AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-215R, authorizing staff to negotiate the conveyance of the Mitchell Center, located at 715 Valley Street, to The Calaboose African American History Museum for no monetary compensation, but subject to covenants running with the land that the property be used for a public non-profit purpose; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute all documents consistent with this resolution as necessary to complete the conveyance of said property on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: November 6, 2024
Department: Public Works / City Manager’s Office
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: NA
Account Number: NA
Funds Available: NA
Account Name: NA
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
On March 19, 2024 City Council directed staff to prepare and post a Request for Proposals by which the Mitchell Center would be conveyed to a non-profit organization. On September 5, 2024, the City received six (6) proposals in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Mitchell Center Conveyance, #224-232.
A City-staffed evaluation team evaluated all submissions based on the criteria stated in the RFP and unanimously selected The Calaboose African American History Museum to be awarded conveyance of the Mitchell Center located at 715 Valley Street in San Marcos, Texas. On October 15, 2024 staff provided City Council a presentation on the outcomes of the RFP and Council’s direction was to proceed with the conveyance of the Mitchell Center to the Calaboose African American History Museum.
The Calaboose African American History Museum, which is a local non-profit entity, intends to use the facility to create an immersive and expanded museum experience that will serve as a vital cultural and educational hub for the San Marcos community, particularly the Dunbar neighborhood. By relocating and expanding its exhibits to the Mitchell Center, the Museum can positively reclaim the cultural significance of the historic Calaboose building, offering a more comprehensive interpretation of its history alongside that of the Historic Hays County Jail.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
Retain the Mitchell Center as city property.
Recommendation:
Approve conveyance of the Mitchell Center to The Calaboose African American History Museum.