Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Application Submitted by Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary (4B24-05) in an Amount of Up to One Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Ten and NO/100 Dollars ($143,810.00) for Blackland Prairie Restoration to Include Trail and Prairie Maintenance Equipment, Deck Replacement at Science Resource Center, and Trail Washout Improvements at the Property Located at One Nature Place in McKinney, Texas. This request represents 85% of the Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
5B: Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city.
5D: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within
the City of McKinney.
MEETING DATE: May 23, 2024
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• McKinney Community Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on a project grant application submitted by Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary for Blackland Prairie Restoration.
• Project elements include trail and prairie maintenance equipment (John Deere tractor 5100e with 520M loader, John Deere bush hog, and Master MFG tow-behind 200-gallon sprayer); replacement of Science Resource Center Observation Deck (TREX Transcend Select decking, railing and screws plus project labor); and trail washout improvements (FlexBase for trails and Rip Rap erosion rock).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• This project allows for replacing aged equipment (some 25 years old), restoring aged decking (24 years old), and improvement to trails to prevent repeated wash out from flooding and high-speed runoff.
• Founded in 1967 by Miss Bess Heard, The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural science exploration center focused on interpreting the natural world for people of all ages.
• The mission of the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, preserve and restore our priceless environment through:
o Educational programs emphasizing appreciation and conservation of nature;
o Preservation of a portion of North Texas land with its native vegetation and wildlife, in as near a natural condition as possible;
o Museum exhibits, examples of natural history, nature-related art works and memorabilia from Founder Bess Heard; and
o Indoor/outdoor nature experiences geared to all age and educational levels.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds allocated for FY24 for discretionary Project Grants is $2,335,904, and $1,835,904 in discretionary funds remain.
• The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• The Heard most recently received MCDC in FY23 in an amount of $50,000 for a food cottage and $30,000 in FY 22 for improvements to the ropes course.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation