Item 16 - Agreement for Park Host at Thornton Park

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Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency www.santa-ana.org/parks Item # 16 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report November 19, 2024 TOPIC: Agreement for Thornton Park Park Host AGENDA TITLE Agreement for Park Host, Volunteer Acknowledgment, Release of Liability, Indemnity Agreement, and Waiver for Thornton Park Park Host RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve an agreement with Thornton Park park host to complete the pilot Park Host Volunteer Pilot Program by December 31, 2025 (Agreement No. A-2024-XXX). GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes DISCUSSION On May 16, 2022, the City launched a Park Host Volunteer Pilot Program through an agreement with Katie Rivero. This initiative enhanced safety and community engagement at Thornton Park by establishing a consistent, on -site presence. Under the terms of the pilot program, Ms. Rivero was authorized to reside at the park in a recreational vehicle, providing the City with daily reports, addressing atypical situations, identifying maintenance needs through the MySantaAna App, and engaging directly with park visitors during her daily rounds. Originally set to conclude on May 16, 2024, or upon termination by the City, the pilot program's effectiveness, as shown in the Thornton Park Host Report (Exhibit 3), led to the determination that a continued presence of the Thornton Park Host would be beneficial, resulting in an extension of the role through December 31, 2025. The renewed agreement reaffirms the Park Host's responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming and secure environment at Thornton Park, while continuing to provide a direct line of communication and support to the community. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The recommended action is exempt from further environmental analysis pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Class 1 exemption — Existing Facilities). Class 1 exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The types of "existing facilities"