The Culver City City Council this week approved a lease agreement with the Friends of the Culver City Scout House to fix what has been referred to as an “old hut” at Veterans Memorial Park. Additionally, the Culver City Rock and Mineral Club will be able to make use of the soon-to-be repaired “workshop,” a second run-down building at the location.
“I think it’s a great thing,” said Vice Mayor Scott Malsin, chair of the Redevelopment Agency.
According to the terms of the deal, the Scout House and restroom will be renovated, including any necessary ADA compliance improvements. Upon completion, the building and restroom will be available for use by the city for recreation purposes at times when scout-related activities aren’t taking place.
Further terms included a clause that the organizing group will raise the necessary money, an expected $120,000, and bring the building into compliance with current standards. “The work shall be completed within six months of the issuance of a notice to proceed by the city,” according to the contract. Another six-month period can be provided by the city manager upon request.
Upon completion, the work will become city property.
Meanwhile, the friends of the scout house and the rock and mineral club are required to obtain and keep the appropriate insurance during the length of the agreement, indemnifying the city. They will also be responsible for the maintenance costs of the respective buildings (the restroom, however, will be maintained by the city).
After they’re fixed, the two clubs will have a non-exclusive leasing interest for the next 20 years. And if the city terminates the lease in the next 10 years, it would pay an early cancellation penalty.
Former Mayor Gary Silbiger voiced criticism of the fact that the item was not open for public discussion, called the procedure an “undemocratic process” and accused the council of being “unethical.” He said a 20-year-lease was too long and said he was opposed to “privatization” the parks. Mayor Micheal O’Leary replied that if such accusations were true, it would be “scathing,” but explained that the city is not “locked in” for 20 years,” that’s it is a “non-exclusive lease” and the “old hut” is in such a state of disrepair as to be condemned and that the club came up with an idea to fix it.
“It’s not like we have people asking if they can use that old hut,” O’Leary added. He also pointed out that the deal is not expected to have a direct financial impact on the city, but by allowing the organizers to renovate the buildings, the city will save the $120,000 cost of the renovation.
