Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization of Amendment to Facility Use Agreement - Kaweah Little League Softball for Usage of Riverway Sports Park Softball Complex during Fall season.
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Prepared by: Eric Ferreira, Recreation Supervisor Eric.Ferreira@visalia.gov 713-4178, Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager Laurissa.Roggenkamp@visalia.gov 713-4336, Jason Glick, Parks & Recreation Director Jason.Glick@visalia.gov 713-4042
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment to the Facility Use Agreement with Kaweah Little League Softball D.B.A. Sequioa Softball to include the fall league usage dates at Riverway Sports Park Softball Complex within the agreement.
Summary:
On March 13, 2024, Visalia City Council authorized a one (1) year agreement with four (4) one-year extensions between the City of Visalia and Kaweah Little League Softball D.B.A. Sequoia Softball for use of the Riverway Sports Park Softball Complex during specified days and times for a spring youth softball league.
Per the agreement, and in exchange for exclusive use of all 4 softball fields, Sequoia Softball provides in-kind improvements to the facility in an amount equal to $2,000 per year. In addition, Sequoia Softball receives a contractual field rental rate equal to 25% of the private organization rate, as outlined in the City Fee Schedule. These contractual terms apply to the spring season, defined as the second Monday of March through the first Friday of June on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for a total of 13 consecutive weeks.
As the league continues to grow, Sequioa Softball has identified increased community interest in a fall season. In response to this demand, the organization decided to host its first fall league during the 2025 season. Sequioa Softball has submitted a formal written request to amend the existing Facility Use Agreement to include the fall season, under the same terms and fee structure currently in place.
Pursuant to Section 24 of the original agreement, which states “This AGREEMENT may be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties in writing.” The proposed amendment includes the following additions:
• Additional Use - The amendment addresses priority usage dates and times for fall league, the third Saturday of August until the first Saturday of November. The addition of this usage grants Sequoia Softball the contractual field rental rate, equal to 25% of the private organization rate as outlined in the City Fee Schedule, during regularly scheduled fall league games. In exchange for the reduced rates, Sequoia Softball has committed to make an additional $500 in-kind contribution per year to assist with maintenance of the facility.
• Grounds Maintenance - The amendment addresses the use of temporary homerun fencing during the Fall league.
All terms and provisions of the original agreement will remain in full force and effect.
Background Discussion:
During the fall sports season Riverway Sports Park Softball Complex is utilized by the City’s Recreation Adult League and the Visalia Youth Softball Association. Sequioa Softball originally approached staff during the summer to discuss options to host a 2025 fall season. Staff worked with Sequioa Softball to identify available dates at Riverway Sports Park for their league to host a fall league. A rental contract was developed following regular business operations of the Recreation Division for Sequoia Softball’s fall season, September 6th - October 25th. This included conditions such as insurance coverage requirements, fees, and payments. The rental contract currently has Sequioa Softball paying the non-profit rental rate as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 City Fee Schedule; $13.60 per hour per field for field use, $18.40 per hour per field for Athletic Lights, and $84.80 per day for concession stand use.
On September 3rd staff was provided a formal letter from Sequioa Softball requesting an amendment to the facility use agreement for a reduced rental rate. This request was taken to the Parks & Recreation Commission at the regular meeting held on September 9th. The Parks & Recreation Commission approved staff’s recommendation that the amendment be taken to City Council for authorization to implement the amendment.
Sequioa Softball is a Visalia-based girls softball league. The City has entered into Facility Use Agreements with Sequoia Softball since their league’s inception in 2020. The current agreement, set to expire in 2027, grants Sequoia Softball priority field usage at Riverway Sports Park Softball Complex on specific days throughout the spring.
Under the terms of the agreement, the approved field rental rate is equal to 25% of the rate listed in the City’s Fee Schedule for private organizations. Based on the current schedule, this equates to $4.25 per hour, per field. In addition to field rental fees, Sequoia Softball pays $10.00 per hour for concession stand use and $18.40 per hour, per field for stadium lighting.
Without an amendment to the agreement, any fall field use would be subject to the regular non-profit rate, currently $13.60 per hour, per field, as outlined in the City Fee Schedule.
Fiscal Impact: Estimated additional $1,600 in rental revenue and an additional commitment of $500 of in-kind contributions to assist with the maintenance of the facility.
Prior Council Action: March 13, 2024 - Council authorized a Facility Use Agreement with Kaweah Little League Softball D.B.A. Sequioa Softball.
Other: September 9, 2025 Parks & Recreation approved recommendation to City Council to authorize amendment.
Alternatives: Deny presented amendment and direct staff to negotiate with league for alternatives.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Move to authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment to the Facility Use Agreement between the City of Visalia and Kaweah Little League Softball D.B.A. Sequoia Softball.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 10/6/2025
Attachments:
1. Facility Use Agreement between City of Visalia and Kaweah Little League Softball D.B.A Sequioa Softball.
2. Amendment to Facility Use Agreement.
3. Letter of Request from Sequoia Softball for Amendment.