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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1987/07/14 Item 29 COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Item 29 Meeting Date 7/14/87 ITEM TITLE: Resolution 43/,7- / Approving an agreement with Charles Costa Enterprises for operation of the Chula Vista Visitor Center. SUBMITTED BY: Deputy City Manager REVIEWED BY: City Managerf (4/5th' s Vote: Yes No X ) The Visitor Information Center has been operated by the City and staffed by temporary contract employees since June 1, 1987. At the budget review session of June 17, 1987, staff presented three alternatives for operation of the Center, and the City Council directed staff to attempt to negotiate an agreement based on the proposal submitted by Charles Costa. RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt the resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: N/A DISCUSSION The previous operator of the Center, VIA, ceased operation on April 27, 1987 . To expedite reopening the Center, staff conducted an informal bidding process, resulting in two proposals for the Center's operation. Staff also presented an analysis of the alternative of the City operating the Center. On June 17, 1987 the Council directed staff to attempt to negotiate a six-month contract with Charles Costa that would permit the operation to be re-evaluated in six months. Mr. Costa' s proposal involves a snack bar/newsstand operation in which sales personnel would also be responsible for dispensing visitor information. Because of the multiple objectives of the Center and concerns expressed about the commercialization of the Center, staff attempted to develop a contract that would ensure the highest possible level of providing visitor information and promoting the City' s image while accommodating a successful retail operation. The attached proposed contract covers a six-month agreement with Mr. Costa for operation of the Visitor Information Page 2, item 29 Meeting Date 7/14/87 Center. The proposed operation represents little cost to the City/County (about $1, 000 to cover restroom and janitorial supplies) . The contract includes the following provisions: 1. Term. The contract term is six months, starting August 1, 1987 . 2 . Rent. No rent will be assessed for the term of this agreement. However, records must be maintained by Mr. Costa to be potentially used for developing future rent structures. 3 . Maintenance/Janitorial. With the exception of restroom and janitorial supplies, maintenance and janitorial services for the interior of the Center are the responsibility of the operator. Restrooms will be cleaned at least once per day on Mondays through Thursdays and at least twice per day on Fridays through Sundays and on major holidays. A $10, 000 bond or cash deposit must be provided to the City to ensure the Center is returned to its original condition at the end of the agreement. 4 . Hours of operation. The Center will be open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years Day. The minimum hours of operation will be from 7 : 00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m. on weekdays and 9 : 00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. 5. Public information. The Center will be staffed by a minimum of two trained personnel on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays, and at least one trained person on all other days. Accurate information will be provided about Chula Vista, San Diego County, Southern California and Baja, Mexico. The contract specifies areas of expertise and the general level of knowledge required for each area. A small sign at each entrance stating "Free Visitor Information" may be required by the City. A fully stocked brochure rack shall be available for the public. A bulletin board and City map shall be displayed. Additional informational services are specified in the contract. Information and/or referrals will be given on chula Vista attractions and businesses unless requested otherwise by visitors. 6. Image. The Center and its personnel shall present a positive, friendly and responsive image of the City of Chula Vista. /3 / Page 3, item 29 Meeting Date 7/14/87 7 . Insurance. The operator will maintain insurance as as specified by the City. 8 . Suggestion box. The City has the right to install a suggestion box in the lobby to obtain feedback from the public about the Center's operation. 9 . Visitor counts. The operator will provide to the City a record of the number of visitors to the Center and the general areas of inquiries. 10. Pay phone. At least one public phone must be available. 11. Transit passes. The operator will sell Trolley and CVT passes. 12 . Termination. The City may terminate the contract as follows: A. For any reason with sixty days notice B. For cause with seven days notice C. For failure to remain open with 24-hours notice 13 . Signage/Advertisinq. Signage and/or advertising not approved by the City shall not be permitted. The City has the right to display posters or other public service materials within the Center. 14 . Commercial activities. The contract includes guidelines for the physical layout of the Center to maintain its public service environment. The Center will contain a large newspaper/magazine rack, one large refrigerator for cold drinks, free-standing racks for hats, postcards, sunglasses, etc. , a hanging menu board, small shirt display unit, microwave oven, coffee maker, candy displays, etc. The front part of counter will be kept free of retail items. Items sold will be limited to the following unless authorized otherwise by the City: A. Snack foods in sealed packages B. Cold drinks in sealed containers C. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate D. Shirts E. Hats F. Magazines G. Travel guides or books / 2 ' C 29 Page 4, item Meeting Date 7/14/87 H. Transit passes I. Film, flashcubes, batteries J. Sunglasses K. Cigarettes L. Souvenir coffee mugs M. Lottery tickets Commercial activities shall not interfere with the operator's ability to dispense public/visitor information. Alcholic beverages, adult materials and non-packaged food items will not be sold. 15. Utilities. Utilities and trash disposal in the Center will be the responsiblity of the operator. FISCAL IMPACT: Adequate funds are available in the Bayfront Trolley Station budget to cover the maximum $1, 000 in City/County costs of janitorial/restroom supplies during the proposed six-month contract. If the contract is renegotiated after the initial six-month period, the operator may be required to pay rent and/or a percentage of gross or net proceeds.