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Council backs temporary storage for Santa's Workshop, directs staff to draft lease for retired Fire Station 5
Summary
After dozens of community speakers described the program’s reach, Menifee City Council directed staff to prepare a lease to allow Santa's Workshop to store donated toys at retired Fire Station 5 pending a formal lease vote at a future meeting. Staff noted modest security upgrades and insurance would be required.
Menifee — Menifee City Council directed staff on March 4 to return with a draft lease allowing Santa's Workshop to use the apparatus bay of retired Fire Station 5 in Quail Valley for storage, after the nonprofit said it will lose its current school storage when renovations begin.
Assistant City Manager Rebecca Kramer told the council the site could be used for storage but requires securing doors, insurance and minor site work; staff estimated about $2,000 in initial door/security work and said restroom access and climate control are not available in the building’s current condition.
"Due to the site conditions and liability considerations… the facility cannot be utilized in its current condition without addressing building code and ADA compliance requirements outside of providing for public life safety operations or for a purpose like storage of equipment and supplies," Kramer said, and staff said they would negotiate lease terms and return a proposed agreement for council consideration.
Community speakers delivered a sustained and emotional appeal. Bob O'Donnell, representing program volunteers, said Santa's Workshop served more than 1,200 children last year and stressed the program’s reliance on nearby, secure storage: "This past year it was over 1,200," he said of the number of children helped. Several other speakers — retired firefighters, school staff, and long‑time volunteers — described decades of volunteer coordination, the volume of donations, and the tight timeline for moving and distributing goods during the holiday event.
Quail Valley Elementary Principal Lily Pena described the program's effect on students: "I've seen parents walk in with worry and leave with relief," she said, and urged council to approve storage near the school to preserve the program’s logistical viability.
Council members expressed unanimous support but emphasized the arrangement should be temporary while the organization seeks a long‑term facility and sustainable funding. One council member said the city can handle small repairs to make the space usable but cautioned against allowing the site to become a long‑term, deteriorating de facto storage facility.
Staff will draft a lease for the apparatus bay at retired Fire Station 5 and return it to council for formal consideration, including terms for security upgrades, insurance, access, and a clear temporary timeframe.
Reported speakers and sources: Rebecca Kramer (Assistant City Manager); Bob O'Donnell (Santa's Workshop volunteer/organizer); Lily Pena (Quail Valley Elementary principal); multiple volunteers and community organizations who provided public comment.
