City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council consider the request of the Culver City
Democratic Club to be sponsored by the City and direct staff as deemed
appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
On June 15, 2006 Council adopted Fees and Charges Resolution No. 2006-053,
which consolidated all City fees and charges into one resolution including the fee
and charge schedule for use of the Veterans Memorial Complex (VMC). Exhibit F-2
of Resolution No. 2006-053, “Fee and Charge Schedule for Use of the Veterans
Memorial Complex” is provided as Attachment 1. The fees for the rental of the VMC
are broken into four separate categories; Category A – City Sponsored, Category B
– Culver City Non-Profit, Category C – Other Non-Profits and Private Events and,
Category D – Commercial Events.
As a part of its motion, the City Council changed the definition of Category B to state
that in order to qualify for this rental fee, an organization must be a 501(c)3
Charitable organization and be Headquartered in the City of Culver City (emphasis
added).
In October 2006 VMC staff mailed letters to all of their annual renters requesting that
they submit their meeting dates for the 2007 calendar year. In that letter, renters
were informed of the new fees and Category definitions. In particular, all
organizations who had previously qualified for Category B fees were asked to
include proof of their 501(c)3 standing with their meeting dates in order to determine
if they would continue to qualify for Category B fees.
Meeting Date: 04/16/07 Item Number: A-1
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a Request by the Culver City Democratic Club to
be Sponsored by the City.
Contact Person/Dept.: Bill La Pointe,
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6655
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: [x]
Public Notification: Master Notification List (04/11/07); Tom Camarella, Culver City
Democratic Club President (04/11/07).
Department Approval: Bill La Pointe
(04/02/07)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Iker) (04/06/07)
City Controller Approval:
Marlee Chang (04/11/2007)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (04/11/07) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
In 2006, the Culver City Democratic Club was charged Category B rates. However,
this organization no longer qualifies for Category B rates because, according to its
President, Tom Camarella, it is not a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Therefore, in
keeping with Council direction; staff prepared a rental agreement for the Culver City
Democratic Club for the 2007 calendar year using Category C rates.
Mr. Camarella has requested by way of a letter that the City consider sponsoring the
Culver City Democratic Club (Attachment 2). This would place them in the 2007
Category A rate band, a rate band that is either fully or partially subsidized by the
City. A list of the groups that are currently classified as Category A organizations is
provided as Attachment 3. The 2007 Category C rate band is a rate that the renter
pays the breakeven cost of the facility and the Citywide overhead (i.e., the City does
not provide a subsidy).
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Camarella states in his letter that he is requesting that the City of Culver City (1)
“sponsor our group for our total yearly rental of $2300,” and, (2) “If we have a
famous speaker that will draw people to Culver City, we would also like the
auditorium for ½ price.”
The approval of a waiver of the total yearly rental fee constitutes a move for the
Democratic Club to the 2007 Category A rate band. As stated, in Resolution 2006-
053:
Category A – “City Sponsored,” as used in this resolution, shall mean any
City group, organization or association that is granted the use of any part of
the Complex facilities for any purpose for no fee, or for a small stipend
determined by the Director.“
As per the Resolution, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director has
some discretion in designating organizations as “City Sponsored.” However,
ultimately this decision rests with City Council. The City Council reviews the list of
City Sponsored organizations annually, and may edit or supplement the list as
deemed necessary.
It should be noted that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
will be bringing forward new policy guidelines regarding City sponsorship of
organizations for discussion by the City Council within the next 30-45 days.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
While it is true that the Democratic Club has a well-established history within Culver
City, it is an organization with a political agenda directed at a specific audience. As
stated in Article II of the Culver City Democratic Club’s Constitution:
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the interests of the
Democratic Party; to advance the political and educational interest of the
community; to foster the active participation of constituents in politics toward
the end of electing Democratic candidates to all public offices; and to
achieve the principles and carry out the policies of the local, state, and
national organizations of the Democratic Party.
The City Attorney’s Office has also reviewed the Democratic Club’s request for
sponsorship. It has advised that the City cannot legally expend public funds to
subsidize political organizations, nor to advocate or oppose political issues.
