Item #02
Date: May 21, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jennifer Styczynski, Finance Director
Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Approve Supplemental Appropriation for Mary Aaron Museum Recommendation:
Pass a Motion to authorize the Finance Director to make a supplemental appropriation of up to $35,000 to 70-700-5405 (Capital Projects) to complete the restoration of the spires, balconies, and repainting at the Mary Aaron Museum.
Rationale for Recommendation:
The City of Marysville is the owner of the Mary Aaron Museum (Museum) located at 704 D Street and is responsible for the maintenance of the property.
Background:
The Mary Aaron Museum started out as a family residence that was built in 1855-1856 and was purchased by the Aaron family around 1875. Upon the death of Charles Francis Aaron in 1955, he bequeathed the house to the City of Marysville. According to the will of Mr. Aaron, the property would be known as the Mary Aaron Museum on the condition that the property would be perpetually maintained for museum purposes by the City.
In 1980, the City entered into an agreement with the Mary Aaron Memorial Museum Association, Inc. to promote, maintain, and operate the museum. In return, the City is responsible for the costs such as utilities, alarm services, insurance, and reimbursement for maintenance.
Discussion & Analysis:
In 1999, the Museum was in need of restoration, which included the parapet and the spires. After 143 years, the redwood used was showing many years of wear and tear. Redwood was used to replace the parapet, but the 8 spires, being more complex in nature, were repaired with plywood. By 2023, the spires had disintegrated, and as a result, they began to fall off the roof.
In summer of 2023, the Museum hired a contractor to repair the spires using the proper redwood planks giving the spires a longer useful life and sustainability. In addition, several other repairs have been completed or in the current process including repainting the house and parapets, restoration of Item #02
balconies and the sunroom, reglazing of the windows, and repairing multiple area throughout the building that have rotted.
Fiscal Analysis:
The City has been receiving $900 a month for a trust set up for the Museum for several years. These funds have been used to cover the everyday costs of the Museum such as utilities, alarm services, and pest control. The current amount of $15,000 allotted in the FY23-24 budget for capital improvements is not sufficient to complete the overall project. Staff are requesting a supplemental appropriation of up to $35,000 from the General Fund to 70-700-5405, the fund for the Mary Aaron Museum, to complete this project.