Agenda Item #12.6
For Council Meeting of: June 21, 2022
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEN SANTOS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR - PARKS
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AGREEMENT WITH LUTHER BURBANK HOME AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council, by resolution: 1) approve a Management and Operations Agreement with Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Association for the management and operations of the historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens facility; and 2) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to execute the agreement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this action is to receive approval from Council to enter into a Management and Operations Agreement with Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Association (Association) to provide for the management and operations associated with interpretation and preservation of the legacy of historic horticulturalist, Luther Burbank. The current Management and Operations Agreement expires on June 30, 2022, with no remaining renewals. The Association has requested that the city and the Association enter into a new Operations and Management agreement of substantially the same form for a term of one year, with two 3-year extension options for the City.
BACKGROUND
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is designated as a special purpose park located at 204 Santa Rosa Avenue. The Park is approximately 1.5 acres consisting of the historic home, carriage house and greenhouse of famed horticulturalist Luther Burbank. The Association manage and operate the carriage house, home, greenhouse, demonstration beds and interpretive gardens of Luther Burbank.
Luther Burbank was born in 1849 in Massachusetts and lived in Santa Rosa for 50 years. His last place of residence is the park site containing the home, carriage house and greenhouse and where he and his wife, Elizabeth are buried under the Cedar of Lebanon. The gardens contain many of Luther Burbank’s hundreds of plant varieties which are curated by the Association. The Association provides public tours to share historical facts regarding Luther Burbank’s home, garden, and achievements.
The historic site is well managed by the Association and benefits from the operations and management from the Association. The Association has operated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization since 2008.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable.
ANALYSIS
The Luther Burbank Home and Garden Association successfully operates and manages the site through their Board of Directors. Management and Operations include but are not limited to the gift shop, docent-led tours of the gardens and home, and seeking donations and membership for the support of their day-to-day oversight and use of the carriage house, home, greenhouse, demonstration beds and interpretive gardens.
The Association also plans and implements fundraising events with net proceeds reinvested both directly into the programs and program facilities, and for special projects such as replacement of the roof for the home and carriage house.
The Agreement includes goals that are updated by the Association on an annual basis. The goals identify program and fundraising strategies that the Association has planned for the year.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no general fund impact from this action. The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Association operates as a non-profit for the benefit of the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. The Associates provides funds for management and operation from their own fundraising, volunteers, and donations.
The city maintains a small general funded budget for janitorial, utilities, pest control, minor facility repair and similar services not associated with the Management and Operations Agreement with the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Association.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The activity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15601(b)(3) in that CEQA only applies to projects or activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution/Exhibit A -Management and Operations Agreement
CONTACT
Jen Santos, [email protected], (707) 543-3781
APPROVAL OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AGREEMENT WITH LUTHER BURBANK HOME AND GARDENS ASSOCIATION PAGE 3 OF 3