Friends of the
Shipley Nature Center
MOU
September 5, 2023
BACKGROUND
• Due to budget reductions, the Nature Center was closed in 2001. The community started a grassroots movement and created the Friends of Shipley Nature Center (FSNC) which began working with the City to improve the nature center.
• On November 1, 2004, City Council approved a MOU with FSNC to operate, improve and restore the nature center per the Master Plan approved by City Council on April 5, 2004. FSNC receives $40,000 yearly for labor and utilities. • On November 16, 2009 a five-year extension, was approved (Amendment 1) with an additional five-year extension (Amendment 2) approved on November 17, 2014 through October 31, 2019.
• The MOU establishes areas of responsibility of the City and FSNC for the operation and maintenance of the center. Upon approval, the MOU will have a five-year term with an additional five-year term upon mutual consent of the parties.
CITY’S OBLIGATIONS
• To provide access to the facility for authorized FSNC activities • A staff liaison to interface with FSNC
• To assist with grant applications for joint funds for capital improvements and operation
• In-house printing of brochures and flyers of up to 24,000 four- color ink pages per month
• Conduct an annual walk-through to determine a work plan for maintenance and capital needs
• Provide tree trimming, irrigation, lake and building maintenance, capital improvements, maintain the perimeter fence,
• Provide facilities for meetings and events, depending on availability
• Waive permit fees wherever feasible
FSNC OBLIGATIONS
• To maintain a 501(c)(3) non-profit status and liability insurance, with the City as an additional insured
• Perform maintenance of the facility including eradication of non- native plant species
• Implement additional planting and watering of trees
• Use fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, and herbicide in compliance with all regulations
• Obtain all necessary permits for improvements to the site • May sell items on site to support the FSNC
• Responsible for weekly janitorial services
• Renovation of the center based on the approved master plan
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Based on the outstanding efforts of the FSNC to operate, maintain, and improve the Shipley Nature Center, staff
recommends approval of this MOU.
Questions?