Subject:
Title
Request acceptance of donated City of Fairfax-owned Wenger Showmobile stage to the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department (5 mins.)
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE: N/A
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Fairfax City Council has approved the donation of the city’s 2001 Wengler Encore Showmobile, a mobile stage unit, to the Town of Vienna for use at Town-sponsored events and performances. The Town has rented this showmobile from the City of Fairfax for the past ten years to support community events and currently utilizes it for approximately eight events annually. Ownership of the showmobile would allow the Town to continue using the equipment without coordinating individual rentals, and it is expected to provide financial savings, reduced per-event costs, and greater long-term scheduling flexibility. Acceptance of the donation is expected to reduce annual rental costs associated with Town events while requiring only routine maintenance, insurance, and operational support within the department’s existing budget.
The showmobile is approximately 24 years old and has an estimated fair market value of $13,000. If the Town accepts the donation, it would assume responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and management of the equipment. This would include ensuring the unit meets required inspection and compliance standards prior to use, maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, and implementing standard operating procedures and staff training to support safe setup and operation. The Town would also be responsible for routine preventive maintenance and other operational needs necessary to keep the equipment in serviceable condition.
Staff members have conducted a mechanical and structural inspection of the showmobile and found the unit to be in good condition for its age. If the donation is accepted, staff will develop standard operating procedures, provide staff training for safe operation, and implement an appropriate maintenance plan to support the long-term use of the equipment. Acceptance of the donation would allow the Town to continue supporting community events with reliable staging while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing the need for external rentals.
Next Steps: Town Manager to sign the City of Fairfax invoice documenting the transfer of the showmobile to the Town at no cost.
Expected Completion Time Frame: Showmobile and title ready to be transferred to Vienna - April 2025
Departmental Recommendation: Staff recommends acceptance of the showmobile donation.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation:
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council accept the donation of the City of Farifax-owned Wenger Showmobile to the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department.
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: March 23, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to accept the donation of the City of Fairfax-owned Wenger Showmobile to the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.