TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tom Kisela, Interim City Manager
1. Subject
title
License agreement with the California Fire Museum to operate a fire department history museum at the Old Fire Headquarters facility located at 176 South Grand Street.
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2. Summary
On April 8, 2025, the City Council received a presentation from the California Fire Museum. The presentation focused on the California Fire Museum’s proposed use of the Old Fire Headquarters as a fire department history museum. After hearing the presentation, the City Council directed staff to develop an agreement so the California Fire Museum may operate a fire department history museum at the Old Fire Headquarters on a temporary basis. The proposed license agreement authorizes this use pursuant to the City Council direction.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Approve the license agreement with the California Fire Museum to operate a fire department history museum on a temporary basis at 176 South Grand Street; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 3: Enhance Public Communication Strategy and Quality of Life.
6. Discussion and Background
On April 8, 2025, the Orange City Council received a presentation from the California Fire Museum on their proposal to operate a fire department history museum at the Old Fire Headquarters (Old Fire HQ) located at 176 South Grand Street. After hearing the presentation, the City Council directed staff to bring back an agreement that would authorize the California Fire Museum to operate at the Old Fire HQ on a temporary basis.
Staff worked with the California Fire Museum to develop a one-year license agreement with the main tenants including:
• That the California Fire Museum will assume all risk and accept the Old Fire HQ in its “As is,” “Where is,” and “With all faults” condition.
• That the California Fire Museum shall bear full responsibility for routine maintenance and reasonable improvements to ensure public safety and accessibility.
• That the California Fire Museum must indemnify the City against any claim, loss, damage, cause of action, expense, and liability.
• That the City must approve any proposed additions or alterations.
• That the California Fire Museum will be responsible for all utilities and trash removal.
• That the California Fire Museum will be responsible for securing the facility and locking all doors.
• That any operation resulting in a public nuisance must be avoided.
• That both parties may terminate the agreement with 60-day notice.
• That the Orange Police Department may utilize the Old Fire HQ for staging equipment and personnel during special events (e.g., the Orange International Street Fair).
Pursuant to City Council direction, staff recommends the City Council approve the one-year license agreement with the California Fire Museum, authorizing the use of the Old Fire HQ to operate a fire department history museum.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement with California Fire Museum