DATE: December 18, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Housing and Neighborhood Services Department
TITLE: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE AND OCEANSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY MURAL PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Oceanside (the City) and the Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD) for implementation of Crown Heights Mural Project; and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreements upon receipt of all supporting documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On September 25, 2024, the City Council approved an allocation from the FY 2024-2025 Measure X Youth Services operating budget to fund a proposal from Lifeline Community Services (Lifeline) for a mural project in the Crown Heights community to be installed on a cement block wall owned by OUSD at the rear of Oceanside High School (OHS) (Refer to Attachment B). Previously, on January 24, 2024, the City Council approved an Energy Services contract with ENGIE Services U.S., which includes a Community Engagement Service component which requires the company to work with City staff in the development and launching of a community mural design challenge and then assist with the installation of said mural. The ENGIE contract initially envisioned a mural project at John Landes. However, the John Landes mural was completed prior to ENGIE’s involvement so its obligation has shifted to the Crown Heights Community Mural Project.
Opportunities for the installation of new murals on publicly-owned buildings and walls within the Crown Heights community are limited as a result of prior mural projects. As a result, City staff approached OUSD for the opportunity to utilize a large block wall facing Center Street at the south end of Oceanside High School. This wall has been the target of repeated graffiti in the Crown Heights community. With its location adjacent to the Crown Heights Community Center, the wall represents an opportunity for neighborhood beautification and to showcase community pride and identity.
On November 12, 2024, the OUSD School Board approved a MOU with the City that identifies the roles and responsibility between City and OUSD during three phases of the mural project. Per the terms of the MOU, the City would be responsible for overseeing the design, installation and long-term maintenance of the mural. OUSD would allow murals to be painted on its block wall and reserves the right to review and approve the mural content. Refer to Attachment A for the specific terms of the MOU.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Final design of the Crown Heights Community Mural Project will be presented to the Arts Commission before installation.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been approved by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Maria Yanez, Housing Administrator
Reviewed by: Leilani Hines, Housing & Neighborhood Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. Attachment A - MOU
3. Attachment B - Mural PSA