CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
8/8/2023
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: YVETTE E. AGUILAR
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
MARTHA BAEZ
SENIOR RECREATION SPECIALIST
SUBJECT:
FEE AND ALCOHOL PROHIBITION WAIVER REQUEST FOR THE SIGNAL HILL
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Summary:
The Signal Hill Community Foundation (SHCF) is proposing to host its annual fall fundraiser event on Friday, October 13, 2023. SHCF is requesting a waiver of fees for the use of the Signal Point Terrace, including staff fees, and a waiver of the alcohol prohibition on City property and live music policy. The SHCF secured an off-site, private venue as its primary space for this event, and would like to secure the City venue as an alternate.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the request for the waiver of fees for use of the Signal Point Terrace, City staff costs, and supplies; and waive the policy to allow live music and alcohol on City property for this annual fundraising event.
Fiscal Impact:
The request totals $1,790 for the waiver of facility use, City staff costs, and supplies:
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Strategic Plan Objective:
Goal No. 6: Promote a transparent and open government.
Background and Analysis:
The SHCF requested a fee waiver to hold its annual fundraising event on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., which includes set-up from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and teardown from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Signal Point Terrace. The SHCF submitted an application and a letter of support detailing the event and benefits to the community (Attachment A).
This request for facility use and fee waiver is a backup in the event the SHCF’s primary venue becomes unavailable for use. SHCF is planning on hosting a fundraising event and seeking permission from the City Council to waive the prohibition of alcohol and live music at city facilities for the proposed event.
The City has three policies pertaining to the requested waivers.
1. City of Signal Hill Policy 4.9A - Facility Use Permits - Indoor Prohibits the use of amplified/live music & noise levels for the Signal Point Terrace. (Attachment B).
The policy governing live music may be waived with City Council approval.
2. City of Signal Hill Policy 4.15 - Prohibiting Alcohol Use at City Property Except Under Certain Circumstances provides for a waiver process regarding alcohol use at public facilities (Attachment C).
The policy requires the City Council to make the following findings to grant approval for alcohol CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 2 of 4 Printed on 8/4/2023
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use:
a) The group is currently registered as a non-profit organization with the California Secretary of State.
b) The group is considered “in good standing” with the City. c) The event or activity proposed directly benefits a City-sponsored program or project. d) The group is domiciled within Signal Hill.
e) The group has a membership of at least 51% Signal Hill residents or 51% Signal Hill business employees.
f) The Chief of Police has determined the amount and type of security necessary for the event and the approximate cost to the group.
3. City of Signal Hill Policy 4.16 - Waiver of Fees for City Facilities provides for a waiver process regarding facility fees (Attachment D).
The policy governing fee waivers allows for the City Council to waive fees based on the following criteria:
a) The applicant must be a Signal Hill resident. Proof of residency must be furnished to City staff.
b) The individual or organization must have nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service. Proof of nonprofit status by the I.R.S. must be furnished to City staff. c) The organization’s primary focus must be on serving the residents of Signal Hill. Proof of such service by way of programs, services or activities offered to the community must be provided.
d) The organization’s voting board must be comprised of at least 51% Signal Hill residents.
The SHCF has a current Memorandum of Understanding with the City. The organization’s 501(c)(3) designation has been verified to be current, and the organization is tax-exempt and in good standing with the I.R.S. Staff confirmed the proposed live music will include an acoustic or jazz solo or trio.
The request to waive facility fees is appropriate for the event and SHCF meets criteria a through e of City of Signal Hill Policy 4.15.
The ability to serve alcohol is an appropriate feature for the event. The SHCF meets the established criteria through of City of Signal Hill Policy 4.15 and has provided support for programs and activities provided by the City. The Chief of Police determined the event hosts will be required to provide private security and ensure one Board Member will complete LEAD (Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs) training prior to the event; the hosts have agreed to these conditions. The event must comply with all requirements of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control office and CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 3 of 4 Printed on 8/4/2023
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comply with all requirements of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control office and the SHCF must also obtain a certificate of insurance that will cover the event. If any of the above conditions are not met, the event would be cancelled.
Reviewed:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachments:
A. Application and Letter
B. Facility Use Permits - Indoor Policy
C. Prohibiting Alcohol at City Facilities Policy
D. Waiver of Fees Policy
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