HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5650-11-2022 A Resolution
NO. 5650-11-2022
SUPPORTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DIGITAL DOME AT THE FORT
WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY
WHEREAS, world-class museums contribute significantly to the City of Fort Worth's
community identity and economic vitality;
WHEREAS,since 1945,the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History("FWMSH")has
served countless residents, families, and visitors through interactive exhibits and hands-on history
lessons;
WHEREAS, the Omni Theater has welcomed over 10 million visitors since opening in
1983, serving as the main revenue driver before closing in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic;
WHEREAS, the Omni Theater's technology is four decades old and has become
inoperable, making it difficult to sustain museum patronage or create exciting programs;
WHEREAS, the FWMSH has committed to raising sufficient funds to replace the Omni
Theater's technology;
WHEREAS, the FWMSH expects that cutting-edge Digital Dome technology and a 300-
seat theater could revive the Omni Theatre space ("Digital Dome Project"), creating innovative
opportunities for new programs while driving revenue to help sustain the museum; and
WHEREAS, the City has sufficient debt capacity to reserve funds to support a portion of
the construction of the Digital Dome Project.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS THAT:
1. The City Council supports the development of the Digital Dome Project at the Omni
Theatre in the FWMSH, subject to the following conditions:
a. The total City contribution to the Digital Dome Project shall be one third of
the capital costs, however, the City contribution shall not exceed $5,000,000.00 ("City
Subsidy").
b. The City Manager or delegated staff persons shall review and accept a
feasibility study and/or a business plan from the FWMSH demonstrating that the ongoing
operation of the Digital Dome Project and the FWMSH are economically and financially
feasible.
C. The City Subsidy shall not be contributed unless and until the FWMSH first
provides evidence of having raised the balance of the Digital Dome Project's costs, with
the City Subsidy being intended to be provided as "last dollars in."
d. Execution of a Funding Agreement authorized by City Council between the
City and FWMSH which details the City Subsidy and determines the specific public
purpose or purposes the Digital Dome Project serves.
e. City Council approval of an Appropriation Ordinance appropriating the
City Subsidy.
2. The City Council finds that the Digital Dome Project and City financial support of
the Digital Dome Project at the FWMSH in accordance with the terms of this Resolution benefits
the public by providing and expanding educational opportunities, enhancing the City's national
and international appeal as a cultural destination, and offering opportunities to bring the entire
community together to foster better understanding and relationships.
3. The City Council requests that the City Manager reserve a portion of the City's debt
capacity to support issuance of debt in an amount not to exceed $5 million for the support of the
Digital Dome Project, subject to the FWMSH's meeting the conditions laid out above.
Adopted this 8th day of November,2022.
ATTEST:
.y
By: Jannette S.Goodall(N(5 10,2022 07:19 CST)
V I
Jannette S. Goodall, City Secretary