CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
4/12/2022
AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
SCOTT CHARNEY
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:
EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT AT SIGNAL HILL COMMUNITY GARDEN Summary:
The City Council will consider a request from Signal Hill resident Ben Kitchens to complete an Eagle Scout Service Project that includes a physical improvement to City property by installing a book exchange and garden seed supply box for public use at the Signal Hill Community Garden located at 1917 E. 21st Street. The proposal also includes general maintenance activities inside the garden area.
Recommendation:
Approve the conceptual plan for the book exchange box and authorize general maintenance activities at the Signal Hill Community Garden subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Strategic Plan Objective:
Goal No. 6: Promote a transparent and open government.
Background:
During the public comment portion of the City Council meeting of January 25, 2022, Ben Kitchens spoke about a written request he had shared with Council Members regarding his proposed Eagle Scout Service Project (Attachment A). During the Council New Business portion of the meeting, Council Member Woods requested and Mayor Jones seconded the placement of a discussion item regarding the matter at a future Council meeting per the provisions of the 2021 Manual of Procedural CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 1 of 4 Printed on 4/7/2022
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regarding the matter at a future Council meeting per the provisions of the 2021 Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council and Constituent Body/Commission Meetings.
At the Council meeting of February 8, 2022, Council Member Woods motioned and Council Member Copeland seconded placing formal consideration of the item at an upcoming meeting. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote, with Vice Mayor Hansen abstaining.
Analysis:
Mr. Kitchens has provided an updated scope of work (Attachment B). The freestanding book exchange box is proposed in the planter area off the concrete walkway leading to the garden entry along E. 21st Street (Attachment C). The location is outside of the fenced portion of the site and will be accessible to the general public and garden patrons. Should the Council prefer a less visible location, one has been identified in the rear of the garden facing Signal Hill Park.
Design features include:
· Two-story design with an adjustable shelf;
· Plexiglas door;
· Low maintenance composite material exterior made from recycled plastic milk jugs; and · Post anchoring the box to the ground.
The intent is to register the book exchange box as a Little Free Library (LFL). The LFL program is a community-based book-sharing project aimed at promoting literacy and the love of reading. LFL CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 2 of 4 Printed on 4/7/2022
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community-based book-sharing project aimed at promoting literacy and the love of reading. LFL program participation requires that a steward be identified to commit to installation of their LFL, taking care of it, promoting it, and registering it at the program’s website.
Several LFLs have been installed at public parks in Southern California. The nearest one is in Long Beach at the El Dorado Nature Center.
Proposed Conditions of Approval (Attachment D) require:
· Signed Volunteer Waiver & Release forms for all participants; · Written consent from plot renters for maintenance work at individual plots; and · Acknowledgments related to City repair and replacement obligations.
Mr. Kitchens has reviewed the proposed Conditions and informed staff that he agrees to adhere to them.
Next Steps
The City presently does not have a formal review process for installation of LFLs on public property. If the subject request is approved, staff will prepare an application and review process for consideration at a future meeting.
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Approved:
_________________________
Hannah Shin-Heydorn
Attachments
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