CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to Seattle Parks and Recreation; authorizing an Operations and Management Agreement between The City of Seattle, a Washington State municipal corporation, by and through Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Downtown Business Improvement Association, a Washington State nonprofit corporation, to enter into an operation and management agreement for activation and programming services at Bell St. Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Square and Westlake Park; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
body
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XI of the City Charter, the Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) Superintendent has the responsibility for operation and control of the parks and recreation system of the City; and
WHEREAS, since 2006, SPR has partnered with the downtown community to carry out the Downtown Parks Task Force’s recommendations to employ programming and events to deter negative activity and bring positive uses to downtown parks; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) is an experienced nonprofit organization, and a long-standing partner with SPR to create safe and lively downtown public parks; and
WHEREAS, SPR and DBIA are focused on making downtown Seattle a great place to live, work, shop and play through public realm management, economic development, and marketing; and
WHEREAS, after a one-year pilot in 2015/2016 with DBIA to significantly increase activation of Westlake Park and Occidental Square proved successful; and
WHEREAS, in December 2015, DBIA was selected through a competitive RFP process; and
WHERAS, upon mutual agreement as set forth in this ordinance, DBIA will work in collaboration with SPR for activation, programming, and coordination services to ensure Bell St. Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Square, and Westlake Park are operated effectively and efficiently to increase opportunities for positive public use and enjoyment of these parks; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the renewal of SPR’s agreement with DBIA for several years; and
WHEREAS, SPR’s 2020-2032 Strategic Plan and surrounding community engagement continue to underscore the need for safe, engaging and inviting public spaces in Seattle’s downtown core, with activities that are innovative, are equitable, and support the department’s mission and values; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council (“Council”) finds and declares that:
A. Seattle Parks and Recreation ran a competitive RFP in December 2015 seeking a partner to activate, program and ensure safe and welcoming downtown parks.
B. The Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) was the only entity that had the expertise, qualifications, and interest at that time.
C. No other organizations have approached the City with an interest or ability to provide these services and/or have a proven track record with the relevant experience, expertise, and success in activating and programming downtown parks.
D. Additionally, DBIA has the unique experience of successfully rebuilding downtown park activities and programs to welcome back Seattle residents to these critical public spaces after the pandemic.
Section 2. The Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, or the Superintendent’s designee, is authorized to execute, between The City of Seattle and DBIA Services, a Washington nonprofit corporation, an agreement substantially in the form attached to this ordinance as Attachment 1 to operate and manage Bell St. Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Square and Westlake Park. The Superintendent is further authorized to execute such other agreements necessary and desirable to carry out DBIA Services activation and management of Bell St. Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Square, and Westlake Park consistent with this ordinance.
Section 3. Any act consistent with the authority of this ordinance taken prior to its effective date is ratified and confirmed.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within 10 days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2023, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
____________________________________
President ____________ of the City Council
Approved / returned unsigned / vetoed this _____ day of _________________, 2023.
____________________________________
Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
____________________________________
Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - DBIA Operations and Management Agreement