O: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Justin Clifton, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Isaac Bravo, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
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Real Property Lease at Alta Murrieta Sports Park for Cultivating Inclusion
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ABSTRACT
This report recommends approval of a Real Property Lease Agreement with Cultivating Inclusion, Inc. to continue the operation and maintenance of the Produce for People Community Garden at Alta Murrieta Sports Park for a new four (4) year term. The proposed agreement supports ongoing community benefits, including vocational programming for individuals with special needs and the distribution of fresh produce to local food pantries, while addressing the City’s limited capacity to operate the facility independently.
RECOMMENDATION
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Authorize the City Manager to execute a four-year Real Property Lease with Cultivating Inclusion, Inc.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On September 15, 2009, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 09-2375, approving a License Agreement with the Salvation Army for the purpose of operating a community garden at Alta Murrieta Sports Park.
On March 1, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 16-3523, approving a License Agreement with Lily’s House for the purpose of operating a community garden at Alta Murrieta Sports Park.
On June 5, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18-3913, approving a License Agreement with Cultivating Inclusion for operating a community garden at Alta Murrieta Sports Park.
On March 21, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 23-4651, approving a License Agreement with Cultivating Inclusion for operating a community garden at Alta Murrieta Sports Park.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Foster and promote an engaged, connected and caring community.
DISCUSSION
The Produce for People Community Garden (Garden) was established in 2009 with the mission of growing produce to be donated to local food pantries for distribution to families in need. The garden is approximately 1.9 acres and is located at Alta Murrieta Sports Park. The garden has both a gated garden area and an extensive orchard.
Due to limited staffing, the City of Murrieta (City) is unable to provide sufficient staff and care needed for the continual maintenance and operation of the garden. The City has been able to maintain and operate the garden by partnering with local nonprofits over the years, including the Salvation Army, Lily’s House, and, most recently, Cultivating Inclusion, Inc.
Cultivating Inclusion, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides vocational and daytime activities for students and adults with special needs to participate in agricultural learning, including preparing soil, planting, mulching, and harvesting produce. Produce grown from the garden has been donated to local food banks, including St. Martha’s Food Pantry and Mission Hope.
The current License Agreement with Cultivating Inclusion for the property expired in March 2025. To continue the maintenance and operation of the garden, a new agreement, backdated to the end of the term of the prior agreement, is needed with Cultivating Inclusion, Inc. The proposed new lease agreement is for four (4) years commencing on March 27, 2025 and terminating on April 30, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. While prior agreements established rent at $1, the rent is waived due to the administrative burden of processing nominal payments and in recognition of the community benefit provided by the garden.
ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Real Property Lease with Cultivating Inclusion, Inc.