AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2025-64R, approving a ten-year lease agreement with Calaboose African American History Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, for the lease of the Cephas House located at 217 West Martin Luther King Drive; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute said lease agreement; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: April 1, 2025
Department: Public Works
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 April 18, 2023 staff provided City Council a work session presentation regarding the development of a standardized Facility Lease Agreement Template for Non-profits. This presentation included the condition of City facilities, the outreach conducted with the Non-profits, an assessment of known facility lease issues and recommendations to maximize community services through the use of a standardized Facility Lease Agreement Template. Council direction was for staff to proceed with negotiating facility lease agreements utilizing a ten-year lease term and a maintenance threshold of $2,000 for any single maintenance item or repair. The Non-profit is responsible for minor repairs/maintenance under the threshold and the City is responsible for repairs/maintenance that meets or exceeds the $2,000.
Staff has met with representatives of the Calaboose African American History Museum, a 501 (c)(3) organization, on several occasions to discuss the terms of the Facility Lease agreement for the lease of the Cephas House located at 217 West Martin Luther King Drive. The Lease Agreement on this agenda for Council consideration was unanimously approved by the Board of the Calaboose African American History Museum on March 6, 2025
The Facility Lease Agreement Template provides each Non-profit with standardized terms, clarity of maintenance or repair responsibilities and a ten-year lease term for the agreement. The Facility Lease Agreement Template provides the City with quarterly financial & performance reports from the Non-profit and clearly states the public purpose which the Non-profit is providing the community.
Information provided by the Calaboose African American History Museum:
Mission Statement:
Our museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and culture through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, we inspire curiosity, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of our shared heritage.
Vision Statement:
To be a vibrant cultural hub where history comes to life, fostering a sense of connection, learning, and pride in our past while inspiring future generations.
The Cephas House is committed to engaging the community through interactive tours, educational programs, and collaborative events that celebrate our shared history. We actively partner with local schools, organizations, and city initiatives to foster cultural appreciation and lifelong learning. By serving as a gathering place for exploration and dialogue, we aim to strengthen community connections and contribute to the enrichment of our city’s cultural landscape.
Ulysses Cephas was a Blacksmith and leader within the African American community in the Dunbar neighborhood of San Marcos. This neighborhood was home to many influential residents, including composer Eddie Durham who pioneered many of the elements of jazz and swing music from the 1930s to the 1950s. In response from residents of this neighborhood, who expressed concerns about the loss of many of the original and historic properties in this neighborhood, the city of San Marcos purchased the home with funds from the Community Development Block Grant and began efforts to restore the home.
The effort to preserve the home began with residents of San Marcos, such as the late Johnnie Armstead. Armstead's legacy lives on across the street from this home, as his Calaboose African American History Museum. The home can serve a number of purposes, including as an annex for the museum, a place to house art courses and host cultural events, and as community meeting space for events within the Dunbar Neighborhood.
This Cephas House is available for reservation by the public, government entities, nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations. To preserve the integrity of these historic buildings and the artifacts they contain, use of these spaces is reserved for meetings, discussions, readings, civic activities and special gatherings. The facilities are not to be used for religious services or political activities, no proselytizing or campaigning for office is allowed. These are not spaces for parties or showers and no alcohol is allowed.
Operational Hours
Facility is open on an “as needed” basis. This facility is made available on an hourly basis to nonprofit and private organizations including the City of San Marcos for meetings and special events.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.