The Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) recommends that City Council approve an ordinance to approve the Houston BARC Foundation’s updated bylaws and requisite amendments to Chapter 6 of the City’s Code Ordinances as well as confirming additional members to the Foundation’s Board Directors.
The Houston BARC Foundation (Foundation) was created in 2010 as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of soliciting funds for the benefit of BARC, the ARA division responsible for the City’s animal shelter, animal adoptions and enforcement of animal regulations.
To date, the Foundation has collected more than $800,000 in donations in support of BARC to support the completion of the remaining phases of BARC’s new adoption center. As it is estimated that an additional $20 million is needed to complete the construction and build-out of the center, the Foundation is seeking private contributions to ensure that expansion of BARC’s adoption center can continue with minimal impact on taxpayers.
Per the updated bylaws, the Foundation’s Board of Directors shall consist of 25 members, to be nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, each serving two year terms. Additional board members will provide the Foundation greater opportunity to raise funding and awareness for BARC and Houston’s homeless animal population throughout the community.
Additionally, the City will now maintain fidelity bonds in the amount of $10,000 per board member (at a cost of under $200 per member), consistent with the City’s practice for other city nonprofit corporations (Houston Library Foundation and Houston Parks Board) charged with managing and investing significant dollar amounts.
The nominee’s resumes are attached. Additional nominees and amendments to the Foundation’s bylaws will be brought before City Council for confirmation as necessary.
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Departmental Approval Authority:
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Tina Paez, Director
Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department
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Other Authorization
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