Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 22-3750 Meeting Date: 2/15/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST FROM THE FRIENDS OF
REDONDO BEACH ARTS FOR USE OF THE HISTORIC LIBRARY IN VETERANS PARK FOR THE SEPTEMBER CA 101 2022 ART EXHIBITION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 7th, the City received a request from the Friends of Redondo Beach Arts (FRBA) group to host the CA 101 2022 Art Exhibition this September at the Redondo Beach Historic Library in Veterans Park. Due to COVID-19, the group’s annual event has been on hiatus for two years and its previous exhibition space is no longer available. To host the event, FRBA would need exclusive use of the Historic Library from August 22 through September 22, 2022. Periodic access to the facility would also be needed this spring to conduct planning and logistical walkthroughs with event design teams and artists.
The FRBA has requested that the City provide use of the facility at no charge. FRBA proposes to pay for the City’s building utility costs and all installation/program expenses, provide the City with proper indemnification and release of liability, meet all insurance and legal requirements, and host the art exhibition free of charge to the public. It is recommended that the City Council approve FRBA’s proposed request and direct staff to prepare a license agreement to codify the terms and conditions for use of the Historic Library.
BACKGROUND
The CA 101 Art Exhibit is an annual event curated and produced by Friends of Redondo Beach Arts (FRBA), a local non-profit organization that focuses on providing art-related experiences and education to the South Bay community. Due to COVID-19, the annual event has been on hiatus for two years and its previous exhibition space - the former Gold’s Gym site on Harbor Drive - is no longer available for use. After searching for alternative locations, FRBA representatives met with staff at Veterans Park to walk through the Redondo Beach Historic Library and gauge the possibility of installing the exhibition at that location. On February 7, 2022, the City received a formal written request from FRBA to host the CA 101 2022 Art Exhibition at the Historic Library.
FRBA would need exclusive use of the Historic Library from August 22 through September 22, 2022, inclusive of load in and load out days. The exhibit would be open to visitors during the following three (3) weekend periods:
N.3., File # 22-3750 Meeting Date: 2/15/2022
· September 2-5
· September 9-11
· September 16-18
Additional access to the location will be needed periodically for the purpose of conducting walkthroughs with design teams and artists in March and April. In exchange for a no fee license agreement with the City, FRBA proposes to pay for all utilities and program expenses, provide the City with indemnification, meet all insurance and legal requirements, and provide the art exhibition free of charge to the public.
The Historic Library was previously operated as an events space under a concessionaire agreement; the agreement expired on October 31, 2020 and the site has remained unused during the COVID-19 pandemic. After conducting community outreach and Council consideration and approval, a Request for Proposals soliciting prospective operators will be issued later this year. As the location is currently vacant and not in use, and since a new Concessionaire Agreement will not yet be in place by September, the installation of the CA 101 2022 Art Exhibition during the proposed time period will not infringe on other City use of the space.
Staff recommends approval of FRBA’s proposed event and site use request as described in the attached letter and that Council direct the preparation of a license agreement to codify the terms and conditions for use of the Historic Library.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s office coordinated the preparation of this report with the Community Services Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. FRBA will incur all costs associated with the installation and operation of the event.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
February 7, 2022 - FRBA Letter Requesting Use of Historic Library