Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Emma Gonzalez, Interim Parks Director
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with the San Mateo County Historical Association
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with the San Mateo County Historical Association, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $275,000 to:
1. Operate the San Mateo County History Museum at the Old County Courthouse Building in Redwood City; and
2. Operate the Lathrop House located in the County Courthouse block in Redwood City; and
3. Operate the school programs at the Folger Stable at Wunderlich County Park in Woodside; and
4. Operate and provide docent-led programs at the Woodside Store in Woodside and the Sanchez Adobe in Pacifica; and
B) Granting a waiver of the County’s competitive bidding requirement for this 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 San Mateo County Historical Association (“SMCHA”), a non-profit organization, has operated the San Mateo County History Museum, Woodside Store, and Sanchez Adobe for many years. The San Mateo County History Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is housed in the old and beautifully renovated San Mateo County Courthouse. Through the San Mateo County Historical Association, the San Mateo County History Museum, Lathrop House, Sanchez Adobe, and the Woodside Store offer educational opportunities for the public to learn about the history of the County of San Mateo and offer a wide range of events and programs concerning the County of San Mateo’s history, from tours to lectures, discussions, and family programs. The San Mateo County Historical Association also provides school programs at the Folger Stable at Wunderlich County Park in Woodside.
The term of the County’s current agreement with SMCHA, authorized by this Board in June 2025, runs through June 30, 2026. This Board has previously granted waivers of the County’s competitive bidding requirements for this agreement by virtue of SMCHA’s accreditation status and because it is uniquely qualified to provide these educational services to the County.
DISCUSSION:
For years, the County has contracted with SMCHA to operate the San Mateo County History Museum; to operate and provide docent-led programs at the Woodside Store, Sanchez Adobe, and Lathrop House historical sites; and to provide educational programs at the Folger Stable at Wunderlich County Park. The new agreement with the SMCHA will, among other things, keep the San Mateo County History Museum open to the public for five days a week for a minimum of 30 hours per week; the Woodside Store open for 14 hours per week; the Sanchez Adobe site open for 20 hours per week; and the Lathrop House open for eight hours per week.
SMCHA provides educational services to the public, and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Currently, less than five percent of museums in the United States are accredited. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the County to waive the County’s competitive bidding requirements for this agreement, and to continue to contract with SMCHA to provide services related to operating the County’s historical sites.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Facility operational hours |
≥95% adherence to minimum hours (San Mateo: 30/wk, Lathrop: 8/wk, Woodside: 14/wk, Sanchez: 20/wk) |
|
Docent-led programming (Woodside & Sanchez) |
Programs delivered ≥90% of open hours |
|
Closure notification |
≥100% reported ≥72 hrs in advance (emergencies within 1 business day) |
|
School programs (Folger Stable) |
≥1 program cycle per school year |
|
Facility access for County/City |
Zero service disruptions; Sanchez Adobe meetings accommodated as requested; 2 free event rentals per year coordinated within 10 business days |
|
Publications & lending |
≥1 La Peninsula publication/year; lending services available during normal hours |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The SMCHA’s operations enhance public access to local history and culture, providing educational programs and community resources designed to engage diverse audiences.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, and for an amount not to exceed $275,000. Following the Board’s approval of the County’s FY 2026-27 Measure K Budget, this agreement will be funded by Measure K and included in the Parks Department’s FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.