REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
November 9, 2017
FROM: KRISTINA CHAMBERLIN, Assistant Department Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: KYLE JEFFCOACH, Recreation Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to Ground Lease at 735 N. Glenn Avenue:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
2. Approve Three-Year Ground Lease Agreement to continue administration of a charter school operating on the property located at 735 N. Glenn Avenue under the auspices of Big Picture Educational Academy (formerly VASA). (District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
The PARCS Department recommends the City Council approve and continue the Ground Lease Agreement with the Big Picture Educational Academy for the purpose of continued operation of a charter school on the property located at 735 N. Glenn Avenue, Fresno, CA in Fresno, California.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since 2007, Big Picture Educational Academy (BPEA) (formerly known as Valley Arts and Science Academy - VASA) has operated a charter school on City property adjacent to the Ted C. Wills Community Center, located at 735 N. Glenn Avenue. The original agreement was for a five year maximum term. In 2012, the City Council approved an additional five year term that expired in August 2017.
BPEA has requested a renewal of the Ground Lease Agreement for another five-year term. Staff recommends that the Council approve the request to extend the current agreement on an annual basis, effective July through June of each year through June 2020.
BACKGROUND
In 2007, the PARCS staff was approached by members of the Board of The Valley Arts and Science Academy (VASA), who were interested in leasing the vacant lot adjacent to Ted C. Wills Community Center. Their intent was to develop the property for the purpose of operating a charter school emphasizing science and the arts. As the property was vacant...
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