Nonprofits allowed continued use of city property

Watts questions lease amount for Amberly’s Place

Two nonprofits will be able to continue serving the community from city properties, according to agreements approved by the Yuma City Council during a Sept. 4 meeting.

However, one council member seemed surprised that the city didn’t give the nonprofits a break in the rent amount.

The Amberly’s Place Thrift Shoppe operates a retail store from the city’s property at 812 S. Avenue A, which is also the location for the delivery of limited family advocacy services. Amberly’s Place has a crisis team that helps abuse victims in Yuma County and parts of Imperial County.

The Catholic Community Services, with seven full-time employees, operates the Senior Nutrition Program out of the North End Community Center, 160 E. 1st St. This program is comprised of two components, the Congregate Meals Program and the Home Delivered Meals Program.

Under the approved agreement, Amberly’s Place leases the city property for an initial term of 12 months starting on Aug. 15. The lease amount for the city property is $1,215 per month. CCS pays the city $1 annually for the use of the center.

During a Sept. 3 work session, Councilwoman Karen Watts questioned the lease amount paid by Amberly’s Place and asked if any other nonprofits get a break and pay $1 per month. “I was just wondering, for a nonprofit, is that usual for the lease amount per month to be that much?”

Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton did not say whether other nonprofits get a break, but he explained that Amberly’s Place has run its thrift store from the city property for several years and always paid the market rate.

“We treat them all the same. I understand it’s a nonprofit, and that’s something we can look at. We’ve had a great working relationship with Amberly’s Place, and they have not objected to this,” Simonton said.

He then added that the city takes care of the maintenance. “The AC went out this summer, and the city replaced that. The rent goes towards making sure its maintained for their use,” he said.

The property includes a retail building and parking facilities. A staff report notes that renewing the lease agreement allows Amberly’s Place to continue its existing operations “in the public interest of the city and represents a benefit to the public by generating rental revenue for the city and the creation of opportunity for the delivery of important community services.”

The five-year agreement with Catholic Community Services allows the continued use of the city’s North End Community Center, where CCS employees prepare and serve a light breakfast and lunch five days a week to at-risk seniors and adults with

disabilities. In fiscal year 2018-2019, CCS prepared and served nearly 35,000 meals at the center.

CCS employees also prepare and package meals for delivery to homebound seniors and disabled adults in the greater Yuma County area. In fiscal year 20182019 CCS prepared and delivered more than 53,000 meals out of the center.

CCS also provides individuals who visit the center with educational, lifestyle and health-related programs as well as physical activities and entertainment opportunities. A community garden was established at the center and is actively managed and worked by program participants.

The garden “serves as an important source of physical activity, social interaction and sense of purpose

to the at-risk community served by CCS,” a staff report states.

CCS has operated out of the center for many years, under similar terms and conditions as indicated in the approved five-year agreement, a staff report notes.