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Department: Special Projects
Director: Peter Braster, Director of Special Projects
Agenda Item: Interurban Railway Museum Contract
Recommended Action: Approval of Contract/Agreement
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Item Summary
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To approve a contract by and between the City of Plano and the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. for the operation, management, and curatorial services of the Interurban Railway Museum in an annual amount not to exceed $166,295 for an initial term of one (1) year with up to ten (10) automatic one-year renewals; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
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Background
The City owns the Interurban Railway Museum, a historic railway building and railcar located in Haggard Park on East 15th Street. The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. (PCHP) currently manages the Museum and provides curatorial services for the City. This contract continues that partnership under updated terms.
Under the contract, PCHP will staff and operate the Museum a minimum of 20 hours per week, at least three (3) days per week, on hours set jointly with the City. PCHP will conduct public tours and programs on Plano history, manage and document the collection, evaluate donations, maintain digital archives, and assist researchers. All non-monetary donations accepted into the collection become City property. The City will continue to provide utilities, maintenance, custodial service, security, phones, internet, and computers with technical support.
Compensation has two parts:
• PCHP will receive up to $145,000 per year in hotel occupancy tax revenue for operation and management, contingent on continued compliance with the Heritage Preservation Grant Program requirements and Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. The $145,000 has already been approved by City Council as part of the budget process for 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• PCHP will also receive up to $21,295 per year for curatorial services, which cover supplies, equipment, and curation software.
The initial term is one (1) year from the effective date and renews automatically for up to ten (10) one-year terms. Continuation past each fiscal year is subject to Council appropriation. The City may terminate the contract with or without cause on 30 days’ written notice. PCHP must maintain insurance per Exhibit C and keep all records available for City audit for three (3) years after termination. PCHP executed the contract on September 22, 2026.
Financial Summary/Strategic Goals
Funding for this item is available in the General Fund budget. This request is to approve a one (1) year contract with ten (10) additional one (1) year automatic renewals for curatorial services of the Interurban Railway Museum. The estimated total to be spent, if all renewals are used, is $234,245 ($21,295 in FY 2026-27 with an additional $21,295 annual amount for FY 2027-28 through FY 2036-37). All future year expenditures will occur within council approved appropriations.
This contract also includes funding of $145,000 from the Convention & Tourism Fund in FY 2026-27 with an additional $145,000 annual amount for FY 2027-28 through 2036-37 for operation and management of the Museum that was previously approved by Council action.
Approval of this item supports the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Welcoming and Engaged Community.
Attachments
Contract