Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE LEASES WITH THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED USERS OF THE CITY'S TOWN HALL: THE HUDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION, THE HUDSON FIRE MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL EDUCATION SOCIETY, AND DESTINATION HUDSON VISITOR AND EDUCATION CENTER.
Executive Summary: Staff is recommending acceptance of a proposal for the Use of Town Hall submitted jointly by the Hudson Fire Department Association, the Hudson Fire Museum and Historical Education Society and Destination Hudson Visitor & Education Center. Under this proposal, the use of the first floor will include a fire museum, the Destination Hudson offices and a multi-use room. Future plans may include the development of public restrooms, but this element is not proposed as part of the initial plan.
Body
Legislative History
Res. No. 13-08, passed on January 16, 2013, authorized the City Manager to enter into a Lease Agreement for Office Space at 115 Executive Parkway, Hudson (the Municipal Services Center).
Public discussion was held regarding the future use of Town Hall at the Council meeting of July 31, 2013, and City Council reviewed a draft Request for Proposals and directed staff to proceed at the Council workshop on March 11, 2014.
Purpose & Explanation
The City issued a Request for Proposals for the use of the first floor of the Hudson Town Hall in March, 2014. This request specified the intended proposers should be not-for-profit organizations. Three proposals were submitted by the due date of June 27, 2014. After review of the submittals, staff is recommending acceptance of the proposal submitted jointly by the Hudson Fire Association, the Hudson Fire Museum and Historical Education Society and Destination Hudson Visitor and Education Center.
Under this proposal, the back (eastern half) of the lower level of Town Hall would be used for the operations of the HFDA and the HFMHES to conduct business and to operate a museum that contains museum quality and historically significant Hudson firefighting equipment memorabilia and apparatus. The middle portion of the lower level will be used for operations of the Destination Hudson Visitor & Education Center, including historical tours, engaging visitors, and retail.
The front portion of the lower level is currently a common area used for access to the second floor meeting spaces. Future opportunities may provide the ability to make modifications to this area but this is not currently a part of the proposal submitted.
Timing Considerations
To be determined.
Fiscal Impact
To be determined.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends Council pass this Resolution.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager