TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Approval of a new license agreement with the California Fire Museum to continue operating a fire department history museum at the Old Orange City Fire Department Headquarters 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 regarding its proposal to use the Old Fire Headquarters as a fire department history museum. Following the presentation, the City Council approved a one-year license agreement authorizing the temporary use of the facility. The existing license agreement expires on July 22, 2026. The California Fire Museum has requested that the City Council approve a new license agreement that extends its occupancy by establishing a new one-year term under substantially the same terms and conditions as the current agreement.
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 6: Ensure the Historic Preservation of Resources
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. The City Council approved the initial one-year license agreement on July 22, 2025.
The California Fire Museum has requested that the City enter into a new license agreement to continue its occupancy of the Old Fire HQ. The proposed agreement establishes a new one-year term while otherwise maintaining the same material terms and conditions as the current agreement, including the City's right to terminate the agreement upon 60 days' written notice.
As the City Council considers this request, staff notes that on June 9, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 11698 declaring this property, among others, as surplus, thereby initiating the Surplus Land Act (SLA) process. While the ultimate disposition of the property has not yet been determined, the SLA process is expected to take time to complete. Approving a new one-year license agreement would allow the California Fire Museum to continue operating on a temporary basis while the City gains a better understanding of the outcome of the SLA process. The proposed agreement also preserves the City's flexibility by allowing either party to terminate the agreement upon 60 days' written notice.
Additionally, while the City and the California Fire Museum have taken steps to improve the Old Fire HQ, the facility remains largely vacant with ongoing maintenance issues that need to be addressed to ensure the visiting public’s safety.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Agreement with the California Fire Museum