The City of Billings and the Montana Historical Society jointly own the Moss Mansion. Through a lease agreement, the Billings Preservation Society agrees to preserve, maintain and restore the Mansion and its contents for the public as an historical and educational resource.

The original lease was for a period of 30 years and expired in 2017.  The Montana Historical Society and the Billings Preservation Society desire to enter into another 30-year lease to continue the activities at the Moss Mansion.  The new lease would run from 2018 through 2047. The City, as a joint owner, is being asked to sign the new lease. Staff is asking the City Council approve of the lease so that the Mayor may sign it.

City Council may:

• Approve the new lease between the City of Billings, the Montana Historical Society and the Billings Preservation Society to continue community preservation of the Moss Mansion and authorize the Mayor to sign, or;
• Disapprove the new lease between the City of Billings, the Montana Historical Society and the Billings Preservation Society to continue community preservation of the Moss Mansion and not authorize the Mayor to sign.  This could result in the loss of management and coordination at the state and local level of this historic resource.

There will be no direct financial impact to the City of Billings.  All maintenance, preservation and operation of the Moss Mansion is the responsibility of the Billings Preservation Society.  Insurance on the property is provided by the Montana Historical Society.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the new lease and authorize the Mayor to sign the lease between the City of Billings, the Montana Historical Society and the Billings Preservation Society.