Foundation 'key' to 450th success
'Our hope is that ... things will really take off' -- Attorney Don Wallis
Posted: July 22, 2010 - 12:08am
By PETER GUINTA
The St. Augustine City Commission agreed by consensus Wednesday that a new foundation would quickly move 450th birthday projects forward "in an efficient and effective way" rather than waiting for commission meetings every few weeks.
St. Augustine attorney Don Wallis, of Upchurch, Bailey & Upchurch, handles finance and spending for the celebration's steering committee. He reported that forming an independent foundation would be "a transition to the private sector."
Jamestown, Va., formed a foundation during planning for its 400th birthday in 2007, he said.
"They believe that the private sector role turned out to be critical to their success," he said. "Members of the current steering committee could be given a right to a seat on the First America Foundation Inc.'s board of directors. They can begin (business) in very short order. Our hope is that, from there, things will really take off."
Commissioner Leanna Freeman said, "This would be a change from a city-based organization to a commercial-based organization."
Commissioner Don Crichlow agreed.
"We need to pass the baton," he said.
Wednesday's workshop was designed to update the commission and public about 450th planning.
Dana Ste. Claire, director of the 450th Commission and the department of Heritage Tourism and Historic Preservation, said "significant advances" had been made.
Some include:
* Partnerships between the city and respected museums. Interest has been expressed for the National Museum of the American Latino, National Museum of the African-American, the Florida Museum of Natural History and -- if available -- Florida Memorial College.
* Securing exhibition space, a major issue in getting desired exhibits.
City Manager John Regan said a real estate and architectural team is exploring options, such as using space at the Visitor Information Center, building a new exhibition hall on San Marco Avenue, using the closed CVS store on North San Marco, Government House and renting already existing space, among 15 to 20 other potential sites.
"Programing drives the fund raising," Regan said.
* Organizing a second Discover First America series in the fall and winter to garner even more public support. This series might feature themes on military and maritime history or culinary and women's history.
* Bringing Florida history into the schools. Jamie Alvarez, program coordinator for the 450th Commemoration, said she's working with a Teacher's Task Force to create a program teachers might be able to use year to year.
* A new interactive web site, which Alvarez is not live yet.
Regan said the city hired a consultant to help license merchandise and explore federal approval for a 450th Celebration stamp and coin and state approval for a 450th license tag.
"Those items are very good fund raisers," Regan said. "Jamestown made $3 million alone from its commemorative coin."
Bill Leary, a candidate for City Commission, is a former U.S. Department of the Interior employee who is assisting officials here in getting a federal commission formed, though he called financial disclosure requirements "onerous."
One potential commission candidate dropped out because of them, Leary said.
"Of course, the (Gulf) oil spill slowed everything," he said. "(Interior Secretary) Ken Salazar seemed very positive about our plans and he may be available to come here for the (commission's) roll out. It'll be a chance for national attention. He attends only two percent of ceremonial functions (he's invited to). This is a big deal."
Regan said the city has spent $108,000 annually for two years on the 450th effort and that money could go into the new foundation's account.
"We need to be the flag-bearer and be the first investor in the foundation," he said. "We need to get the show rolling."
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