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Council hears first reading of MOU with Friends of San Damiano; donors, volunteers and fundraising plan highlighted
Summary
Council reviewed a first reading of a memorandum of understanding with the Friends of San Damiano that would formalize fundraising, operations and oversight for long-term implementation of the adopted San Damiano master plan.
The council received a first reading of a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Monona and the Friends of San Damiano that would formalize responsibilities for managing, maintaining and fundraising for the San Damiano property.
Wes Mossenblock, president of the Friends of San Damiano, described the organization’s progress over the past year and said the MOU is essential to demonstrate a clear public–private partnership to prospective donors. Mossenblock said the friends raised $367,000 in 2024, including $170,000 for the Harry White Horse Festival; the organization now has a board of 12 members, more than 30 committee members and nearly 1,000 donors. He said the Friends received a Madison Community Foundation grant to help hire their first executive director. Mossenblock said the MOU would give the Friends sufficient authority to solicit and manage charitable funds while ensuring the city retains appropriate oversight.
City staff summarized the MOU as focusing on implementing the adopted master plan and described eight core sections including the nature of the relationship, capital fundraising, naming/recognition policy, revenue generation, programming, maintenance, operations and communications. Staff emphasized the MOU requires the Friends to seek city administrator, committee or council approval where required by city ordinance or policy.
No final vote occurred; staff said the item will return for another reading and asked councilmembers to contact staff with questions in the interim.
