Report Prepared by: Jennifer Arellano, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Request by the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, to Rent the Merced Senior Community Center from August 18 Through October 30, 2020 for Jury Selection and Jury Trials and Approve the Facility Rental Rate in the Amount of $300 Per Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers renting the Merced Senior Community Center to the Superior Court for jury selection and jury trials.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the request to rent the Merced Senior Community Center to the Superior Court of California, Merced County from August 18 through October 30, 2020; and,
B. Approving the facility rental rate of $300 per month; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents once approved as to form by the City Attorney.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2020-21 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Department received a request from the Superior Court of California, Merced County, to use the Merced Senior Community Center beginning Tuesday, August 18, 2020, from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday, through October 30, 2020, for jury selection and jury trials.
The Merced Senior Community Center is available during the requested dates and times. In addition, this request will not interference with regularly scheduled senior programs since senior programming has been on hold due to COVID-19.
There is an established co-sponsorship rate for use of the Senior Center, which requires City Council approval. By charging the co-sponsored rate, the City can recoup all expenses for use of the facility. However, due to the nature of the use and lack of set up required, there would be a limited impact on costs associated with the rental. Due to this, staff is recommending reducing the co-sponsored rate to $300 per month to cover the cost of cleaning, restroom supplies and partial utilities. In addition, a $300 refundable deposit required, and the court will also be required to provide liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured. Parks and Recreation staff, in coordination with court security, will open and close the facility daily.
The regular and co-sponsored rates for this type of event are as follows:
Regular Rate: Co-Sponsored Rate:
$300 refundable deposit $50 refundable deposit
$1,125 hourly rate ($125 per hour) $360 staff charge ($40 per hour)
$100 set up fee $0 (set-up fee waived)
$366 cleaning fee $45 maintenance fee
Total = $1,891 per day Total = $455 per day
Because additional use of the Senior Center is limited due to COVID-19, a reduced amount below the Co-Sponsored Rate is being recommended as there is less of an impact on staff due to the reduced need for setup/break down.
The Merced County Superior Court requires a facility lease agreement as provided by the Judicial Council of California (JCC). This document is currently being drafted by the JCC and will reflect the agreed upon terms as outlined above. Staff is seeking the authority to execute the facility lease agreement, with the approval as to form by the City Attorney.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed
ATTACHMENTS
1. Superior Court Letter of Request & Application