REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
January 14, 2025
FROM
DAVID MYERS, Director, Museum
SUBJECT
Title
Donation of a 1923 Ford, Model T Automobile
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Accept the donation of a 1923 Ford Model T automobile with an appraised value of $21,580, from Dr. Herbert Fischer, to be used in museum exhibits and interpretive programming.
(Presenter: David Myers, Director, 798-8608)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Acceptance of this donation will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). There is no cost associated with accepting this donation and San Bernardino County Museum (Museum) anticipates ongoing exhibit and programming costs to be minimal.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The recommended action will accept the donation of a 1923 Ford Model T automobile from Dr. Herbert Fischer. Beginning production in 1908, the Ford Model T was one of the most influential cars of the 20th Century. It provided inexpensive transportation on a mass scale and signified the power and success of America’s growing middle class. This automobile was first used as a work truck in the orange groves of Redlands, then as a delivery truck from 1950 until 1999 for Flowerland Nursery owned by Herb and Mary Fischer.
The automobile’s history and use in the local agriculture industry fit firmly within the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor’s (Board) approved mission and collecting policy for Museum to “preserve and share the cultural and natural heritage of San Bernardino County and the region”.
This automobile has been professionally appraised by the donor at $21,580. Per County Policy 06-01 and Standard Practice 06-01SP, Board approval is required to accept gifts or donations valued over $10,000.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Agnes Cheng, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5463) on December 17, 2024; Finance (Elias Duenas, Finance Analyst, 387-4052) on December 17, 2024; County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on December 18, 2024.