HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-2026 Grant Agreement for the Establishment of Community Mediation Services with CDRSLO
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated ____________________________ for the convenience of the parties
hereto, is between the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, a chartered municipal corporation (referred
to herein as CITY), and the Center for Dispute Resolution at San Luis Obispo College of Law
(referred to herein as GRANTEE).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, GRANTEE requested $30,000 from the CITY in one-time start-up funds to establish
a new community mediation center (the “Activities”) following the unexpected and sudden closure
of Creative Mediation in June 2025 which greatly diminished the community’s access to free and
low-cost dispute resolution services; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2026, the City Council agreed to contribute $10,000 to support
GRANTEE’s request; and
WHEREAS, the Activities proposed by GRANTEE upon development of the community mediation
center would help fill the resource gap left by the loss of Creative Mediation; and
WHEREAS, the Activities further the priorities of the City Council and neighborhood wellness
through the establishment of services that will be available to residents of the City, thereby
serving both a public and municipal purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, CITY and GRANTEE for and in consideration of the mutual benefits,
promises, and agreements set forth herein, do agree as follows:
1. The Request submitted by the GRANTEE on March 1, 2026, is incorporated into this
agreement by reference and attached as Exhibit A. The specific scope of work for
which funding may be used is set forth in Exhibit C.
2. GRANTEE is and shall at all times remain as to the CITY a wholly independent
contractor. Any persons performing the Activities under this Agreement on behalf of
GRANTEE shall at all times be under GRANTEE'S exclusive direction and control.
Neither CITY nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the
conduct of GRANTEE or any persons performing the Activities under this Agreement
on behalf of GRANTEE. GRANTEE shall not at any time or in any manner represent
that it or any persons performing the Activities under this Agreement on behalf of
GRANTEE are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the CITY.
3. Government Code §1097.6: GRANTEE’s duties and services under this agreement
shall not include preparing or assisting the CITY with any portion of the CITY’s
preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other
solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with the CITY. CITY shall at
all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any
subsequent phase of this project. GRANTEE’s participation in the planning,
discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to
conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications. GRANTEE shall cooperate
with the CITY to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent
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phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual,
preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by GRANTEE pursuant to this
agreement.
4. GRANTEE hereby certifies and agrees that the Activities will promote and advance
equitable treatment to all members of the CITY community, in which all persons can
enjoy equal rights and opportunities without regard to race, religion, sex, national
origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
5. GRANTEE agrees that all grant funds must be used solely for activities and purposes
that are specifically approved in this Agreement, as set forth in Exhibit C and in
accordance with Section 6 below, or as otherwise approved in advance in writing by
the CITY.
Grant funds may NOT be used for:
• Advancing, campaigning, advocating, promotion, or highlighting political
entities, ballot measures, initiatives, or candidates.
• Advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting any religious causes,
entities, individuals, or activities. Additionally, grant funds may not be used
for the purpose of disseminating religious information in any form.
• Activities that result in profit or personal financial gain.
• Payment of CITY fees, permits, or fines.
• Personal expenses not directly related to the approved project.
• Payment in the form of stipends, honoraria, or similar direct payments to
individuals.
Any funds spent outside of the approved scope of work or in violation of these
restrictions may be deemed unallowable and subject to repayment to the
CITY.
6. GRANTEE will scope their Request in proportion to the amount of funding received,
if not equal to the funding requested, so that the Request’s impacts are proportional
to the funding received.
7. GRANTEE agrees to acknowledge the support of the CITY in promotional and public-
facing materials related to the funded program. This acknowledgment shall include
the use of the City’s standardized emblem, which will be provided by the CITY upon
request.
8. GRANTEE agrees that within ten (10) calendar days of the effective date of this
Agreement, GRANTEE shall add the following statement to the homepage of its
organization and/or program website(s), if any: “Any activities supported by the City
of San Luis Obispo funds are open and accessible to all otherwise qualified members
of the public and without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual
orientation, age, or disability.” The same statement shall also appear on a clearly
visible “About,” “Funding,” or equivalent informational page(s) of the website. The
statement shall be displayed prominently and may not be modified, except for
formatting necessary to align with the website’s design. Failure to comply with this
requirement within the specified timeframe may be considered a breach of this
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Agreement and cause for termination as stated below. GRANTEE shall send proof of
added language to program administrator within the agreed upon time.
9. GRANTEE agrees to hold CITY harmless and to defend CITY against, from, and in
any claim, action, proceeding, or hearing wherein there is an allegation charging
liability on the part of the CITY as a result of any act or omission, negligent or
otherwise, by GRANTEE.
10. CITY agrees to pay GRANTEE a one-time only grant, in the sum of $10,000, to be
used for the Activities as described in Exhibit C and in accordance with this
Agreement. The grant will be paid in one installment upon receipt of a fully executed
contract. GRANTEE agrees that all funds awarded under this Agreement shall be
expended within one (1) year of the date of execution of this Agreement. Any funds
not expended within this period shall be returned to the CITY unless otherwise
approved in writing by the CITY.
11. GRANTEE agrees to retain all financial and programmatic records related to the use
of CITY grant funds for a minimum of five (5) years following the completion of the
grant period. The CITY reserves the right to audit grant expenditures and
documentation to ensure compliance with this Agreement.
12. GRANTEE will provide CITY with final program report, which will be due within twenty
(20) days of the last date of the grant period which will summarize any administrative,
financial, and performance outcomes related to the Activities. Said reports shall be in
the form provided by the CITY as described in Exhibit B. Failure to provide required
reports on time may result in disqualification from future CITY grant programs for a
period of up to two (2) years and may require repayment of unexpended or improperly
used funds to the CITY.
13. The CITY may terminate this agreement if 1) the funds appropriated for these
Activities are no longer available, or 2) upon GRANTEE’S breach of this Agreement,
including but not limited to failure to complete the Activities, failure to submit required
reporting, or use of grant funds for an unlawful or unpermitted purpose or for a
purpose other than furtherance of the Activities. Upon GRANTEE’S alleged breach, if
curable, CITY shall notify GRANTEE in writing of the breach. If GRANTEE fails to
cure the breach within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the notice, this Agreement
shall be terminated.
13.1 If the Agreement is terminated due to GRANTEE’S breach, any funds not
expended by GRANTEE in performance of the Activities at the time of termination,
and/or any funds expended improperly as discussed in this section or Section 5 shall
be returned to the CITY within ten (10) calendar days of said termination.
14. Any funds remaining unused by the last date of the grant period upon expiration of
the Agreement pursuant to Section 10, or upon the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 13 above, shall be returned to CITY within ten (10) calendar days
from the expiration or termination date of this Agreement. Should the CITY determine,
following expiration of the Agreement, that funds were expended improperly as
discussed in Section 5 or Section 13, such funds shall be returned to CITY within ten
(10) calendar days of notification to the GRANTEE.
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15.Intentionally omitted.
16.GRANTEE acknowledges and agrees that the CITY’s contribution is not necessarily
an endorsement of any statements, opinions, findings, or conclusions made in
GRANTEE’s Request or final report, and no such statements shall be attributed in
any way to the CITY. Further, CITY’s contribution is not necessarily an endorsement
of any actions GRANTEE may make, or of any statements or opinions GRANTEE
may express.
17.GRANTEE shall not assign or transfer this Agreement, or any portion thereof, without
prior written consent of the CITY.
18.GRANTEE agrees that this agreement may be amended only by written agreement
signed by both the CITY and the GRANTEE.
19.GRANTEE shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations,
and ordinances.
20.For purposes of notice under this Agreement, all notices shall be delivered
electronically via DocuSign or another City-approved electronic delivery or signature
platform. Such electronic delivery shall be deemed equivalent to certified mail for
purposes of official notice. Notices shall be considered effective upon transmission to
the following electronic addresses:
CITY:
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attn: Greg Hermann, Department Head - Administration
GRANTEE:
Center for Dispute Resolution at San Luis
Obispo College of Law
4119 Broad Street, #200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
ebaltodano@slolaw.org
(805) 322-3412
Attn: Erica Flores Baltodano
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement by their proper
officers duly authorized:
Grantee
By:
Erica Flores Baltodano, Campus Dean
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
By:
Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager – Administration
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
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To: City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: Advisory Board
Center for Dispute Resolution at San Luis Obispo College of Law
4119 Broad Street #200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attn: Mayor and City Council
Re: Response to Council Request for More Information Regarding CDRSLO Grant Funding
Request
March 1, 2026
Dear Mayor Stewart and Honorable City Council Members:
Thank you for your consideration and robust discussion regarding the grant request made by
the Center for Dispute Resolution at San Luis Obispo College of Law (CDRSLO) at the February
17th City Council meeting. We understand that the council would like more information about
the requested $30,000 for one-time funds to support the establishment of a new community
mediation center.
In order to begin providing services to community members, the first critical step for the new
mediation center is to hire a staff member who will provide the administrative oversight for
establishing necessary technology and physical infrastructure, developing a pool of trained
volunteer mediators, responding to RFPs to secure sustainable program funding, and facilitating
other preparations for program start up. The staffing costs as outlined in the Start-Up Budget
Estimate represent only the initial staffing costs to be incurred before programs are established
with ongoing contract funding streams.
The total costs for establishing the center, including both the initial pre-program staff expense
and other costs associated with preparing for program start up, are estimated at $89,718. The
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San Luis Obispo College of Law has offered to provide physical space, wifi and office supplies,
bringing the total needed down to $56,878.
The Center for Dispute Resolution is seeking the support of the City of San Luis Obispo as the
critical first partner to help offset these one-time costs. A contribution of $30,000 from the city
would allow for the following initial costs to be covered:
● Purchase of Staff Computer: $2,500
● Community Outreach (Digital and Print): $2,000
● Initial Insurance: $2,100
● Staffing, Specialized Training and [a portion of] Initial Salary: $23,400
Our hope is that other key partners, such as Cal Poly and Cuesta College, will join with the city
to help cover the remaining $26,878 needed, as outlined in the original request for grant
funding. Those additional costs include:
● IT, Website and Telephone: $20,450
● Remaining Portion of Initial Staff Salary: $6,428
In addition to seeking funding from key community partners to offset the one-time start-up
costs outlined above, the CDRSLO Advisory Board has been working to establish a network of
philanthropic supporters from the community to develop a sustainable funding mix that will
lead to a successful, sustainable community mediation center that can serve our community for
decades to come. As you know, developing relationships with private donors requires
stewardship over time, and the dividends of these efforts will take time to come to fruition.
Onboarding a staff member to serve as the hub of the wheel from an administrative perspective
is sure to accelerate these efforts.
We want to deeply thank the city for considering this request to play a critical role in supporting
the re-establishment of this essential community resource. Our volunteer advisory board is
committed to seeing this project through, as we know firsthand how vital conflict resolution
services have been to our community. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
CDRSLO Advisory Board Members
Lisa Sperow
President/CEO
Monterey College of Law
lsperow@montereylaw.edu
(831) 717-7290
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Erica Flores Baltodano
Campus Dean
San Luis Obispo College of Law
ebaltodano@slolaw.org
(805) 322-3412
Dena Dowsett
Assistant Dean of Market Development
Monterey College of Law
ddowsett@slolaw.org
(831) 233-9861
Nicolina Galante
Community Mediator/Former Division Manager at Creative Mediation
nicolinagalante@gmail.com
Samantha Watkins
Former Director, Creative Mediation
Mediator/Owner
Solve Consulting and Mediation, LLC
sam@solvecm.com
(805) 440-3154
Steffanie Medina
Former Director, Creative Mediation
Mediator/Owner, Flow LLC
steff@flow-llc.com
(805) 202-8539
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Jason Mockford
Senior Director, Leadership & Service
California Polytechnic State University
jmockfor@calpoly.edu
(805) 756-5457
Kelly Donohue
Former Community Mediator
kdonohuedesign@gmail.com
(310) 666-8013
Attachments: Start-Up Budget Estimates
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Center for Dispute Resolution at the San Luis Obispo College of Law
Start-Up Budget Estimates
Expense Budget
IT, Website and Telephone
● Initial expense to establish dedicated phone line
● Purchase of case management software
● Initial expense to develop cloud-based file sharing
● Initial expense to establish video conferencing subscription
● Development of Interactive website
20,450
Tech Equipment
● Staff computer
2,500
Community Outreach
● Materials and Print Services
● Social Media
2,000
Insurance
● Initial installment to establish Professional Liability and Workplace
coverage
2,100
Staffing
● Hiring Costs
● Salary for director (anticipated 0.7 FTE)
● Specialized training in community mediation
29,828
SLO College of Law In-Kind Investment
● Designated Office Space
● Conference Room
● Caucus Rooms
● Training Rooms
● Wifi
● Photocopier and Scanner
● Office Furniture and Supplies
● Administrative Support and Overhead
32,840
Anticipated Start Up Expenses $89,718.00
SLO College of Law In-Kind Investment ($32,840.00)
Funds Needed $56,878.00
Requested Grant Monies from City of SLO $30,000.00
Additional Funds to be Raised through Private Donor Fundraising and
Contributions from other Key Community Partners (Cal Poly, Cuesta, etc.)
$26,878.00
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Exhibit B
Reporting Guidelines
GRANTEES receiving funds through the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO are required to submit a
final program report to the CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, to their program administrator.
Each report must include the following four sections:
1. Administrator’s Report
A summary of services, programs, or activities provided (as described in Exhibit A). This
section should include:
• Any updates or changes to operations or service delivery.
• Barriers or challenges faced and how they were addressed.
• Any partnerships, collaborations, or community engagement efforts that enhanced
inclusion or belonging.
• Success stories, testimonials, or examples that illustrate community impact.
2. Financial Report
Provide a clear accounting of how the City’s grant funds were used or are planned to be
used. Report must include:
• A breakdown of expenditures by category (e.g., staffing, outreach, materials, events).
• Identification and explanation of any unused funds.
• Note: City grant funds may not be used for:
o Advancing, campaigning, advocating, promotion, or highlighting political entities,
ballot measures, initiatives, or candidates.
o Advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting any religious causes, entities,
individuals, or activities. Additionally, grant funds may not be used for the
purpose of disseminating religious information in any form.
o Activities that result in profit or personal financial gain.
o Payment for City fees or permits
o Personal expenses not directly related to the approved project
o Payment in the form of stipends, honoraria, or similar direct payments to
individuals.
3. Reflection & Impact
Please take a moment to reflect on your work and share insights:
• What outcomes or successes are you most proud of?
• What lessons or insights have you gained during this grant period?
• What additional support or resources could help strengthen your impact?
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Exhibit C
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO GRANT
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
GRANTEE ORGANIZATION: Center for Dispute Resolution at the San Luis Obispo College of
Law
ACTIVITY(IES): Establishment of a new community mediation center
Grant funding has been allocated specifically for the purpose(s) stated below:
• Purchase of Staff Computer: $250
• Community Outreach (Digital and Print): $500
• IT & Communications (a portion of case management software subscription, set-up, and
training costs and website design and CMS integration costs): $ 9,250
Any requests for modifications to the use of funds specified above must be approved in
advance by the CITY in writing.
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Exhibit D – Insurance Requirements
Without limiting GRANTEE’s indemnification of City, and prior to commencement of work,
GRANTEE shall obtain, provide, and maintain at its own expense during the term of this
Agreement, policies of insurance of the types and amounts described below and in a form that is
satisfactory to City.
General liability insurance. GRANTEE shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with
coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less
than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal
injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been
amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be
accepted.
Excess insurance. Should GRANTEE obtain and maintain an excess liability policy, such policy
shall be excess over commercial general liability, automobile liability, and/or employer’s liability
policies. Such policy or policies shall include wording that the excess liability policy follows the
terms and conditions of the underlying policies.
Workers’ compensation insurance. If applicable, GRANTEE shall maintain Workers’
Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at
least $1,000,000). GRANTEE shall submit to City, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver
of Subrogation endorsement in favor of City, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.
Additional insured status. General liability, automobile liability, and umbrella/excess liability
insurance policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that City and its officers, officials,
employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies.
Undisclosed coverage limitations are prohibited. None of the coverages required herein
shall comply with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any
kind that has not been first submitted to City and approved of in writing.
Notice of cancellation. GRANTEE agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers
to
provide the City with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for
which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage.
If any of the GRANTEE’s insurers are unwilling to provide such notice, then GRANTEE shall have
the responsibility of notifying the City immediately in the event of GRANTEE’s failure to renew
any
of the required insurance coverages or insurer’s cancellation or non-renewal.
Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional
insureds ensuring that GRANTEE’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against
whom
claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The
policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.
Pass through clause. GRANTEE agrees to ensure that its subconsultants, sub-grantees, and
any other party who is brought onto or involved in the project/service by GRANTEE (hereinafter
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collectively “sub-grantee”), provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements
required of GRANTEE. GRANTEE agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes
all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements
of this section. However, in the event GRANTEE’s sub-grantee cannot comply with this
requirement, which proof must be submitted to the City, GRANTEE shall be required to ensure
that its sub-grantee provide and maintain insurance coverage and endorsements sufficient to the
specific risk of exposure involved with sub-grantee’s scope of work and services, with limits less
than required of the GRANTEE, but in all other terms consistent with the GRANTEE’s
requirements under this agreement. This provision does not relieve the GRANTEE of its
contractual obligations under the agreement and/or limit its liability to the amount of insurance
coverage provided by its sub-grantees. This provision is intended solely to provide GRANTEE
with the ability to utilize a sub-grantee who may be otherwise qualified to perform the work or
services but may not carry the same insurance limits as required of the GRANTEE under this
agreement given the limited scope of work or services provided by the sub-grantee. GRANTEE
agrees that upon request, all agreements with sub-grantee, and others engaged in the project,
will be submitted to City for review.
City’s right to revise specifications. The City reserves the right at any time during
the term of the contract to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving the
GRANTEE ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in
substantial additional cost to the GRANTEE, the City and GRANTEE may renegotiate
GRANTEE’s compensation.
Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by City.
City reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated,
lowered, or replaced by a deductible, or require proof of ability to pay losses and related
investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention through
confirmation from the underwriter.
Timely notice of claims. GRANTEE shall give City prompt and timely notice of claims made
or suits instituted that arise out of or result from GRANTEE’s performance under this Agreement,
and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies.
Additional insurance. GRANTEE shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense,
any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper
protection and prosecution of the Work.
Verification of Coverage. GRANTEE shall furnish the City with a certificate of insurance showing
maintenance of the required insurance coverage, as well as endorsements affecting general
liability coverage. All endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work
commences.
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