Although the City currently subsidizes the American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP) for use of City facilities (see Attachment 3), it is for the limited purpose of
providing educational programs and services to the senior population of the general
public (i.e. driving classes, income tax assistance and homeowners and renters
assistance). If the Democratic Club wishes to provide similar, limited programs or
services to the community (i.e. candidates’ night, voter registration assistance, etc.),
the City would not be legally precluded from subsidizing those specific events. In
this instance, however, it would still be a policy decision as to whether to expend
public funds for such purposes. As discussed herein above, staff is drafting new
policy guidelines to ensure that the decision to sponsor any particular organization is
applied in a consistent manner based on objective criteria. Such policy will be
provided for Council’s discussion at a future meeting.
Given the political purpose of the Culver City Democratic Club (as reflected in its
Constitution quoted above), there are significant legal hurdles to overcome before a
general fee waiver could be granted. However, should the Democratic Club wish to
hold non-partisan general events (similar to AARP as discussed above), the City
Council could, as a matter of policy, provide a fee waiver for such specific events.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Records indicate that the Democratic Club rents the Rotunda Room for 4.5 hours
monthly. The current Category C rate for the Rotunda Room is $41.25 per hour for
a minimum of four (4) hours. If Council determines that the Democratic Club
qualifies as a “City Sponsored” organization, the loss in revenue to the City will be
approximately $2,300 annually (under the current fee schedule).
The fiscal impact of subsidizing a 50% discount for use of the auditorium when a
“famous speaker’ is featured varies depending upon the rate band used to calculate City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
the discount, the duration of the event and the number of such events which qualify
for the discount. For example, if the Democratic Club used the auditorium for 4
hours at the Category C rate ($220 hourly), the City subsidy would be $440 each
time (50% of $880 is $440 that the City would subsidize).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit F-2 of Fees and Charges Resolution No. 2006-053.
2. Letter from Mr. Tom Camarella, President of the Culver City Democratic Club.
3. Current List of City Sponsored Organizations.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Consider the request of the Culver City Democratic Club to be sponsored by the
City and direct staff as deemed appropriate.
MEETING DATE: April 16, 2007
AGENDA ITEM : Consideration of a Request by the Culver City Democratic
Club to be Sponsored by the City.
ATTACHMENTS
Page
1. Exhibit F-2 of Fees and Charges Resolution No. 2006-053 1-6
2. Letter from Mr. Tom CamaroIla, President of the Culver City 7
Democratic Club
3. Current List of City Sponsored Organizations 8-9Attachment
EXHIBIT F-2
FEE AND CHARGE SCHEDULE FOR USE OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL COMPLEX
DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT F-2 rescinds the definitions in Section H of
Resolution No. 2003-R020. The fees shall be assessed in conjunction with the regulations
set forth in Resolution No. 2003-R020:
Category A "City Sponsored", as used in this resolution, shall mean any City
group, organization or association that is granted the use of any part of the Complex
facilities for any purpose for no fee, or for a small stipend determined by the Director. A
complete list of all City Sponsored organizations shall be presented in a to the City Council
each year representing the prior year's usage of the Veterans' Memorial Complex. City
Sponsorship of one event in any given year does not automatically qualify that group for
on-going City Sponsorship.
Category B - "Culver City 501(c)(3) Charitable Non-Profit Organization", as used in
this resolution, means any established City group, organization or association
headquartered in the City of Culver City, including without limitation, civic groups, service
clubs, political organizations and fraternal associations who use any part of the Complex
facilities for any purpose and who sponsors an event of City-wide interest when:
1. Conducting a regularly scheduled monthly and/or quarterly business
meeting, (breakfast, lunch or dinner) where no admission is charged. (Routine
collection of club dues and charges for cost of food service shall not be construed
as fund raising or admission charges.); and,
2. Donations are not accepted before, during or after the event, and
3. No other means of fund raising are employed, and
4. Each City group, organization, or association must have on file with
the Complex Manager's office:
a. Current membership roster listing resident address of each
member, and
b. Name and telephone number of the President and Vice
President, and
cs Copy of its by-laws.
Category C — "Culver City Non-Profit Organization Fundraisers" (defined below -
#1), religious organizations, government agencies, non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3)
organizations outside of Culver City.
1. Culver City Non-Profit Organization means any established City
group, organization or association including without limitation, civic groups, service
clubs, political organizations and fraternal associations who use any part of the
Complex facilities for any purpose when:
a. An admission is charged, or
b. Any donations are accepted before or during the event, or
c. Any type of sale or auction takes place, or
d. Any other means of fund raising is used, or
-1-
- 2 6 - Resolution No. 2006-R
053EXHIBIT F-2 (continued)
e. The activity is in the nature of a private party or social
gathering, or
f. The activity is a district, state or national convention or
meeting.
