REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 9, 2014
FROM: BRUCE RUDD, City Manager
BY: RENENA SMITH, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Approve lease agreement between the City of Fresno and The Fresno Arts Council for use of the Historic Water Tower located at Fresno and "O" Street (Council District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the lease agreement with The Fresno Arts Council to operate the Historic Water Tower as an art gallery, gift shop and visitor's center. City Council approval authorizes the City Manager and City Attorney to execute the contract effective November 1, 2014.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HandsOn Central California (HandsOn) entered into a Lease Agreement with the City of Fresno on September 1, 2011, to provide visitor's services at no net cost to the City. HandsOn paid no rent, but provided all staffing for the Tower and paid all utilities, janitorial and minor maintenance costs for the Tower. The Lease Agreement has expired and The Fresno Arts Council wishes to continue operating the Historic Water Tower, under the same terms, as an art gallery, gift shop, and information center.
The Lease Agreement has a term of three (3) years, with two (2) one year extensions and will be effective November 1, 2014. Under the lease terms the City will receive no monetary exchange but will benefit by having the downtown icon in use with operating costs paid by The Fresno Arts Council.
BACKGROUND
HandsOn Central California, a non-profit agency that provides volunteers to various agencies, entered into a Lease Agreement with the City on September 1, 2011, and has been operating a Visitor's Center at no cost to the City. They have been providing tourism-related information and displaying and selling handmade works of art from local Fresno artists. The lease expired on June 30, 2014. A month to month lease has been granted to HandsOn pending final authorization. A Request for In...
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