City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 21, 2017
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Repeal the Torpedo Factory Art Center Board Resolution Numbers 2408, 2420, and 2637. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a resolution to repeal the Torpedo Factory Art Center Board (TFACB) Resolution Numbers 2408, 2420, and 2637 that established the creation of the Board.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council: (1) approve the proposed resolution
(Attachment 4) to repeal the previously approved City Council Resolution Numbers 2408, 2420 and 2637 that established, outlined the roles, responsibilities, and the composition of the TFACB, and (2) indicate City Council’s appreciation for dedication and work of the members of the TFACB from its inception in 2011.
BACKGROUND: In 2011, the Torpedo Factory Art Center Board, Inc. (TFACB) was created and charged with responsibility for the management and operational oversight of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The TFACB was set up as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization with a governance board appointed by City Council.
In September, 2016, the TFACB voted to dissolve itself and its related non-profit organization. Dissolution procedures were started in October, 2016 and the City was notified in March, 2017 that all actions and notifications have been completed.
DISCUSSION: The City began leasing the facility to the TFACB in 2011. The TFACB, in turn, sub-leased space to the Torpedo Factory Artist Association (TFAA), the Art League, and to a restaurant operating a café in the building. The TFAA in turn sub-leased the artist studios and galleries. After two one-year renewals, the City’s lease with the TFACB (and all sub-leases) expired on June 30, 2016.
In May, 2016, given ongoing governance discussions, the lease between the City and the TFACB was not renewed and, instead, the City assumed temporary responsibility for the management and operations of the Art Center on October 1, 2016. The City provided three-year leases with all the current tenants in the building and TFACB staff became City employees. This interim step was made to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Torpedo Factory as a vibrant art center until a more permanent governance structure is determined.
As part of the continued transition of the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC), staff in RP&CA and P&Z have been working to develop a community engagement process that will help to outline the future governance structure for the Torpedo Factory. The engagement process will develop a set of goals and strategies for the TFAC which will help determine the appropriate governance structure for successful continued operation and long-term sustainability. The Alexandria Commission for the Arts has appointed a five-member task force to guide the community engagement process.
In addition to meetings of the task force, the engagement process will include multiple opportunities for people to participate including, but not limited to, an online survey, town hall meetings, open house events, and focus groups meetings. This approach to the community engagement process will ensure reliable and thoughtful participation by a broad cross section of Alexandria community members and stakeholders.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City currently operates the Torpedo Factory as a Special Revenue Fund within the City using rent payments and other revenues to pay for the ongoing operations of the facility. There is no fiscal impact to the TFACB dissolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution No. 2408
Attachment 2: Resolution No. 2420
Attachment 3: Resolution No. 2637
Attachment 4: Resolution to Resolve Torpedo Factory Art Center Board
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Christina Zechman Brown, Assistant City Attorney
James Spengler, Director, Recreation Parks & Cultural Activities
Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities