Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Review, Discussion and Direction Regarding a Public-Private Partnership with El Capitan, Mainzer, and the San Jose Sharks Foundation to Build an Outdoor Skate Park Rink at Applegate Park and Establish a Municipal Youth Hockey Program within the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Review, discuss and provide staff direction regarding a public-private partnership to build an outdoor skate park at Applegate Park and establish a municipal Youth Hockey Program within the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction on the pursing the proposed Public-Private partnership and the use of the existing basketball courts at Applegate Park for an outdoor hockey facility
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 1104.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2021/22 Adopted City Council Goals & Priorities, 3. Parks & Recreation, a. Recreation, iv. Enhanced Partnerships.
DISCUSSION
In August 2021, a letter was provided to the City Manager outlining a potential partnership between the San Jose Sharks Foundation, El Capitan Hotel, the Mainzer and the City of Merced (Attachment 1). The letter outlines a proposed youth hockey program with the San Jose Sharks Foundation, the first of it’s kind to be considered on public property and within the Central Valley.
The total cost to participate in the program is a one-time amount of $185,000. The partnership request proposes a 55% (El Capitan/Mainzer), 45% (City) split resulting in a funding request of $83,250. In addition, the El Capitan/Mainzer team has worked to secure the necessary improvements to the existing Applegate Park facilities at no cost. The program would have a continued affiliation with the San Jose Sharks and provide access to a new recreation program for youth within the City.
In addition to the program, the City of Merced will be featured at a home game during the 2021-22 Sharks season, with local vendors invited to participate in concessions and Merced-focused material provided to those who attend.
As this program falls under the current adopted Fiscal Year 2021/22 Adopted Goals & Priorities, 3.iv, for Enhanced Partnerships, City staff are seeking direction on if the Council would like to proceed.
Should the City Council desire to proceed with the proposed public-private partnership, staff will return with a cooperative agreement memorializing the conditions expressed in Attachment A and with a recommended appropriation to accommodate the funding request.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Letter from Mainzer and El Capitan