Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department (City) to Development to execute any and all necessary agreements and deeds for conveyance of title of one parcel of real property, known as the historical Harrison House and Lucas Sullivant Land Office (Premises), located at 570 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 {Franklin County Tax Parcel 010-027837, to the Columbus Historical Society (CHS). Whereas the City and CHS share a commitment to the preservation and conservation of the Premises and its future use for historical programming and public enjoyment and have finalized a working MOU to uphold the integrity of the Deed transfer of the Premises. They will work together on supporting the necessary improvements outlined the MOU, specifically Exhibit A, maintenance and programming goals of the Premises. The City desires to allow CHS to own and operate/utilize Premises for said features under the terms stated within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Deed.
Background: The City has leased said Premises to non-profit groups since ownership of the Harrison House in 1980. CHS, the Franklinton Historical Society as well as well the Franklin Genealogical Society have been active in directly or indirectly being part of the leasing of the Premises, which are listed on the National Register for Historical Places (built in 1807). It is the intent of the Director to enter into an agreement with CHS to own, operate and further the intent of the Premises, to continue to uphold the integrity of the historical icon the Premises holds within the Franklinton Community as well as within the City of Columbus.
The CHS and the Franklinton Historical Society have entered into a MOU, which outlines the partnership that they will continue to build upon, caring for/improving, programming, operating and improving the Premises. The shared goal of continuing to provide quality and relevant programming, events, educational workshops etc. will guide the partnership.
The City has drafted a MOU to outline expectations of the real property deed transfer to the CHS and also provides stipulations by which the CHS will be held to, in the transfer. If CHS fails to adhere to and fulfill the MOU obligations, within five (5) years, the Premises will revert back to the ownership of the City.
Principal Parties:
Columbus Historical Society
Franklinton Historical Society
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists to relieve the City of maintenance obligations and management of the Premises. Additionally, as outlined with the MOU, many improvements are necessary to continue programming/operations within the Premises. Some of which, have been identified as timely.
Benefits to the Public: This will allow for more resources, programming and ongoing maintenance and operation of the Premises to continue. Further, CHS, in partnership with the Franklinton Historical Society has the ability to leverage additional partnerships/funding to make improvements, outlined within the recent Moody Nolan report, necessary to continue to operation the Premises.
Community Input/Issues: Whereas Franklinton, many historical organizations and the overall City have provided input, via phone, emails, meetings on the interest of CHS owning/operating the Premises.
Area(s) Affected: Franklinton - Columbus Community 54
Master Plan Relation: Transferring the real property, Premises to the CHS is in direct alignment with the Master Plan, as well as supporting the Franklinton Area Plan.
Fiscal Impact: None
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to execute any and all necessary agreements and deeds for conveyance of title of one parcel of real property, known as the historical Harrison House and Lucas Sullivant Land Office, located at 570 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 {Franklin County Tax Parcel 010-027837}, to the Columbus Historical Society; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of the Recreation and Parks to execute any and all necessary agreements and deeds for conveyance of title of one parcel of real property, known as the historical Harrison House and Lucas Sullivant Land Office (the "Premises"), located at 570 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 {Franklin County Tax Parcel 010-027837}, to the Columbus Historical Society (CHS); and
WHEREAS, this relationship will relieve the City of maintenance obligations and management of the Premises; additionally, as outlined with the MOU, many improvements are necessary to continue programming/operations within the Premises; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to execute any and all necessary agreements and deeds for conveyance of title to the Premises to CHS, for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks Department is authorized to execute any and all necessary agreements and deeds for conveyance of title of one parcel of real property, known as the historical Harrison House and Lucas Sullivant Land Office (Premises), located at 570 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 {Franklin County Tax Parcel 010-027837}, to the Columbus Historical Society (CHS).
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.