HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10247
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10247
March 5, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: JOINT BOTANIC GARDEN MEMBERSHIP WITH BOTANICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS
The purpose of this Informal Report is to inform the City Council about an expanded partnership
with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) to provide joint membership services for
BRIT and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
On November 13, 2018 (M&C G-19244), Council adopted recommendations of the Botanic
Garden Task Force including admission fees, membership fees, and non-profit management. As
directed, staff will be returning with a final admission fee schedule that incorporates free
admission during certain periods prior to the implementation of the fees later this summer.
Meanwhile, the membership program will be an essential part of the accessibility options allowing
affordable, regular Garden visitation privileges when admission fees are implemented. In addition,
it will allow a broad group of constituents of both the Botanic Garden and BRIT to provide support
to the mission through membership and enjoy free access to the Japanese Garden.
For many years, the Fort Worth Botanical Society has operated a membership program on behalf
of the City allowing admission privileges to the Japanese Garden and reciprocal privileges to visit
other gardens. As the Council approved hiring society staff members into city positions at the
Garden on March 28, 2017 (M&C G-18978), the Society no longer has the capability to manage a
large membership program. Due to that contractual arrangement with the Society, the garden has
never had staff or other capabilities needed to successfully operate a membership program.
BRIT has operated a successful membership program for many years and has a very capable,
professionally managed team in place to administer it. Additionally, BRIT already provides
educational and volunteer support services to the Garden through an agreement creating the
GROW Collaborative as authorized in M&C C-28427 (October 10, 2017).
BRIT and city staff will negotiate amendments to the current license agreement for GROW,
adding administration of a joint membership program by BRIT. This partnership leverages the
strengths of both institutions with the Garden providing outstanding garden venues and a major
attraction for visitors and BRIT providing scientific and educational expertise combined with a
highly skilled non-profit management staff.
The City will increase license fees to BRIT in an amount equal to a currently budgeted half time
office assistant position (not to exceed $23,260) to supplement staffing for the program. BRIT will
receive and manage all revenues.
Annual membership rates will align with those recommended by the Task Force and approved by
Council, as follows:
$50 Individual
$80 Partner (originally recommended as 2 adults, includes children as an increased benefit)
$100 Supporter (2 adults and children + 2 guest passes)
$200 Patron (2 adults and children + 4 guest passes)
$500 Affiliate (2 adults and children + 6 guest passes
$1000 Sustainer (2 adults and children + 8 guest passes)
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10247
March 5, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: JOINT BOTANIC GARDEN MEMBERSHIP WITH BOTANICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS
After all costs for administering the program are paid, net revenues will be split with the Garden
receiving 75% and BRIT receiving 25%. Membership presales will begin as soon as March 9 to
take advantage of the marketing opportunity presented by Lanterns in the Garden. The Garden
and BRIT look forward to this expanded partnership as a win-win for both institutions following the
outstanding successes to date of GROW.
If you have any questions, please contact Richard Zavala, Park & Recreation Department
Director at (817) 392-5704 or Susan Alanis, Assistant City Manager at (817) 392-6116.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS