Title
Resolution to Approve Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement between City of Ann Arbor and Leslie Science and Nature Center
Memorandum
Attached is a resolution requesting your approval of a revised Partnership Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the Leslie Science and Nature Center (LSNC) effective June 1, 2009.
In June of 2007, City Council approved a resolution supporting the transition of the management and operation of the Leslie Science Center to LSNC, a 501 c 3 Non-Profit (R-80-3-07). The agreement allowed for the execution of a transition plan and set forth a ten year partnership agreement between the City and LSNC. The City and the LSNC share a commitment to bringing quality science and nature education programs to youth, families and other individuals of Ann Arbor and surrounding areas of southeastern Michigan.
The City recognizes that the success of the Leslie Science and Nature Center is heavily dependent on fundraising and sponsorship contributions. Since development of the June, 2007 agreement, donors have raised concerns that substantive fundraising is hampered by the length of the current ten year agreement. As a result, both the City and LSNC agree that the current ten year agreement is inadequate to demonstrate a long term commitment between the City of Ann Arbor and Leslie Science and Nature Center for fundraising and sponsorship. To address these concerns, staff and LSNC are proposing that the agreement be revised from ten years to twenty years to demonstrate a longer term commitment between both parties to provide more stability for potential fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. City staff and LSNC are recommending additional changes that include:
· Establishing a sponsorship and naming policy that defines how fundraising and sponsorship opportunities will be addressed and the role the City and LSNC play in the execution of these opportunities.
· The development of a capital improvement process that outlines the responsibilities of the City and LSNC in the creation and implementation of capital projects on the site.
· A commitment of fundraising dollars allocated to operating and maintenance costs of both individual capital projects and overall management of the site.
· Updating other sections of the agreement as required and included in the new twenty year agreement.
This agreement is supported by the Leslie Science and Nature Center Board of Directors and the Parks Advisory Commission.
Staff
Prepared by: Jeff Straw, Parks & Recreation Services Deputy Manager
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager and Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, In June, 2007 City Council approved a resolution supporting the transition of the management and operation of the Leslie Science Center to LSNC, a 501 c 3 Non-Profit (R-80-3-07);
Whereas, This agreement allowed for the execution of a transition plan and set forth a ten year partnership agreement between the City and LSNC;
Whereas, The success of the Leslie Science and Nature Center is heavily dependent on fundraising and sponsorship contributions;
Whereas, The City and LSNC agree that the current ten year agreement is inadequate to demonstrate a long term commitment between the City of Ann Arbor and Leslie Science and Nature Center for fundraising and sponsorship;
Whereas, The revised Partnership Agreement will demonstrate a longer term commitment between both parties providing increased stability for potential fundraising and sponsorship opportunities; and
Whereas, Other aspects of the agreement are being revised as required and a sponsorship and naming policy and capital improvement process have been defined;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the attached Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement between City of Ann Arbor and the Leslie Science and Nature Center;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Partnership Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.