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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: September 16, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Subject: Lease Renewal Agreement with Akoma Unity Center, Inc. of the Anne Shirrell’s Community Center for 1367 North
California Street (Ward 6)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2026-158 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, authorizing the City Manager to renew the lease agreement with the Akoma Unity Center, Inc., for the property located at 1367 North California Street from July 1, 22026, through June 30, 2029.
City Manager's Comments
The Parks & Rec Director and City Manager negotiated a lease renewal with Akoma Unity Center. I recommend approval of the lease renewal as negotiated.
Executive Summary
Akoma Unity Center, Inc. currently occupies and programs the Anne Shirrells Community Center at 1367 North California Street under a month to month facility use agreement. The organization has formally requested to enter into a new, multi-year lease to continue operating community based programs at the site. The proposed lease would renew the term through June 30, 2029 and would be a monthly rate of $2000.00 per month. The proposed lease identifies the terms listed below:
•Lease Term = three (3) years; July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029 •Option to Extent = two (2) additional one-year terms ending June 30, 2031 •Utilities = to be paid by Lessee for said property
•Utilities = Four-Year Cost Sharing Provision
•Maintenance/Janitorial = to be completed by Lessee for said property •Insurance = to be provided by Lessee for said property •Rent = $2000.00 per month with ten percent (10%) increases each fiscal year 3 1
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Background
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department oversees a community center at Anne Shirrells Park consisting of modular units that were purchased by the City in 2012 and received funding and approval to complete the project in FY 2015/16.
On June 6, 2016, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016- 171 approving an agreement with United Nations of Consciousness (UNC) for the use of Anne Shirrells Community Center through a three {3) year lease with two {2) one- year options effective August 15, 2016 through June 30, 2019.
The UNC Board of Directors assumed the new name of Akoma Unity Center (AUC).
The decision was made in an effort to change the direction of the program by offering education and empowerment of self. The agreement between the City of San Bernardino and UNC was terminated due to the name change. The City entered into a facility use agreement on a month-to-month basis with AUC at a monthly rental rate of $1,088, which is consistent with the rate previously offered to UNC.
The initial rental rate offered to LINC was based upon a fair market rental rate previously agreed upon by the City and San Bernardino County Real Estate Services Department for use of similar City owned property at Delman Heights Community Center. Given that the services provided have been funded by the organizations, and have proven to benefit the surrounding community, UNC and subsequently AUC, have occupied and programmed the Anne Shirrells Community Center at a reduced rental rate. The programming provided by AUC positively engages the local community by providing many services addressing education, recreation, sports, and special interests.
Discussion
City staff is seeking authorization to approve lease agreement renewal with Akoma Unity Center, Inc. (AUC) for continued use of the Anne Shirrells Community Center located at 1367 North California Street. AUC has maintained occupancy of the center since assuming operations following the name change and reorganization of the former United Nations of Consciousness (UNC). Under the City’s new Leasing Policy, staff is required to obtain City Council approval before initiating negotiations for any new or renewed lease of City owned property.
AUC has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to providing high quality, community-oriented programming that addresses education, recreation, wellness, youth engagement, and special interest classes. These programs have been offered at low or no cost to residents and have contributed positively to the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood. Due to the organization’s sustained presence, established partnerships, and ongoing service to the community, AUC has expressed interest in securing a multiyear lease agreement.
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A multi-year lease would support AUC’s ability to apply for competitive grant funding, many of which require proof of long-term site control. Access to such funding would, in turn, support program expansion, facility improvements, and continued service delivery to San Bernardino residents.
Public Benefit to the Community
Akoma Unity Center (AUC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, grassroots organization committed to the progress of African American youth, families, and communities.
Akoma’s programs and services are specifically designed to meet the needs of historically excluded African American youth and communities. Its physical location is strategically situated within the community we serve at the Anne Shirrells Park (next door to Rio Vista Elementary). Programs include; Afterschool Program, Summer Day Camp, male mentoring program, Rites of Passage, Advocacy for youth of color, Agricultural & Hydroponics Lab and Community Garden, Discovering Automation, Teen Mental Health.
Strategic Targets and Goals
Authorizing lease agreement with Akoma Unity Center, Inc., aligns with Key Strategic Target and Goal No. 3: Improved Quality of Life. Renewing a lease with Akoma Unity Center Inc., will allow the organization to continue to provide community benefit programs and services to the resident of San Bernardino.
Fiscal Impact
Under the proposed terms of the lease agreement, the City will receive $127,440.00 in total revenue.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2026-158 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, authorizing the City Manager to renew the lease agreement with the Akoma Unity Center, Inc., for the property located at 1367 North California Street from July 1, 22026, through June 30, 2029.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Lease Agreement 2026-2029
Attachment 2 Resolution No. 2026-158
Attachment 3 Resolution No. 2020-14 Lease Amendment
Ward:
Sixth Ward
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Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
June 6, 2016 The Mayor City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016- 171, approving an agreement with United Nations of
Consciousness for use of Anne Shirrells Community
Center ending June 30, 2018.
August 15, 2018 The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2018- 208, approving the amended Lease Agreement with Akoma
Unity Center for the use of Anne Shirrells Community Center through June 30, 2021.
January 15, 2020 The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020- 014, approving the amended Lease Agreement with Akoma
Unity Center through June 30, 2026.
April 15, 2026 The Mayor and City Council authorized staff to proceed with lease renewal negotiations with Akoma Unity Center, Inc. of the Anne Shirrell’s Community
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager