TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MARCH 24, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
GARNER HOUSE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CLAREMONT HERITAGE AND THE CLAREMONT COURIER
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SUMMARY
The City of Claremont has leased the Garner House to Claremont Heritage since 2002, following the relocation of the Recreation and Human Services Department to the Alexander Hughes Community Center. Under the lease, Claremont Heritage serves as the lead tenant and may sublease portions of the house to non-profit organizations, subject to City Council approval.
In 2024, Claremont Heritage requested City Council consideration of a one-year sublease with the Claremont Courier, which has since expired. Claremont Heritage is now requesting consideration of a new three-year sublease with the Claremont Courier for the same portions of the Garner House.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council review and approve the new three-year sublease agreement between Claremont Heritage and the Claremont Courier and authorize the City Manager to sign in consent of the agreement.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Reject the recommendation.
B. Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
There is no financial impact to the City of Claremont as a result of the sublease between Claremont Heritage and the Claremont Courier.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this agreement is estimated at $2,044 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Background
In January 1997, the City Council approved a Future Use Plan for the Garner House in preparation of the transition of the Human Services Department from the Garner House to the Alexander Hughes Community Center in June 2001. The Future Use Plan called for Claremont Heritage to be the lead tenant in the Garner House and to manage its operations. The City maintained ownership, while Claremont Heritage assumed the day-to-day management of the facility. The intent of the original facility use agreement with Claremont Heritage was to provide a center for cultural and historical activities for the community through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
The existing ten-year lease between the City of Claremont and Claremont Heritage was approved by the City Council at its meeting on December 14, 2021, and has an expiration date of December 31, 2031.
Proposed Sublease
The proposed sublease between Claremont Heritage and the Claremont Courier is for three years, from April 2026 through April 2029, and would include the following spaces: the den, dressing room, and sleeping porch all of which are located on the second floor of the house. The Claremont Courier would also have access to the living room, kitchen, and courtyard for meetings with prior notification. The Claremont Courier will be paying $800 per month to Claremont Heritage for its use of the space and all the terms of the lease are spelled out in the proposed sublease agreement.
The new sublease will also allow for an annual adjustment in conjunction with the June-to-June change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County area, plus three percent.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Economic Sustainability Plan, General Plan, and the 2024-26 City Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:
Melissa Vollaro
Recreation and Human Services Director
Attachment:
Sublease Agreement between Claremont Heritage and the Claremont Courier