Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, Interim City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Donate the Reinero’s Sign to the Merced County Historical Society
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers providing staff authorization to donate the Reinero’s Sign to the Merced County Historical Society.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the donation of the Reinero’s Sign to the Merced County Historical Society and authorizing the Interim City Manager to sign the temporary receipt for the donation.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or
2. Deny this request; or
3. Continue to a future council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200
Merced Municipal Code Section 17.54 - Historic Preservation
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This recommendation is consistent with City Council’s priority in preserving historical structures, sites, monuments, and areas of special character, aesthetic interest or value.
HISTORY
The property located at 636, 638, 640 W. Main Street (“Property”), is currently owned by Phillip Reinero. In late 2016, the Property was damaged by two structure fires. The second fire occurred on December 18, 2016, and compromised the structural integrity of the building located on the Property.
On July 12, 2018, the City began code enforcement proceedings to abate the nuisance condition on the property. The administrative proceedings concluded on February 5, 2019. On April 24, 2019, the Merced Superior Court issued an abatement warrant authorizing the demolition of the building.
The City gave Mr. Reinero prior notice to collect his property assets, including the former restaurant sign. No action nor interest was expressed by Mr. Reinero in retaining the sign. The City acquired the sign prior to the demolition of the structure.
Due to structural integrity issues related to the previous damage, the abatement began in October 2019, and the physical demolition of the structure was completed in November 2019. The cost of abatement by the City was $147,165.81.
DISCUSSION
City staff acknowledges the historical, architectural, and sentimental value of the Reinero’s sign and determined that the most appropriate location to preserve the historical sign would be through the Merced County Historical Society. The Director of Merced County Historical Society/Courthouse Museum, Sarah Lim, also voiced her interest in accessioning the sign to their collection.
Staff is requesting Council’s approval in relinquishing and donating the Reinero’s Sign to the Merced County Historical Society, and authorizing the Interim City Manager to sign the Merced County Historical Society/Courthouse Museum Temporary Receipt for the donation (see Attachment 2). Once the Historical Society accepts the donation, a formal deed of gift letter will be provided to the City.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Photo of Reinero’s Sign
2. Merced County Historical Society Temporary Receipt