LB Area Council Scout Executive John Fullerton tells LBReport.com

LB Area Council Scout Executive John Fullerton tells LBReport.com that although board meetings aren't usually open, "if there are people who'd like to come to observe and receive information, they're welcome"...with the following caveats in mind.

Mr. Fullerton noted that the meeting location (Boy Scout Sea Base 5875 Appian Way adjacent to LB Yacht Club) has limited space for the 7:30 a.m. meeting (and the Scout board has up to 40 boardmembers if they all choose to attend)...and there's only so-much room in the meeting room.

He said that although there won't be public comment at the board meeting, there will be at least two public meetings scheduled thereafter [no matter how the board votes; it could vote to approve, or not approve the committee's recommendation; or a boardmember could make some other motion] to get public input on the best course(s) of action and possible alternatives to pursue.

Mr. Fullerton stressed that the June 2 vote won't be a vote to sell the property but to begin a process that could put it on the market (there's no buyer currently). "In the meantime, if we can come up with a viable plan -- a truly viable alternative -- then I think there'd be support for it," he said.

Mr. Fullerton said the situation has been developing for some time. "Back in the 1950s and 60s, we had roughly 11,000 youth involved (for the LB Area Council which serves Bellflower, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon). Today (at the end of last year), that figure was down to about 4,500. In 1971, we had 12,000 individual users of Will J. Reid for programs (an even larger number if one includes meetings on site). Last year, in same category, we had only about 3,700...and over half of that number came from Scout Councils outside our area or from other groups, so membership to support type of facility and usage have declined greatly and our ability to make payments has declined."

Mr. Fullerton said the LB Area Council has had two years of consecutive deficits...and national scouting officials have put LB on notice that if it can't show financial sustainability, there's a chance the LB Charter may not be renewed...and in that case the LB Area Council would be absorbed by Greater LA Council or OC Council...and neither have use for Will J. Reid Scout Park, he said.

He also noted that the OC Boy Scouts have opened up two new properties in the last five years...and while they require a drive from LB (including Oso Lake, roughly 45 minutes), they offer new facilities beyond the scope of Will J. Reid.

Mr. Fullerton added, "Many of our boardmembers camped at Will J. Reid when they were kids. Others have camped there recently with their kids. This board isn't some group of disengaged people; they're very engaged on this...and nobody wants to see the camp close."

He added, "If the board approves putting the property on the market, it will start a lengthy process. It would enable us to be prepared that if and when the market comes around to have a better price when people would look at the property. And in the meantime, we'll have public meetings to see if there are viable alternatives."