Board of County Commissioners
Agenda Request
Date of Meeting: |
August 4, 2008 |
|
|
Date Submitted: |
July 18, 2008 |
|
|
To: |
Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board |
|
|
From: |
Benjamin H. Pingree, County Administrator
Jennifer Langston, Special Projects Coordinator |
|
|
Subject: |
Board Consideration of Extending User Agreement Between the Board & Wakulla County Historical Society (WCHS) for Use of the Old Jail Facility, and an Update on the Restoration of the Old Jail Facility |
Statement of Issue:
This agenda item requests Board consideration to extend the user agreement with the Wakulla County Historical Society (WCHS) to utilize the Old Jail facility through May 18, 2018. Additionally, an update will be presented by WCHS on the restoration status of the Old Jail facility.
Background:
The Board approved for the Wakulla County Historical Society, Inc. (WCHS) to utilize the Old Jail facility in 1998 by Resolution 98-19 (Attachment #1) for a minimum of 10 years.
The WCHS has existed since 1992, with its purpose to accumulate and preserve historical artifacts, archives and family genealogies pertinent to the residents of Wakulla County. The resolution stated that WCHS had a need of a building to exhibit and store items of historical significance. The resolution provided for the Old Jail be rented to the WCHS for the purpose of creating a museum, storage, and restoration facility for a $1 dollar per year, and that the facility be made available for a minimum of 10 years. The resolution further resolved that the occupancy and operation of the facility would be delegated to the County Administrator, who would deal with the officers of the WCHS.
Funding
The WCHS has applied for funding since 1999, primarily to the Department of State. Since that time, funding has not been received in every year. In such years, no progress was made toward the restoration of the facility. Prior grant funding has been in the form of small matching funds, to improve the aesthetics of the Old Jail facility.
On May 10, 2007, the Board authorized a letter of support to accompany the grant application pledging $20,000 as a match to be included as part of the FY 2008-2009 budget process. The letter also included waiving permitting fees for the restoration project.
The State did not fund any historic preservation projects in the 2008-2009 legislative session. However, the Department of State has allowed for those ranked projects to roll-over to the next cycle for consideration in FY 2009-1010. WCHS is requesting clarification from the Department of State on whether a new authorization of financial support is necessary or whether the previous statement of support can be updated with today’s date.
If funded next year, support from the County (contingent upon appropriation) would be in the fiscal years 2009/10 and 2010/11, $10,000 each year respectively. Any intention of support, in writing, has to be submitted by August 10, 2008.
The County does not provide recurring funding to the WCHS. To date, the WCHS has privately obtained funding for restoration of the Old Jail facility, and continues to actively apply for funding. Volunteers are utilized for additional assistance with the restoration efforts.
Analysis:
The Resolution as described above was authorized in 1998 and has now expired. This agenda item requests the Board to consider a modified Resolution to re-authorize an extension allowing the WCHS to utilize the Old Jail facility for an additional 10 years. The proposed Resolution is to more accurately reflect the current situation.
Options:
- Adopt Proposed Resolution.
- Do not adopt Proposed Resolution.
- Board direction.
Recommendation:
Option #1
Attachment(s):
- Resolutions 98-19.
- Proposed Resolution.
BHP/jcl
