To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: License Agreement with Veterans Memorial Association of Richmond
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute a License Agreement authorizing the Veterans Memorial Association of Richmond (VMA), in accordance with Military and Veterans Code section 1266, to use the meeting space at the County-owned property located at 968 23rd Street, Richmond for veterans’ meetings and related activities, subject to approval by the County Administrator and approval as to form by County Counsel.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact. No rent is due for the use of the meeting space that is the subject of the license. VMA may incur charges for the use of other portions of the building.
BACKGROUND:
The subject Property is the site of Richmond Veterans Hall. The property is improved with a 14,920 square foot building that was constructed in 1955. The building was operated as a grocery store for many years. The County acquired the Property in 1973. In 1994, the building was leased to VMA pursuant to a lease dated January 15, 1994. Under the terms of the Lease, VMA was obligated to maintain all interior electrical, water, and plumbing systems in the building, with the exception of major repairs. In addition, VMA was to manage the building in accordance with written bylaws developed by a 12-member Governing Board overseeing VMA’s activities.
Over the past 30 years, the condition of the building has deteriorated as the result of deferred maintenance. For this reason, the County is taking back responsibility for maintaining and managing the building. This License Agreement fulfills the County’s obligation to provide substitute facilities to VMA in accordance with Military and Veterans Code section 1266.
Concurrently with this action and pursuant to a separate Staff Report, this Board is considering entering into a Service Contract with Weigh of Life, a nonprofit corporation, under which Weigh of Life will oversee the day-to-day operation of the building.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the License Agreement is not approved, the County will be required to find alternative substitute facilities for VMA.