City staff told the Santa Paula City Council they will move toward executing five-year license agreements with LEAP Lab (a science/education nonprofit) and the Santa Paula Historical Society for use of the former Union Oil building, after negotiating last-minute language and answering council questions about operations, insurance and future rent terms.

Director Barnes summarized the multi-year community effort that led to the property transfer from Chevron and said staff "is recommending that we enter into these license agreements." He said the agreements are intended to enable tenant programs, generate community access and support ongoing fundraising to maintain the landmark building.

Why it matters: The Union Oil building is a city-owned historic property. Licensing it to nonprofit tenants aims to reactivate the site, preserve historic resources and create a cultural and educational venue while transferring daily program costs to the licensees. Council members asked for explicit protections for the building's historic character and for clearer terms governing rent or fees at the end of the initial five-year license.

Details and council guidance:
- Director Barnes said the agreements are five years long and include a process for the license area to be extended or expanded in future five-year terms. The licensees would operate programs and help with fundraising for building maintenance.
- Council asked that the license agreements include a clause ensuring displays and interpretive materials not disparage the building's heritage and that any tenant improvements receive city approval. City Attorney Castillo said such contract language is permissible but would need careful phrasing because it touches on speech and interpretation.
- Council also asked that staff add clearer language about the process that will govern rent/fee negotiation at each renewal point; staff agreed to return with refined language so Council could approve the final agreements on consent at a subsequent meeting.
- Councilmember recused: a councilmember declared a conflict of interest and left the dais for the item; staff recorded the recusal for the record.

Next steps: Staff will work with the licensees on (1) adding mutually acceptable preservation-sensitivity language and (2) providing clearer reopener/renegotiation language for fees at the end of the initial term. Once mutually acceptable language is finalized, staff intends to return the license agreements to Council for approval, likely on the consent calendar.