Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Request Submitted by Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary (#23-06) in the Amount of Fifty Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) for Construction of a Permanent Animal Food Cottage for the Animal Exhibit. Amount Requested Represents 60% of the Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance 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: April 27, 2023
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking funding for a project to construct a permanent animal food cottage for one of its animal exhibits.
• This cottage will provide a safe workstation for animal care staff to prepare diets and medications and sanitize food and water containers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• 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.
• The outdoor animal exhibit workstation building known as “The Cottage” was built as a temporary structure in 2008 to support what was planned as a short-term exotic animal exhibit.
• Due to popularity, the exotic animal exhibit is transitioning to a native animal exhibit.
• Construction of a new “cottage” will facilitate work done by animal care staff to prepare diets, medications, and sanitize food and water containers for the animal exhibit at the museum.
• The Heard offers guests the unique experience to understand Collin County’s natural heritage a well as how lifestyle decisions we make today will affect how Collin County will look in the future.
• The Heard experience involves both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the 289-acre sanctuary.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds allocated for MCDC discretionary Project Grants for FY23 total $2,177,223.00, and $1,960,385.50 in funds remain unallocated.
• The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code - definition of “Recreational or Community Facilities.”
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation