Subject:
Title
Proposed renewal of agreement between the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, Inc. and the Town of Vienna for the operation of the W&OD Trail Vienna Railroad Station.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The proposed renewal of an agreement between the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, Inc. and the Town of Vienna for the operation of the W&OD Trial Vienna Railroad Station to maintain the current status of the operation and maintenance of the Vienna Railroad Station for another five (5) years.
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is the owner of the Vienna Railroad Station. The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders operate a model railroad and a railroad museum with in the nineteenth century Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) train station in the historic center of Vienna, Virginia on Dominion Drive and Ayr Hill Avenue. The Town of Vienna has an interest to benefit the public and to promote public interest in model railroading activities and railroad history, especially related to the W&OD Railroad.
The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders (NVMR) is a club of model railroading enthusiasts headquartered in the historic train depot in downtown Vienna, Virginia. The club is over 75 years old and has been at this location for more than 45 years. With a membership of over ninety men and women, the club built and maintains a large and permanent model railroad layout (HO scale) and opens its doors twelve times each year to the public on the second Saturday of the month and during special events; Viva Vienna and Church Street Stroll. They are a nationally recognized model railroad club that has been featured in magazines by Amtrak and Rails to Trails. In addition to the open houses, they support the residents of Vienna by providing private visits for scouting troops, birthday visits, annual visits by English Language Learners from Madison High School, donations to Community Helping Others and been part of Channel 5’s Zip Visits.
The Town provides all routine maintenance and repair of the station exterior. The Railroaders provide all routine maintenance of the station interior and grounds. The Town also provides and maintains electrical, water sewer, and fire alarm service to the station. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority provides all capital improvements and major maintenance of the interior, exterior and grounds of the station. The Authority, the Railroaders, and the Town meet at the station at least once a year prior to May 1st for the purpose of inspecting the building and grounds, planning and reviewing projects and programs, and communicating relevant issues. NOVA Parks recently completed an exterior renovation to the train station.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval of renewal of agreement.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may approve the proposed five (5) year renewal of the Agreement between the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Town of Vienna for the use of the Train Railroad Station in the discretion of the Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the proposed renewal of the Agreement between the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Town of Vienna, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA.
Decision Needed by This date: June 1, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the proposed renewal of the Agreement between the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Town of Vienna as presented."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.