Item 4J
M E M O R A N D U M
May 8, 2007
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Steve Polasek, Director of Community Services
Accept donation of a historic log cabin from the Southlake Historical Society
SUBJECT:
Action Requested:
City Council consideration to accept the donation of a historic log cabin from the
Southlake Historical Society.
Background
Information:
Following several conversations with members of the Southlake Historical Society
the City received a letter from their President, Ms. Lou Ann Heath, indicating a
willingness to donate the cabin to the City to be restored in a “….designated
historical interpretation area inside of Bicentennial Park or other municipal park or
other property agreed to by the SHS and City that would ensure the safety and
protection of the cabin….”.
It was also indicated that the cabin be restored as historically accurately as
possible, “with consideration to present day techniques that promise the cabin
structure will last for future generations. These present day techniques are to be
determined by a professional in the area of preserving antique log cabins”.
If accepted, the City would work in partnership with the Southlake Historical
Society (SHS) on the restoration of the cabin and selecting the antique log cabin
professional (subject to state and local biding process and policies), as well as
assist with planning and presenting activities about the cabin for local schools and
city sponsored events. The logs would be moved from their present location to the
Continental storage site by the City. Development of bid specifications for
reconstruction of the cabin upon the hill at Bicentennial Park is anticipated with
consideration given to the approved Bicentennial Park schematic design.
Ownership of the cabin would be retained by the City with on-going assistance
provided by the Southlake Historical Society
Financial
Considerations:
Funding in the amount of $91,000 is available for this project within the Park
Dedication Fee Fund. The process of finding a professional in the field of antique
log cabin preservation and restoration and the actual assembly will be in
partnership with a representative of the Southlake Historical Society and the City,
in accordance with all state and local bidding processes.
Financial Impact:
Ongoing maintenance of the cabin and surrounding site is anticipated at
approximately $2,500 annually; however, more detailed costs will be determined
upon contracting with a professional familiar with restoring and preserving
historical structures.
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 2
Citizen Input/
Board Review:
The City Council previously reviewed the potential placement of the log cabin
citing the hill at Bicentennial Park as the preferred location.
The City Council approved the Bicentennial Park Schematic Design designating
the hill near the water tower as being suitable for a historical interpretation site.
The Parks Board will consider this item at their May 14, 2007 meeting.
Legal Review:
Not applicable.
Alternatives:
City Council review and consideration.
Supporting
Documents:
Supporting Documents include:
Letter from Lou Ann Heath, President Southlake Historical Society
Response letter from City staff to Southlake Historical Society
Donation Form
Staff
Recommendation:
City Council consideration to accept the donation of a historic log cabin from the
Southlake Historical Society.
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 3
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 4
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 5
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 6
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
May 8, 2007
Page 7
City of Southlake Parks and Recreation Department
Donation Form
Proposed Donation:Donor(s):
Logs from several
disassembled log cabins to be Southlake Historical Society
preserved, restored and
assembled as a single cabin
Proposed Donation Description:
(Pleasea complete description of the proposed donation and, to the extent applicable, pictures and/or
include
detailed drawings. Attach additional pages as necessary).
The Southlake Historical Society (SHS) in a letter to the City has requested that
disassembled logs from several log cabins be donated to the City for reconstruction of the
log cabin. The SHS will assist and partner with the City to select a professional
(following all state and local bidding processes and policies) in the field of antique log
cabin preservation and restoration to assemble the cabin. Further, the SHS would assist
in the planning and presenting of activities related to showcasing the log cabin.
See attached letter.
Estimated Value: Preferred Stipulations:
Location:
City will, with assistance from the
Undetermined Bicentennial Park
Southlake Historical Society, preserve
historical value (hill)
restore and assemble a single log cabin
For Office Use Only:
Park Department Action: _____ Approve _____ Denied _____ N/A
Park Board Action: _____ Approve _____ Denied _____ N/A
City Council Action: _____ Approve _____ Denied _____ N/A
Comments: