REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 08, 2015
FROM: MANUEL A. MOLLINEDO, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
BY: KAREN M. NORRIS, Administrative Manager
DAVID RODRIGUEZ, Community Coordinator
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to a License Agreement with California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for use of Woodward Park for a Cross Country Special Event (District 6)
1. Authorize the Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCCVB) to submit a proposal to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) on behalf of the City of Fresno to host the CIF Cross Country Championships at Woodward Park for 2016-2021
2. Authorize a six (6) year License Agreement with California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for use of Woodward Park for a Cross Country Special Event two days per year
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council, in collaboration with the Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCCVB):
1. Authorize the Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau (FCCVB) to submit a proposal to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) on behalf of the City of Fresno to host the CIF Cross Country Championships at Woodward Park in calendar years 2016 through 2021.
2. Authorize the Director of Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department, or his designee, subject to City Attorney approval, to execute a six (6) year License Agreement with CIF for the use of Woodward Park for two days each year for the State High School Cross Country Championship in calendar years 2016 through 2021.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposal would cover the next six (6) years and includes the following terms:
CIF will:
• Pay a $1,000 cleaning/security deposit fee for each annual event with up to 80% refundable dependent on the condition of the facility after completion of the annual event.
• Operate the park entrance off of Friant Road and may charge entry fees, with all proceeds going to CIF.
• Agrees not to charge park entrance fees to other non-event park users such as pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
• Grant entry into any location in the park without charge to City of Fresno employees and City vehicles as is consistent with normal park operations.
City will:
• Operate the park entrance off of Audobon Drive with gate fee proceeds going to the PARCS Department.
• Contribute $10,000 per year toward stipend and/or personnel expenses incurred at these events not to exceed $7,100.
FCCVB will:
• Provide an annual stipend fee of $10,000 to CIF.
BACKGROUND
The California Interscholastic Federation is authorized by the California state legislature to govern high school athletics. CIF is a non-profit organization that administers high school athletic programs and enforces rules relating to a student’s involvement in athletics. The CIF conducts regional and state championships in cross country, volleyball, basketball, football, golf, track and field, wrestling, soccer and tennis.
During the construction of Woodward Park in the late 1970’s Fresno State coach Red Estes helped develop cross country courses that covered five mile, 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. For a number of years, the City of Fresno has hosted cross country events for primary, middle and high schools, community colleges and state universities.
The CIF Cross Country Championship races have been held at Woodward Park since November, 1987. The races are held on the Friday and Saturday of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in November of each year. Although these meets have been very successful and well attended the organizational structure has created a number of problems for Fresno residents wishing to use the park. In planning for upcoming events, the PARCS Department is proposing a a number of remedies that will allow residents who are not attending the event to access to the park during the long Thanksgiving holiday.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Not implemented because this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s total contribution for this event is $10,000. The Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau will also be contributing $10,000 for a total bid proposal of $20,000. Historically, more than 10,000 people attend this event who book 1,100 hotel room nights resulting in an annual economic impact of $350,000. This event is held the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is typically a slow time for area hotels.