Staff is seeking a short-term contract with the Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) to provide an operating and management services agreement until the RFP process can be completed.  OCGA 36-37-6 (k) authorizes municipalities to enter into a lease or contract for valuable consideration for the operation and management for property used for recreational purposes to a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation for a period not exceeding five years.

The overall premises contains about 726,530 square feet of building space situated on approximately 23 acres; Tricentennial Park (including the Visitors Center) located at 301 – 303 Martin Luther King Boulevard (PIN 2-0031-47-001); as well as the Georgia State Railroad Museum; Children’s Museum; Gift shops; Restroom buildings; and other facilities located at 655 Louisville Road and 604 and 650 Jones Road (PIN 2-0031-46-002, 2-0031-46-002B, 2-0031-46-02A and 2-0031-46-001A). 

Since 1989, a contract has been in place with CHS, to operate, provide a variety of programs, manage the facility restoration, and various other maintenance projects.  The prior contract has expired.  Staff is in process of issuing an RFP to solicit proposals to establish a new operating and management agreement.  CHS is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions; to provide relevant educational and recreational experiences within a historical context for the public; which strives to meet the ethics and standards of the American Alliance of Museums and adheres to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation; and which operates and manages historic sites for multiple owners.  CHS operates Old Fort Jackson National Historic Landmark in Chatham County on behalf of the State of Georgia, and Pin Point Heritage Museum; a privately owned facility in Chatham County.

Approval