Subject:
Title
Municipal Services Taxing Unit funding for the Palm Harbor Historical Society to construct a Native Plant and Historic “Living Landscape” with Interpretive Signage project.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, in the amount not to exceed $20,000.00, for the Palm Harbor Historical Society (PHHS) to construct a Native Plant and Historic “Living Landscape” with Interpretive Signage project located at the Palm Harbor Museum.
• This special project will allow the PHHS to introduce interactive educational components utilizing the entirety of the Museum’s 1.5-acre outdoor campus. The installation of Native Florida Plants, along with Interpretive Signage, will educate visitors about specific historic cultural aspects of the site as they relate to how early humans and subsequent settlers interacted with their environment (Ethnobotanical emphasis).
• The PHHS has demonstrated good stewardship of this County owned facility. The requested improvements will increase its value to the County and to the community in addition to enhancing its value as a landmark historic destination for visitors.
• The project funding request is in the amount of $20,000.00. The total cost of the project is $21,473.70. The project cost which exceeds the MSTU funding will be paid from PHHS reserve funds and a donation.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
The Palm Harbor Historical Society seeks to promote the Palm Harbor Museum in its mission: To collect, preserve, interpret, and share the heritage of the Palm Harbor area within the context of Pinellas County and Florida History.
• Palm Harbor Museum receives no direct public funding or financial support for its operation although it is the primary repository for artifacts and documentation for history in this unincorporated area of Pinellas County.
• The closure of the Palm Harbor Museum during the Covid-19 pandemic created an awareness that the Museum’s campus provided an opportunity to expand educational and cultural resources.
• The Museum’s “Signed In” visitor count in 2019 was 2,441. Museum hours are limited to when the Museum Operation Manager and volunteers can host visitors. Expanding exhibits and adding outdoor features draw visitors to the Museum and allows them to utilize and engage with history even when the Museum is not open.
• The Historic “Living Landscape” project will become an outdoor classroom providing insight into the investigation of traditional practical usage of regional plants and native species and an understanding of how early humans and subsequent settlers used historically introduced plants.
• The Museum’s Living Landscape project essentially becomes a “Pocket Park” providing outdoor areas conducive to interactive experiences.
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Background Information:
The MSTU Special Projects Funding opportunity was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of supporting projects that enhance community and neighborhood opportunities in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. These MSTU Special Projects Awards are intended to support culture, recreation, and community engagement opportunities for residents in unincorporated areas that are comparable to those opportunities which municipalities typically provide to their residents.
Pinellas County purchased the Museum property located at 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL as part of the Belcher Road (County Road 501) extension. The property contains an architecturally significant house built in 1915 by Judge Hartley and, as such, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) desires to preserve this structure as part of its local history under the Pinellas County Heritage Village umbrella.
In 1996, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 96-52, which designates the “Judge Hartley House” as part of Heritage Village and established the Palm Harbor Historical Museum.
Fiscal Impact:
This request for funding in the amount of $20,000.00 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with amounts provided during FY22 budget development.
Staff Member Responsible:
Nancy McKibben, Assistant to the County Administrator Representing Unincorporated North County
Partners:
Palm Harbor Historical Society (PHHS)
Attachments:
Resolution 96-52
MSTU Special Projects Funding FY21 Application Form Palm Harbor Historic Society
Appendix A Evaluation Criteria Form 1030_20
Budget_FY_2021_MTSU_Special_Projects_Application_Palm_Harbor_Museum
Walker Tree Service - Site Prep $9,600
Landscape Design Quote $1,000
FastSigns Signage_Quote $6,169.50
Sweet Bay Nursery Native Plant Quote $630.00
Heirloom Roses Quote $97.20
Bird Bath Quote $100
Bird House Quote $300
Outdoor Picnic Table Quote $877
Water World Irrigation Deep Well Pump Replacement & Irrigation $2,700