CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: January 17, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Charles A. Montoya, City Manager
Lydie Gutfeld, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department: Parks & Recreation & Community Services
Subject: Establish a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation named of “Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces Foundation”
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-016 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to take the steps necessary to establish a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation named “Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation” to support the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department’s programs and initiatives.
Executive Summary
Establishing a non-profit fundraising arm for the programs, services and enhancement of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces of San Bernardino will develop increased opportunities for investment for facilities, amenities, and services for the public.
Background
In discussions for developing increased support avenues for funding future programs, services, and enhancement of amenities at Parks, Recreation and Open Space locations, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department recommends establishing a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation to actively raise funds for programs and services to benefit residents and visitors to take part in positive recreational experiences at our parks, community centers and open space areas. Establishing the "Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation" as a non- profit fundraising entity is a strategic move with numerous benefits for the community.
Discussion
Having safe, clean, and green parks, community centers, and open spaces can have numerous positive impacts on the health and well-being of a community. Access to parks and open spaces encourages physical activity, promotes good health and aids in the prevention of chronic diseases. These spaces also support mental well-being by reducing stress and fostering social interaction, which contributes to community cohesion. Additionally, green spaces offer environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and biodiversity, enhancing overall quality of life and serving as safe areas for children's development while aiding in crime prevention through natural surveillance.
A complete Park and Facility Assessment has been completed by our Parks and Recreation Master Plan Consultants and partners which will provide the Mayor and City Council a detailed and prioritized list of needs for improvement. In addition, a cost analysis can be provided to ensure fundraising efforts are continuously concentrated on priority areas and needs according to community input and consultant recommendations. The City has had continued funding gaps for improvements as a result of the bankruptcy and the pandemic. Issues with limited budget allocations, maintenance backlogs, insufficient staffing, limited new developments, reduced programming and community disparities continue to impact the City. To address these issues and bridge the funding gap, staff have begun to explore various solutions, including public-private partnerships, grant opportunities, community engagement, and advocacy for increased public funding dedicated to parks and recreation. It's crucial for local residents, community organizations, and policymakers to work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions and ensure that everyone has access to quality parks and recreational facilities.
Creating a nonprofit fundraising arm, such as "Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation," can be a proactive and community-driven approach to address funding gaps and enhance parks and recreational facilities. A list of areas of focus for the Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Space Foundation would be as follows:
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Programming and Events
- Long-Term Planning:
- Master Planning Support
- Sustainable Funding Strategies
In an effort to lessen the impact on the General Fund of our City as well as any partners, staff proposes the City establish a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation that could actively raise funds for the programming and services at the parks, community centers and open spaces.
Fiscal accountability and transparency are important factors in raising funds for public benefit. Attaching the nonprofit to the City would ensure the financial records are subject to Public Records Act requirements and available for the public to view upon request. Additionally, current and future elected officials would be able to appoint members to the Board to ensure the nonprofit aligns with the City‘s priorities and goals.
Appointing the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director and Finance and Management Services Director as ex-officio Board Members would also ensure fiscal accountability and alignment of the nonprofit with the City‘s goals.
By taking a multifaceted approach that combines fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy, a nonprofit foundation like "Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation" can play a vital role in addressing funding gaps and fostering a thriving community through well-maintained and accessible parks and recreational spaces.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request to develop a foundation of community partners dedicated to allocating funds that assist with subsidizing the cost of renovations and development of parks and open space aligns with Strategic Target No. 1: Improved Operational & Financial Capacity by establishing a nonprofit to help cover the cost of Department programs, reducing the strain on the City’s General Fund. It also aligns with Strategic Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life by enhancing our parks, community centers, and open space areas for residents to partake in physical, mental, and overall healthier living practices.
Fiscal Impact
The General Fund impact associated with this term will be approximately $2,000 per year to establish and maintain the foundation. Any remaining financial needs will be addressed through the volunteer work and donations.
Conclusion
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-016 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to take the steps necessary to establish a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation named “Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation” to support the department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services programs and initiatives.
Attachments
1. Resolution 2024-016 PRCS Nonprofit
2. Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation Articles of Incorporation
3. Friends of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Foundation By- Laws
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
N/A