Item No. 8
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 17, 2024
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF NEXT STEPS FOR THE TRAIN STATION
RENOVATION AND HISTORY MUSEUM
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council Review and Consider Recommendations from the Train Station Renovation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Regarding Next Steps for the Train Station Museum; and, if appropriate, authorization of a Budget Amendment in the amount of $50,000 in Support of Next Steps.
BACKGROUND
The City Council authorized renovation of the Train Station into a Historic Train Station Museum.
While the work of renovating the Station was undertaken, the Ad Hoc Subcommittee was tasked with reviewing options for the interior of the Station Museum and providing the Council with a recommendation for next steps.
ANALYSIS
The Ad Hoc Subcommittee conducted research and analysis into various options for the interior of the Station Museum. The research and analysis included visiting various historic train museums, speaking train afficionados, and reaching out to various train model groups. Attached is a Train Station Display Proposal prepared by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee for discussion by the Council.
The Subcommittee is recommending that the Council consider an initial financial outlay of $50,000 to allow for staff and the Subcommittee to begin renovation of the display areas within the Museum – to include creation of content, purchase of materials and supplies, purchase of models, and development of display diorama.
The preliminary proposal is for five (5) Display Eras within the centerline display cabinets. The Train Eras depicted would be: 1) The Flag Stop (1863-1912); 2) The First Atherton Station (1912- 1930); 3) The Glamorous Period (1930-1950); 4) The Commuter Era (1950-1980); and 5) The Station Closing (2020). Each period would include visual displays, models, and QR-Code connected audio.
Historic Train Station Museum
APRIL 17, 2024
At one end of the Museum, there would be a video display that would feature the Town’s “Tracks of Change” Historic Video. At the opposite end and along the interior of the Museum would be 2D displays. The exterior of the station would have associated signage, and the external bulletin board would be refurbished with additional 2D display materials.
The centerline cabinetry would feature the covered display cabinets and would include storage areas under the display for the storage of any collected memorabilia.
In addition to allocating funds to begin work, the Subcommittee would like the Council’s feedback on the following:
1. The entirety of the allocated budget for the Train Museum was exhausted for renovations, so if the Council wishes to pursue outfitting the interior of the Museum, the council must address funding. The Town can allocate public funds, staff time and other resources; or, the Council could consider private sponsorships, funding, or turning over the museum to a non-profit.
2. Much of the model work would need to be commissioned or built by volunteers. How does the Council wish to proceed?
3. The Council could also seek residents to form a non-profit to manage the museum as well as its memorabilia. This could be done up front or later, after the Town commissions its completion. It is unknown if there is a resident group or interest.
4. The Town could seek out other potential grants from other sources – such as the National Model Train Association. This would require staff time and resources, unless led by an outside group.
5. What considerations should there be for operation? The assumption is that the museum would be unattended, self-guided. What budget should be attached to general maintenance?
FISCAL IMPACT
The preliminary allocation is recommended at $50,000. While the Subcommittee believes that this is sufficient for initial work; there are still some unknowns with respect to the cost of model building. Any costs above $50,000 would return to the Council for consideration.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life
POLICY FOCUS
The Policy Focus for the Council is funding for the renovations, operation of the museum, and engagement with the community.
Historic Train Station Museum
APRIL 17, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Train Station Display Proposal