Title
Discussion on the Next Phase of Planning and Development for the WWII Barin Field Museum and Heritage Center
Summary
Description of Topic: The City of Foley recently completed a Market Assessment and Positioning Study (MAPS) for the proposed WWII Barin Field Museum and Heritage Center, conducted by D&G Community Development. The study found sufficient community interest, potential financial support, and overall feasibility to recommend moving forward with the project and a capital fundraising campaign.
The study recommends several next steps, including retaining D&G Community Development for capital campaign management, establishing a separate 501(c)(3) museum foundation, retaining an architect for conceptual planning of the museum and proposed civic center, and further refining the project scope, budget, and funding strategy.
The estimated cost of these initial activities is $298,000 to $308,000, as outlined in the attached Recommended Initial Steps and Anticipated Costs document provided by D&G Community Development.
This resolution authorizes City staff to begin coordinating and preparing for the next phase of the project, including negotiating professional services agreements, developing the proposed foundation structure, and pursuing architectural conceptual planning services. No appropriation of funds or approval of professional services agreements is being requested at this time. The proposed agreements and associated funding requests will be brought back to the City Council for consideration and approval.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Foley has been designated as an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service in recognition of the community's contributions to the World War II effort; and
WHEREAS, the City has been exploring the development of a WWII Barin Field Museum and Heritage Center to preserve and share the area's naval aviation history, provide educational opportunities, and create a cultural and heritage destination for residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously authorized D&G Community Development to conduct a Market Assessment and Positioning Study (MAPS) to evaluate the project's feasibility, community interest, potential funding sources, and recommended next steps; and
WHEREAS, the completed study concluded that sufficient community interest, potential financial support, and opportunities exist to support moving forward with the proposed project and a capital fundraising campaign; and
WHEREAS, the study recommends establishing a separate nonprofit museum foundation, retaining professional capital campaign management services, developing more detailed architectural concepts, and further refining the project's scope, budget, and funding strategy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize the next phase of planning and development while maintaining oversight of future agreements, expenditures, and decisions concerning the project;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Foley, Alabama, as follows:
SECTION 1: Authorizes City staff to proceed with the next phase of planning and development for the proposed WWII Barin Field Museum and Heritage Center, consistent with the findings and recommendations of the completed Market Assessment and Positioning Study.
SECTION 2: Authorizes City staff to negotiate a professional services agreement with David Popen of D&G Community Development for capital campaign management services and present the proposed agreement and associated funding request to the City Council for consideration and approval.
SECTION 3: Authorizes City staff to begin the process of establishing a separate nonprofit museum foundation, including working with legal counsel and other appropriate professionals to develop the proposed governance structure, organizational documents, required state and federal filings, and application for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Any necessary agreements, funding appropriations, and organizational actions requiring Council approval shall be presented to the City Council before implementation.
SECTION 4: Authorizes City staff to pursue qualified architectural services for preliminary conceptual planning of the museum and heritage center, including consideration of the proposed adjacent civic center. Staff shall present the recommended professional services agreement and associated funding request to the City Council for consideration and approval.
SECTION 5: Authorizes City staff to continue coordinating other recommended project development activities, including refinement of the project scope and preliminary budget, identification of potential public and private funding sources, development of strategic partnerships, and preparation for a capital fundraising campaign. Any additional professional services agreements or funding requests requiring Council approval shall be presented separately.
SECTION 6: Provides that this resolution does not authorize the execution of the proposed professional services agreements, appropriate additional project funding, establish the nonprofit foundation as a separate legal entity, or approve the final project scope, construction budget, or construction of the proposed facilities. Such actions shall be subject to subsequent City Council consideration and approval, as applicable.
SECTION 7: This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption as required by law.