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Title:
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Request City Council to: (1) Approve a One-Year Facility License Agreement between the City of Rialto and the National Council of Negro Women Bethune Center for Space at Grace?Vargas Senior Center; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement and all Necessary Documentation.
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For City Council Meeting September 9, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Cynthia Alvarado, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Title
Request City Council to: (1) Approve a One-Year Facility License Agreement between the City of Rialto and the National Council of Negro Women Bethune Center for Space at Grace?Vargas Senior Center; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement and all Necessary Documentation.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Approve a one-year Facility License Agreement between the City of Rialto and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Bethune Center for space at Grace?Vargas Senior Center; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and all necessary documentation.
BACKGROUND
Since 1986, NCNW Bethune Center has been instrumental in combating youth unemployment in San Bernardino County. Their programs-ranging from pre-employment skills training and academic support to job search assistance-specifically target Rialto residents striving for workforce readiness.
On November 8, 2016, the City adopted Resolution No.?7017, approving a two-year MOU that provided rent-free space at 141 S. Riverside Ave. through November 2018. After the MOU expired, NCNW continued using the facility on a month-to-month basis until August 2022.
Subsequently, on September 27, 2022, the City Council approved a Facility License Agreement allowing NCNW to occupy space at Grace?Vargas Senior Center for nine months, including provisions for two one-year extensions. NCNW wishes to continue to occupy the space within the Grace Vargas Senior Center; City staff and NCNW are requesting to enter into a new agreement.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
NCNW fulfills critical community health needs through impactful programming, including pre-employment skills training and academic support, to job search assistance for our youth, which aligns with Rialto's mission to foster community resiliency and youth empowerment.
Key elements include:
* Space Allocation: NCNW will occupy three office spaces (reduced from five) and continue monthly board meetings in the dance room. Operations will run Monday-Thursday, 9?AM-4?PM, maintaining continuity while optimizing facility use.
* City Support: The City will continue to provide utilities, custodial services, and maintenance. NCNW will continue to coordinate with department staff for any additional space needed for programming that is out of the ordinary, that benefits the community.
* Term & Fee Structure: The Agreement stipulates a one-year term and includes a $500 annual license fee. Either party may terminate with 30 days' notice.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The requested action does not meet CEQA's definition of a "project" (Section 15378). It involves continuation of existing administrative activities within an existing public facility, with no physical changes, environmental modification, or increased intensity of use. As such, this action is exempt from CEQA.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
"Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business."
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the agreement and approved it as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The City currently budgets for and provides overall maintenance of the Carl Johnson Center. Approval of this action would generate rental revenue of $500 annually.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
No impact.
Licensing
Business License fees for non-profit organizations are assessed at a reduced rate. A $36.40 fee is due annually.