1 MEMORANDUM
PARKS AND
RECREATION
DATE: May 16, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director BY: Grace Coronado, Administrative Officer
SUBJECT: Budget Discussion Paper: Funding Options for the Burbank Historical Society 50th Anniversary Event
BACKGROUND
At the May 9, 2023, City Council meeting, Mayor Anthony and Council Member Mullins requested funding options to support the Burbank Historical Society (BHS) 50th Anniversary celebration.
The BHS was founded in 1973 and currently operates the Gordon R. Howard Museum and Mentzer House located at the George Izay Park. This museum complex is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Burbank’s rich history. This includes unique stories from the entertainment industry in film, television, animation , and music, as well as narratives about agricultural development, aviation , and the car culture. A vibrant community museum , like the Gordon R. Howard Museum, provides broader reaching benefits, such as community pride and preservation of arts and cultur e. As a long- standing museum in Burbank, the City of Burbank (City) recognizes BHS’s value in uniting the community through Burbank’s history.
DISCUSSION
In recognition of the BHS 50 th Anniversary, the BHS’s Board of Directors (Board) is coordinating a series of commemorative events:
• Spring Tea in the Mentzer House Garden,
• Community BBQ,
• Gala Event, and
• Essay contest for Burbank Unified School District students
2 While the Board successfully secured funding through sponsorships and fundraising opportunities through various partnerships, the Board is seeking additional funding in the amount of $10,000 from the City to cover the remaining costs . The requested funding would be allocated to highlight the Gordon R. Howard Museum in support of the BHS’s commemorative events.
Below are three sponsorship options for Council consideration:
1) Sponsor up to $5,000 in matching funds.
2) Sponsor $5,000.
3) Sponsor $10,000.
The first option responsibly encourages the BHS to secure additional fundraising opportunities for their celebratory events. With a commitment of $5,000 from the City in matching funds, this allows the BHS to reach the $10,000 requested funding amount. To further leverage the sponsorship, the City may cross market and advertise the BHS’s commemorative events and fundraising opportunities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Depending on the Council’s motion to sponsor the BHS, staff would need to appropriate one-time funding in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
CONCLUSION
The City has financially sponsored various community groups in previous years .
However, there is no ongoing dedicated funding source to support community sponsorship requests. The Council is in a unique position to utilize the City’s General Fund for one-time requests, which would exhibit the City’s continuous effort in fostering and strengthening community relationships. Staff recommends the Council to discuss and direct staff on the level of sponsorship funding for the BHS.