Category D — 1. "Non-Resident Private" shall mean any type of family gathering
that is organized by invitation only, and no admission is charged, and all non-profit
organizations outside of Culver City who do not qualify as a charitable 501(0(3)
organization.
2. "Resident Private" shall mean Culver City residents holding a private
gathering as defined above will receive a 25% discount off of the Category D rental fees.
To qualify for this discount, the contract for the use of the Veterans Memorial Complex
facilities must be entered into with, and signed by a Culver City resident who has supplied
the Veterans' Memorial Complex office with a copy of their most recent utility bill.
Category E — 1. "Commercial" shall mean any group, organization or association or
any person or persons, whether a City resident or not, who do not qualify for any of the
other fee categories in this section when any part of the Veterans' Memorial Complex is
used whether for monetary gain or not.
2. Culver City "Commercial" Culver City businesses will receive a 25%
discount off of the rental fees. To qualify for this discount, the business must be located
within the boundaries of Culver City and supply the Veterans' Memorial Complex office
with a copy of their current Culver City business license.
-2-
- 27 - Resolution No. 2006-R053CATEGORY B
EXHIBIT F-2 (continued)
HOURLY RENTAL FEES
CATEGORY C CATEGORY D CATEGORY E
Auditorium $147.25 $220.00 $247.50 $316.25
Rotunda $27.00 $41.25 $75.75 $117.00
Garden $18.50 $27.50 $62.00 $103.25
Multipurpose $20.00 $30.25
$41.25 $68.75
Kaizuka $7.50 $11.00 $27.50 $48.25
Uniapan $8.00 $12.25 $27.50 $48.25
Yanji $6_00 $9.00 $13.75 $23.25
lksan $8.00 $12.00 $20.75 $31.25
Room A $31.00 $46.25 $55.00 $82.50
(Flat Rate)
Room B $31.00 $46.25 $55.00 $82.50
(Flat Rate)
Room C $31.00 $46.25 $55.00 $82.50
(Flat Rate)
Room D $31.00 $46.25 $55.00 $82.50
(f I a t Rate)
Teen Center $48.25 $73.00 $96.25 $123.75
Classroom 1 $7.00 $10.25 $20.75
$41.25
Dining Room N/A N/A
$11615 $137.50
B45 N/A N/A $75.00 $110.00
847 N/A N/A $75.00 $110.00
C71 N/A N/A $20.00 $27.50
C73 N/A N/A $25.50 $58.50
C75 N/A N/A
$25.50 $58.50
C77 N/A N/A
$20.00 $27.50
- 28 -
Resolution No. 2006-R053EXHIBIT F-2 (continued)
MISCELLANOUS RENTAL FEES
All Non-Profit/Private All For Profit
Grand Piano $55.00 $110.00
Piano Tuning Cost + 25% Cost + 50%
Baby Grand $55.00 $75.00
Upright Piano $16.50 $33.00
60" round Table $5.50 $7.50
Extension Cord $2.75 $4.00
Electric Box $5.50 $11.00
Microphone $5.50 $11.00
Cordless Mic $25.00 $30.00
Lapel Mic $25.00 $30.00
Sound System $30.00 $60.00
Theatrical Lighting $11.00 $27.50
(per hour)
Follow Spot $11.00 $27.50
(per hour)
Film Projector $25.00 $50.00
(per hour)
Overhead Projector $5.50 $11.00
Portable Screen $5.50 $11.00
TVNCR $27.50 $55.00
Podium $5.50 $11.00
Portable Blackboard $5.50 $11.00
Easel $2.50 $5.00
-4-
- 29 -
Resolution No. 2006-R053EXHIBIT F-2 (continued)
Peg Board $1.50 $3.00
Step Unit $11.00 $15.00
(per section)
Platform $11.00 $15.00
(per section)
Platform Skirt $5.50 $10.00
(per section)
Orchestra Shell $11.00 $15.00
(per section)
Event Staff Cost + 25% Cost + 25%
(per hour)
Setup Fee $25.00 $30.00
Security Guard Cost + 25% Cost + 50%
(hourly)
Auditorium Kitchen
$75.00 $100.00
Host Food Fees $10 to $100- All Categories
Refundable Damage Deposits $25 to $1,000 -All Categories
RENTAL FEES
All Non-Profit/Private
All For Profit
Teen Center Kitchen $100.00 $150.00
Multipurpose Kitchen $35.00 $50.00
Veterans Memorial Bldg Kitchen $200.00 $500.00
Kitchen Equipment (per piece) $ 50.00 $100.00
Overflow Room $125.00 $150.00
Reserved Parking $10.00 $15.00
