Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 5
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $500,000, to the San Mateo County Historical Association to expand programs and galleries, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
The Board of Supervisors held study sessions on Measure K expenditures and approved funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 budget cycle, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for one-time district-discretionary needs and projects. District 5 has submitted a request to use their district-discretionary Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 5 (Supervisor David J. Canepa) -San Mateo County Historical Association Natural History Gallery: Expanding Programs and Galleries |
$500,000 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-discretionary Measure K funds approved by the Board in December 2018. District 5 indicates that this organization is either a public agency operating within the county or a nonprofit organization registered and in good standing with the California Attorney General. District 5 indicates that the sponsoring Board Member, member’s family, and member’s supervisorial staff do not serve as an officer, director, or play a policy role for the grantee organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to the San Mateo County Historical Association and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, to support the establishment of the Natural History Gallery. The County Executive’s Office will administer and manage the proposed agreement.
The San Mateo County Historical Association operates the San Mateo County History Museum in downtown Redwood City. The Historical Association is seeking to expand its existing programs and galleries to establish a Natural History Gallery to address a pressing need in the community by providing an engaging educational resource to promote awareness about environmental conservation. With the looming threat of climate change, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance becomes crucial, especially for the younger generation. Through interactive displays and educational programs, the aim is to inspire and inform visitors, particularly students, about the critical importance of protecting the planet.
Additionally, the development of the Natural History Gallery by the Historical Association marks an important step in the community's access to scientific exploration. This initiative will be the first venture into the study of natural sciences. Through the gallery, the aim is to provide insights into the geological, biological, and paleontological history of the Peninsula. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a collection of rare fossils and skeletal remains, shedding light on the prehistoric evolution of the region, including mammoth mammals that inhabited the area during the Ice Age around 12,000 years ago.
The collection, discovered by Dr. Frank Stanger in the 1940s in Millbrae, ranks as the second largest in California after the famed La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. Additionally, the inclusion of Paleoparadoxia, a marine mammal from 10 million years ago, adds a unique dimension to the exhibit. Discovered in Menlo Park during the construction of the Stanford Linear Accelerator tunnels in 1964, this rare find, studied by local paleontologist Adele Panofsky and USGS colleague Charles A. Repenning, enriches the collection with its historical significance.
Measure K funding will support the gallery by enabling it to recruit expert staff for the scholarly interpretation of exhibits and development of educational programs tailored for public engagement. By investing in this endeavor, the County of San Mateo will not only contribute to the preservation of natural heritage but also empower future generations with knowledge and awareness to safeguard the environment.
This expansion of the entire gallery is scheduled for completion in or around August 2026 with a total estimated cost of $1,200,000. The district-discretionary Measure K funding will be used to fund the following project or services:
1) General Preparation: $95,000
a. Demo
b. Floor Coverings
c. Paint
d. Lighting
e. Carpentry
f. Power & Data
g. Burglar & Fire
2) Design: $69,000
3) Moving Expenses: $10,000
4) Artifact Mounting: $50,000
5) Casework: $75,000
6) Interactives: $161,000
7) Graphics: $40,000
General preparation is a critical component of the Measure K grant request for the San Mateo County Historical Museum's gallery expansion, as it lays the essential groundwork for the successful implementation of the project. This phase includes a range of preparatory activities such as demolition, installation of floor coverings, painting, lighting, carpentry, power and data infrastructure, and security enhancements. By investing $95,000 in these foundational elements, the project ensures a high-quality and functional space for both exhibits and educational programs. Proper preparation not only facilitates the effective setup of gallery displays but also ensures a safe, engaging, and accessible environment for visitors. This investment in the preliminary stages is crucial for achieving the long-term goals of enhancing public engagement and preserving natural heritage, thereby making the museum a more impactful and educational resource for the community.
Casework for museums consists of exhibit cases in which displays are mounted. Some cases are full-size cabinets with windows while others are bases with clear vitrines (polycarbonate covers) on top. Casework also includes all materials used for display including special risers, mounting hardware, etc.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $500,000
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Organization Name: San Mateo County Historical Association
2200 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
<https://www.history.org>
650-299-0104
Primary Contact Name: Mitch Postel, President
mitch@historysmc.org
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Completion of the Natural History Gallery open to the public on or around August 2026. |
Complete |
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2024-25 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget.