HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-057 Quakertown Memorial FundSeptember 18, 2026 Report No. 2026-057
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Creation of a Quakertown Memorial Fund
SUMMARY:
On July 27, 2026, Council Member Rumohr submitted a two-minute pitch to incorporate the
creation of a new Quakertown Memorial Fund into the FY27 budget discussions. This fund would
support the development, construction, and maintenance of memorial elements within Quakertown
Park that honor the history of Quakertown and its former residents, as outlined in the Design
Downtown Denton Master Plan.
The ground lease for the Women’s Club Building, approved on May 5, 2026, includes an annual
rental payment of $1,320. The allocation of these funds was recommended to be addressed through
the FY27 budget process and did not require a pitch for allocation of the annual rent payment.
With this information, Council Member Rumohr revised the pitch to direct all profits generated
from any revenue-producing events held during the City’s in-kind use be directed into a new
Quakertown Memorial Fund. On August 4, 2026, the City Council gave direction to proceed with
the two-minute pitch proposal as outlined in Ordinance 24-1725.
DISCUSSION:
Fund Overview and Feasibility
This proposal recommends establishing a dedicated donation account to hold contributions
designated for commemorating Quakertown’s history. All contributions, including the annual rent
payment of $1,320, can accumulate in this account until the City Council authorizes a specific
project. Once a project is approved, such as the design, fabrication, or installation of a qualifying
memorial element, funds can be drawn down to cover those costs. This structure allows the Fund
to grow across multiple budget cycles and support larger commemorative projects over time, rather
than limiting efforts to what can be accomplished within a single year’s contributions.
With Council direction, the revenue and expenditures for this purpose can be managed within the
existing Parks Donation Fund. Funds can be earmarked and tracked specifically for a Quakertown
memorial.
City In-Kind Use of the Women’s Building
September 18, 2026 Report No. 2026-057
The ground lease includes 24 days per calendar year available for City use. The City and the
Denton Women’s Federation have outlined procedures and expectations for scheduling and
utilizing this in-kind building use. The intent is to allow flexibility for community and
organizational activities while also supporting the operational need to accommodate paid rentals
and revenue-generating opportunities for the Women’s Federation, which relies on paid rentals for
building upkeep.
As of September 2026, the City has not finalized its intended use of the available in-kind days.
With Council direction, these in-kind days could be designated either as a set number or the full
annual allocation of 24 days for City-programmed, revenue-generating events, with proceeds
deposited into the memorial donation fund. Alternatively, the City could offer in-kind use to
organizations with an agreement that event profits be directed to the Fund.
CONCLUSION:
With Council direction, the existing Parks Donation Fund can receive the annual ground-lease rent
of $1,320 designated for commemorating Quakertown’s history through a memorial. Generating
additional revenue for the memorial through the annual allocation of in-kind building use will
require further discussion and guidance on whether to utilize all or a portion of the available in-kind
days, and whether those days would be programmed by the City or by partner organizations, with
proceeds directed to a Quakertown memorial. Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation and
Library Departments evaluate what types of revenue-generating programming would be
appropriate for the building and seek feedback from their respective boards prior to a Council
Work Session.
Upon receipt of the Informal Staff Report, Council Member Rumohr may indicate if the
information provided satisfies their request. The item will be considered by the Agenda Committee
for placement on a future Work Session agenda and routing through an appropriate board,
commission, or committee.
STAFF CONTACT:
Justin Stackhouse
Assistant to the City Manager
Justin.Stackhouse@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8989
REQUESTOR: Council Member Rumohr
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 4 hours
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: City Manager’s Office, Finance, Legal