title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Agreement with the Thalian Association of Wilmington to Manage the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
body
Department:
Parks & Recreation
Meeting Date:
6/3/2025
Contact Name:
Amy Beatty
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
910-341-5838
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
Attachments:
Letter to the City Manager Requesting Consideration of a Fee Increase to Manage the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to amend the City of Wilmington's Agreement with the Thalian Association to manage the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.
BACKGROUND:
The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center is Wilmington Parks and Recreation's principal arts and cultural facility, providing exposure to all disciplines of the arts in an accessible way to youth and adults.
The Thalian Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the artistic environment and providing arts education, has managed the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington since 1994. Thalian strives to bring exceptional theatrical performances to all audiences, support youth development of life skills through performing arts education, and to provide artistic outlets to engage and unite the community.
At its February 20, 2024 meeting, Wilmington City Council approved a resolution to extend its management agreement with the Thalian Association to manage the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center for a term of five years with two one-year options for an annual fee of $78,831 subject to a yearly increase of five percent or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), whichever is less.
Since that time, Thalian Association's expenses to operate the facility have increased significantly, beyond expectation due to labor, equipment, supply and service costs. Despite an increase in...
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