AGENDA #5c

memorandum

to:                  Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager

from:            Council Committee of the Whole to Discuss Kidzu

subject:       Post Office/Courthouse

date:             June 9, 2008

PURPOSE

This report responds to a request from Town Council to evaluate a request from the Kidzu Children’s Museum concerning possible use of the Post Office/Courthouse as space for the museum.

BACKGROUND

On February 29, the Committee held discussions with Kidzu representatives regarding the use of the Chapel Hill Court House building. These discussions continued during two subsequent meetings scheduled on April 1 and April 12.

DISCUSSION

The Committee discussed several key issues related to the use of the Post Office/Courthouse space.  The discussion centered on:

1. Feasibility of the use of the Post Office/Courthouse space as a children’s museum.
2. Legal requirements (both in the current use agreements and as interpreted in the General Assembly)
3. Current use of the Post Office/Courthouse building

RECOMMENDATION

Due to the necessary court functions in the Post Office/Courthouse building, the Council Committee of the Whole cannot recommend that the Council grant the Kidzu request for the use of the Post Office/Courthouse building.  The Committee also discussed the possible use of the top of the Wallace Deck and the Committee recommends that the Town continue working with Kidzu representatives following the results of the feasibility study.