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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-City Administrator CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION From: Fred Wilson, 0 R,' ~.., 'w'~ L City Administrator . j, i Subject: Authorize establishment of a non-profit foundation, "Friends of the Depot", in support of the Santa Fe Depot. Dept: City Administrator's Office Date: October 9, 2001 Synopsis of Previous Council Action: None Recommended motion: That the establishment of a non-profit foundation, "Friends of the Depot", be ,,">o',ed ;" '"ooort of the Sa"'" Fe Depot. ~ Signature Contact person: Jan Wages Phone: 5122 Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: 1 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: None Source: (Accl. No.) (Accl. Description). Finance: Council Notes: Agenda Item No. ~ 11/5/0} CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Staff Report Subject: Authorize the establishment of a non-profit foundation in support of the Santa Fe Depot, to be known as "Friends of the Depot". Background: The City of San Bernardino has committed to restoring its historic Santa Fe Depot. In 1999, an architect was retained to prepare preliminary plans, specifications and estimates for the rehabilitation, seismic retrofit and adaptive reuse of the Depot. In late 2000, work began on the final design and engineering. Construction is expected to begin in January 2002. Formation of a non-profit foundation, Friends of the Depot, is an integral part of the success of the restored Depot. The non-profit organization will be established for the specific purposes of (I) aiding, sponsoring, promoting, advancing and assisting in the provision of services at the restored Santa Fe Depot; and (2) to receive, invest and utilize funds acquired through dues, donations, grants, gifts, bequests and solicitations in support of the Santa Fe Depot. The foundation will provide the following [mancial advantages: · a mechanism to compete for foundation and corporate grants that are restricted to non-profits · provide an incentive to prospective donors through tax deductible contributions to the Depot · provide a reduced postal rate for bulk mailings · Assist in meeting some of the financial needs at the Depot for which current resources cannot provide. It is anticipated that members of the Friends of the Depot organization will provide enhanced public recognition and understanding about the department, its goals and its needs. The following is a summary of possible roles/functions of the Friends of the Depot: · Produce a newsletter (perhaps every other month). Topics could include the status of the restoration project; news regarding Depot tenants such as Amtrak, Metrolink, etc.; articles regarding "Memories of the Depot" by former Santa Fe employees and/or area residents; status of improvements to the Depot area, such as the Mt. Vernon Bridge; and announcements regarding Friends of the Depot activities. · Work cooperatively with the San Bernardino Historical Society and the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. · Provide an important opportunity for Railroad retirees and others to be involved in the reuse of the Depot. . Host periodic social events in the restored Depot, such as dinner dances and/or cocktail receptions. These could be held in partnership with the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. The goal of these events would be to expose more area residents to the beautiful Depot, provide a type of "reunion" event for residents of the Santa Fe Depot area, and perhaps raise funds for the Friends group. These could be held in conjunction with other major events in the City, such as Route 66 and events at the California Theater. . Develop a Depot Historic Tour program, staffed by volunteers. Tours could be offered to school groups and other groups by appointment, both during the week and on weekends. Friends of the Depot would recruit, train, schedule, and otherwise equip volunteers to lead these tours. The organization would work closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to market these tours. . Host quarterly or semi-annual membership meetings, with special guest speakers. . Raise funds for additional improvements to the Deport and/or the Depot area, such as additional landscaping, displays of historic Depot and/or Santa Fe memorabilia, etc. Funds could also be used -to offset any costs of the Historic Tour program, such as volunteer uniforms and/or printing of educational materials. . Provide seasonal displays and decorations, such as Christmas/holiday trees, spring/summer plantings of seasonal flowers around the entrance of the Depot, etc. The establishment of a non-profit foundation associated with the Santa Fe Depot will greatly enhance the utilization of the restored historic Depot. Upon receipt of authority from the Mayor and Common Council to establish the non-profit foundation, Staff shall prepare and file the necessary documentation with the State of California. The Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Mayor. Financial Impact: None. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution.