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Community Garden policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In May 2024, the City Council approved a License Agreement with IUC and a MOU with the FCCGA and IUC to establish a Community Garden Pilot Program. Since its launch on April 1, 2025, the Community Garden has received strong community support and demand for additional gardening plots given that the plots have exceeded initial capacity. In response, the FCCGA has requested to expand the number of garden boxes on the site to accommodate additional boxes. This action requires a formal amendment to the existing License Agreement between the City and IUC.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS
The City entered into a License Agreement with IUC in 2024 to operate a Community Garden on a defined portion of IUC’s property. The initial installation included 15 garden boxes, water infrastructure, fencing, and a small tool shed. Since that time, the garden has become a well-utilized community asset, with all plots occupied and approximately 14 residents currently on a waitlist managed by the FCCGA.
Recognizing the high demand, the FCCGA is proposing the installation of additional garden boxes within the remaining licensed area to accommodate more community members. FCCGA will contact individuals on the waitlist to confirm interest as space becomes available. Increasing the number of participants will provide modest financial benefit to the City by helping to offset ongoing operational costs.
To offset the cost of materials for the new boxes, the Rotary Club has secured a $1,000 grant and will contribute an additional $2,000, for a total of $3,000. IUC has indicated support for the expansion, subject to an amendment to the License Agreement that reflects the expanded scope of use.
If the pilot expansion proves successful, the garden footprint may be further modified in the future to accommodate additional garden boxes.
California Environmental Quality Act
The project is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land) as the proposed expansion involves minor improvements to private land for gardening purposes and does not involve the removal of mature scenic trees.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City associated with this amendment. The FCCGA, with support from the Rotary Club in the amount of $3,000, will fund the cost of materials and coordinate construction of the additional garden boxes with the help of Rotarians and Boy Scouts. Any ongoing maintenance and water use will continue to be supported through the collection of member fees, in line with the existing arrangement.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Sustainability
City Council Operations and Improved Community Engagement ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - First Amendment to License Agreement
Attachment 3 - First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding