Subject:
Title
Request to approve Freeman Store & Museum and Little Library Museum Lease Renewal Agreement
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Sept. 16, 2019 - Request to approve Freeman Store and Museum Lease Renewal Agreement
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Historic Vienna, Inc. (HVI) currently leases the Freeman Store & Museum and Little Library Museum located at 131 Church Street, NE, from the Town of Vienna. HVI has requested to renew its lease for a period of five (5) years.
HVI is dedicated to preserving and promoting Vienna’s heritage, educating the public through exhibits, programs, and special events and enhancing a spirit of community through an awareness of Vienna’s past. Within the Freeman Store and Museum, HVI operates a store on the first level, a museum on the second level, and a Book Cellar in the basement.
HVI will pay an annual rent to the Town in the amount of $1 upon execution of this lease and on the 12-month anniversary thereafter. The lease will be renegotiated after five (5) years.
With direction from HVI, the Little Library is now referenced as the Little Library Museum.
With direction from the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Town Attorney added items III - 3a, 3b and 3c to the lease:
III. 3. Lessor reserves the right to conduct activities and perform maintenance on the Freeman Store and Museum, Little Library Museum and grounds for the following:
a. To conduct seasonal holiday displays on the grounds during the winter holiday season, to include but not limited to temporary holiday trees, third party seasonal holiday displays selected and permitted by the Town through its approved Community Holiday or Seasonal Display Parks & Recreation Policies and Procedures.
b. To permit the maintenance of three (3) garden beds by the Ayr Hill Garden Club on the grounds with two (2) currently located near the creek and one (1) currently located near the Little Library Museum.
c. To perform ground maintenance, exterior capital improvements and maintenance on the Freeman Store and Museum and Little Library Museum in accordance with standards set by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a complete community.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval of the lease renewal between Historic Vienna, Inc., and the Town.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Every five (5) years, the Town reviews the Lease between the Town and HVI for the Freeman House, Little Library and the associated grounds. The Town Council may renew and approve the proposed lease, with amendments as noted, in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council authorize the Mayor to execute a lease renewal agreement for the Freeman Store & Museum and Little Library Museum with Historic Vienna, Inc, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA. N/A
Decision Needed by This date: Sept. 9, 2024
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to authorize the mayor to execute a lease renewal agreement for the Freeman Store & Museum and Little Library Museum with Historic Vienna, Inc."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.