(per space)
Wristbands (per band) $.20 $.25
Stanchions (per section) $5.00 $10.00
8' Table to Park $8.00 $12.00
- 30 -
Resolution No. 2006-R053EXHIBIT F-2 (continued)
60 Round Table to Park $10.00 $15.00
Chair to Park $5.00 $10.00
Extension Cord to Park $5.00 $10.00
Electric Box to Park $5.00 $10.00
Podium to Park $10.00 $20.00
Easel to Park $5.00 $10.00
Step Unit to Park $10.00 $20.00
(per section)
Platform to Park $25.00 $50.00
(per section)
Platform Skirt to Park $10.00 $20.00
(per section)
Park Set-Up Fee $20.00 $30.00
(per person — per hour
Cancellation Fee $25.00 $100.00
(with 60 days notice)
Cancellation Fee $50.00 $150.00
(with 30 days notice)
Cancellation Fee 100% of Room Rental Fee 100% of Room Rental Fee
(less than 30 days notice)
National Guard Armory $100.00 4" staff cost $200.00 ÷ staff cost
(per hour)
- 31 - Resolution No. 2006-Ro53Attachment 2
Bill LaPointe, Director December 19, 2006
CC Parks & Recreation
Dear Bi
recently received a letter from the Parks & Recreation Department informing the Culver City
Democratic Club of the increases in rents for organizations and individuals who use the facilities
at the Veterans complex.
According to the new rental schedule, the Culver City Democratic Club's assessment would go
up approximately 75-80%. This was obviously quite a shock. I requested information on those
organizations that were being sponsored by the City on a monthly or yearly basis. The list was
also shocking (I get shocked frequently) in its scope and amounts.
The Culver City Democratic Club has been a major organization in this city for over 53 years.
Most of that time we have met in Vets Rotunda Room on a monthly basis. We have had large
memberships throughout the years and for each of the last 2 years, we have had well-over 300
members. We have been successful in bringing well-known speakers to Culver City (Michael
Dukakis, Stephen Rohde, Kent Wong) to educate our Community and Club members.
In 2006 we brought, for the first time in the history of Southern California, all the Democratic
statewide candidates to our own Veterans Auditorium. We also had some successful
fundraisers. The publicity for these events helped raise the profile of Culver City.
The Culver City Democratic Club has been helpful to the reputation of Culver City, the
businesses here and the citizens of our fair city. Our consistency has been helpful to the Parks
Department in budget planning (we lease a year at a lime) and has been helpful to the
registered voters in our community (80% of whom are registered as Democrats).
Therefore, having looked at the list of 'Sponsored Organizations", I am formally requesting that
the Culver City Democratic Club be sponsored by the city. I believe you have certain
discretionary power that will allow you to sponsor our group for our total yearly rental of $ 2300.
If we have a famous speaker that will draw people to Culver City, we would also like the
auditorium for V2 price. This will encourage more use of the auditorium and get more outside
people to visit the Vets Park Complex and the City.
The new year starts shortly and I would like to let our members know your answer as soon as
possible.
You may reach me anytime between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm any day of the week at 310-
836-7557.
Sincerely,
gani, ecitnandea
Tom Camarelia: President,
Culver City Democratic ClubFee Program/Activity Subsidy Organization Description Payment
$4,032 5.0 $4,032
5.0 Senior and low income tax
assistance
Income Tax
Assistance
$2,400 AA.R.P. $2,400
$.0 Assistance to file low income
paperwork for State rebate.
3. Homeowners and
Renters Assistance
$2,000 A.A.R.P. $2,000
$600 $369 $231 Once monthly meetings in
Vets
Ballona Creek
Renaissance
Board Meetings
Once monthly meetings in
Vets and an annual weekend
show in the Auditorium
Culver City
Garden Club
Meetings and Show 5. $8,487.50 $9,487.50 $1,000
6. Culver City
Lions Club
Clam Bake $1,600 $. 0 $1,600
Culver City Rock
& Mineral Club
Meetings and Show Monthly membership and
Board meetings and an annual
weekend Show in the
Auditorium
7. $10,315.62 $13,515.62 $3,200
8. Culver City
Symphony
Rehearsals and
Performances
5.0 $69,400
(for 5-
years)
$69,400
(for 5-
years)
15. Westside Jazz
Ensemble
Weekly rehearsals
14. Westwood Folk
Dancers
Annual Show
Stroke
Association of
So. California
13. Therapy Meetings
12. Melody Masters Weekly rehearsals
Meetings and Show IL La Ballona
Valley Bromeliad
Society
9. Disabled
American
Veterans
Monthly meetings
LA School of
Gymnastics
10. Gymnastics
Tournament
A.A.R.P.
(American
Association of
Retired Persons)
55 Alive Driving
Classes
Seniors pay a fee for a driving
class which will reduce their
insurance premium.
Annual fundraiser in
Auditorium in exchange for
Thanksgiving Day dinner for
Seniors
Rehearsals and 3 free and 1 for
fee concert in the Auditorium.
Currently under 5-year
Agreement with City till 2008
Once monthly membership
meetings in Vets.
$900 $.0 $900
Annual Rhythmic Gymnastics $13,804 $1,800 $12,004
Tournament in the
Auditorium.
Monthly membership
meetings and annual Show in
the Auditorium.
$7,568.75 $1,662 $5,906.75
Once weekly rehearsals in $7,800 $3,000 $4,800
Vets in exchange for 12 free
perfonnances at the Senior
Center.
Twice weekly group therapy
sessions in Vets thru 12/06
$15,525 $5,483 $10,042
Annual Folk Dance Festival in $2,212.50 $.0 $2,212.50
Auditorium.
Once weekly rehearsals in $7,800 $1,000 $6,800
Vets in exchange for 2 free
performances at the Senior
Center.City Events in the Veterans Memorial Building in FY 05/06
Department Organization Activity
PRCS CPRS (CA Parks & Recreation
Society)
Annual Workshop and Training
Session
9.
PRCS Culver City Parks and Service
Foundation
Monthly Board Meetings
3. PRCS Culver City Public Theatre Auditions, Rehearsals and meetings
for Theatre in the Park Program
4. CAO Culver City Sister City Committee Periodic dinners and meetings for
visiting Sister City representatives.
5. PRCS 12-Step Groups Numerous weekly AA, CA, NA and
OA meetings
6. CAO Culver City Management Group Periodic Quarterly Luncheon
7 PRCS Center for Healthy Aging Annual Breast Health Fair
8. CDD/Redevelopment The Henry Mancini Orchestra Performing Arts Grant Performance
CDD/Redevelopment Culver City Playhouse Performing Arts Grant Performances
10. CDD/Redevelopment LA Doctors Symphony Performing Arts Grant Performance
11. PRCS Skateboard Park Design
Committee
Periodic Meetings
12. CDD/Redevelopment Summer Sunset Music Festival
Meetings
Planning meetings with the
Community
13. CDD/Redevelopment Harry Culver Sculpture
Celebration
Meeting
14. CAO Homeless Sub Committee Periodic Meetings
15. Public Works Ballona Creek Watershed Task
Force
Periodic Meetings
16. CAO Mayor's Lunch Annual Luncheon
17. Police , Neighborhood Watch Periodic Meetings
18. Police CERT Quarterly membership meetings
19. PRCS Teen Center Remodel Committee Periodic meetings
20. Fire Paramedic Training UCLA training programs
21. Fire CPR Classes Training and Community classes
92. Personnel Programs Employment exams, Terrorist
Awareness Training, So Bay
Consortium Workshops,
2.3'. CAO LA County Registrar Recorder Elections and Poll Workers training
94. CAO CC Unified School District Senior Exercise, 5 Fundraisers per
year
75,
CAO Veterans Affairs Committee Monthly Board meetings
26. PRCS Recreation Enrichment Program Various classes, camps and Special
Events
97.
PRCS Corrmiunity & Social Services
Programs
Flu Clinic, classes and events|10 13|