Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Hands On Children’s Museum by Incorporating Property Recently Acquired for Expansion of the Museum into the Lease Agreement Terms
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Hands On Children’s Museum by incorporating property recently acquired for expansion of the Museum into the Lease Agreement Terms.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Hands On Children’s Museum by incorporating property recently acquired for expansion of the Museum into the Lease Agreement Terms.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8325
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
On September 14, 2010, the City of Olympia and the Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) entered into a Lease Agreement for lease and operation of the premises known as the Hands On Children’s Museum (the Museum).
On July 22, 2025, the Olympia City Council approved a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Port of Olympia for the City’s acquisition of real property to expand the footprint of the HOCM. On December 18, 2025, the City purchased and acquired the additional property.
The Parties now wish to modify and amend the Lease Agreement to :
• Incorporate the recently acquired property into the Lease Agreement Terms; and
• Provide for HOCM’s site control of the property in accord with the terms and conditions of the Lease Agreement.
Climate Analysis:
It is not anticipated the HOCM expansion will have a significant negative impact on greenhouse gas emissions. HOCM is a national green museum, returning distressed, contaminated land to productive use for public benefit, while utilizing green technology through solar power and other green energy
saving measures.
Equity Analysis:
The HOCM expansion provides an opportunity to enhance childhood early learning opportunities in the arts and sciences for all, and to contribute and enhance the quality of life for all area residents, while also contributing to economic vitality through tourism. The HOCM also offers free and reduced
programs for low income families.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The HOCM has historically had strong community support and approval.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact related to this item.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Hands On Children’s Museum by incorporating property recently acquired for expansion of the Museum into the Lease Agreement Terms.
2. Do not approve Amendment No. 2 to the Lease Agreement. This will jeopardize grant funding for the Museum’s Expansion Project.
3. Direct staff to take a different course of action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Amendment No. 2