Fountain Valley forms 11‑member ad hoc committee to study Civic Center site, debates Boys & Girls Club roof work

Mayor Kuneen convened a study session in which staff presented options for a 2‑acre parcel behind City Hall used by the Boys & Girls Club and Clubhouse Academy. Rob Frizzell, the community services director and deputy city manager, told the council the Clubhouse Academy’s pending roof replacement is estimated at about $448,000 and the childcare building’s roof at about $555,000 and that the Clubs seek a longer-term lease to support capital investment. "The pending roof replacement for Clubhouse Academy is looking at $448,000," Frizzell said, and he added the childcare building estimate separately was about $555,000.

The council debated whether the site change would trigger the Surplus Land Act and whether the parcel had been considered in recent planning documents; City Attorney Burns said whether the Act applies depends on the future use. Councilmembers pressed staff for how maintenance has been handled; Public Works Director Scott Smith said the city had focused on structural components under the lease and had performed limited recent work such as flat work and tree removal.

Council discussion focused on the composition of an ad hoc committee to make recommendations for the Civic Center area. After back-and-forth about process and public representation, the council agreed to form an 11‑member committee that will include two council members, public-safety and other city staff, and 2–4 members of the public. The mayor directed staff to solicit applicants for the public seats using an expedited two‑week application window; City Clerk Miller said staff would notify council members when applications arrive.

On the roof work, Public Works staff recommended awarding a cooperative-purchase contract to Garland for multiple city roofs, including the childcare building, but recommended holding the notice to proceed for the childcare project until the ad hoc committee and lease negotiations conclude. "My recommendation... is to award it, but instruct staff to not proceed with the work until there's conversation that has happened with the ad hoc committee," Scott Smith said.

The council took direction to proceed with committee formation and to coordinate timing for capital work so short‑term maintenance needs are addressed while long‑term civic‑center planning proceeds. The study session recessed and the council resumed its regular meeting at 6 p.m.