DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Homer Garcia III
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Management Agreement with the San Antonio Parks Foundation
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the Parks and Recreation Department to execute a Management Agreement with the San Antonio Parks Foundation for operations and management of the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden located in Council District 2.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2005, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the San Antonio Parks Foundation (SAPF), the Japanese Tea Garden underwent a successful renovation and preservation project. SAPF facilitated and funded a master plan for the Japanese Tea Garden, which was approved by the City’s Historic Design and Review Commission and adopted by City Council in January 2008. In partnership, the City and SAPF funded the Japanese Tea Garden restoration and opened to the public in Spring 2008. Additionally, SAPF raised over $900,000.00 for the restoration of the Jingu House which is consistent with the approved Japanese Tea Garden Master Plan.
On June 1, 2011, the City and SAPF entered into a ten-year License Agreement for the operations and management of the Jingu House including the adjacent patio area, pavilion, and waterfall. The current agreement will expire on May 31, 2021.
A new Management Agreement is proposed to commence upon approval and expire on May 31, 2031 with one ten-year extension. In lieu of rent, SAPF shall be responsible for operations and non-structural repair and maintenance of the Jingu House. Additionally, SAPF is required to maintain a Capital Repair/Improvement Fund to be used for future improvement projects for the Japanese Tea Garden including the Jingu House.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the Parks and Recreation Department to execute a Management Agreement with the San Antonio Parks Foundation for operations and management of the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden located in City Council District 2. This action is consistent with the adopted SA Parks System Plan by leveraging community partnerships to expand opportunities in the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect not to approve this action, resulting in the Parks and Recreation Department to issue a solicitation to identify a new operator for the Jingu House.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to execute a Management Agreement with the San Antonio Parks Foundation for operations and management of the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden located in City Council District 2.