Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Space Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes lease with Folsom Historic District Association to manage downtown public spaces
Summary
The council authorized the city manager to execute a lease with the Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) giving the nonprofit responsibility to operate, manage and activate several public spaces in the Historic District (turntable, plaza, amphitheater, parking garage), with revenue share to the city.
FOLSOM, Calif. — The City Council on July 8 authorized the city manager to execute a lease agreement with the Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) to operate and manage designated public spaces in the Historic District, including the turntable plaza, amphitheater and public parking garage.
Key terms and intent Tom Hellman, Parks & Recreation, presented the draft lease. The initial term would be three years with up to three additional three-year renewals. Rent payable to the city was described as a share of net revenue for events and rentals: 10% of net revenue in years one and two, and 15% in year three for city‑permitted rentals of the leased public spaces (the sample agreement in the packet remains a draft to be finalized by the city attorney and staff). The FHDA would be responsible for maintenance and repairs required by their use, and would provide an annual report to the city.
Operational details and special events Under the draft arrangement FHDA would manage smaller events in the amphitheater and plaza without requiring the city’s 60‑day special‑event permitting process, subject to coordination and mitigation requirements; city staff will finalize language with Community Development and Police to ensure crowd, safety and permitting protocols for larger events that spill onto Sutter Street. FHDA would also be permitted to charge parking fees for permitted special events with city manager authorization.
Public comment and FHDA assurances FHDA board members said the organization has an open annual financial report (the association receives property-improvement-district funds) and that most plaza events are free to the public (concerts, farmers market, symphony), while rental activity helps activate the district. FHDA representatives said the group will provide annual financial transparency and meet regularly with the city to evaluate the lease operation.
Vote and next steps Council voted to authorize the city manager to execute the lease (resolution 11428); roll call was unanimous. Staff said they will finalize the draft with the city attorney, produce a finalized form of lease, and set up regular meetings to monitor the arrangement.
Ending Council members welcomed the partnership as a way to increase event activation and visitation, while staff and FHDA committed to clear reporting and coordination on special-event thresholds and public-safety mitigation.
