Title
Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Gift of Tangible Personal Property Valued at $17,100.00 from Elizabeth A. Kraft
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The family of Christopher Columbus Kraft, Jr. contacted the City on December 1, 2020, to donate items to the City related to Chris Kraft’s life in Hampton and work with NASA in Hampton. There were various email communications between the Kraft family and Hampton History Museum staff regarding available items which may be of interest to the City. Subsequently, the Kraft family mailed the items to the City in three shipments which were received on January 20, 2021; February 8, 2021; and April 13, 2021. Hampton History Museum staff provided the Kraft family with Custody Receipts for all three deliveries.
The donor had items Museum staff found appropriate to add to the Museum collection appraised for a value of $17,100. The list includes: Plaque: For Outstanding Contributions to Man’s Conquering Space, presented by the Hampton High School Student Cooperative Association, 1965, Framed letter from President Johnson regarding Hampton award, 1965, Desk nameplate: Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., NACA bronze emblem with dedication to Chris, Phonelic signs: “Flight Director” and “Red Flight”, Photos on mat board, entitled “Good ol’ Days at Langley”, City of Hampton distinguished citizen medal, framed, Metal medallion: Distinguished citizen of Hampton, Christopher Columbus Kraft, November 10, 1965, Baseball glove, probably used by Kraft at VPI in 1940s, Signed softball, Phoebus Sweet Shop Champions, Briefcase with Chris Kraft nameplate, Moon ornament with Virginia medallion inserted, Portrait of Kraft (24x36), with him at console in Mission Control superimposed at bottom, Citation, retiring Red Flight from available Mission Control designation, Hampton High 35th reunion program, 1939 Krabba (Hampton High School yearbook), Program: Hampton High School 50th Reunion, 1991, Silver cigar box with inscription on lid: “Christopher C. Kraft Jr., From Phoebus Civic Association,” Photos of Chris Kraft Day, Brochure: Apollo XII has Landed in Hampton, Booklet: Langley 50th Anniversary, Sketch of Fuller’s in Phoebus, 2 Stickers: Phoebus - Little Chicago, Autographed photo of Chris Kraft in his home office, Customs paper for Apollo 11 crew to enter US after coming from moon, and a 7 piece silver service: given to Chris and Betty Anne Kraft on Chris Kraft Day, 1965.
Pursuant to Hampton City Code Section 2-134(a), gifts to the city of real property and tangible personal property valued at five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more shall be approved by City Council, by appropriate motion duly recorded in the Council minutes, before such gifts shall be deemed to have been accepted by the City.
The donor is seeking to file Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions with its tax return and has asked that the City provide written acknowledgment of the donation and associated documentation. Therefore, the proposed resolution includes additional language regarding recognition that the City did not provide the donor with any goods or services in consideration for the donation and that the City Manager would be authorized to take any and all actions necessary to effectuate this charitable contribution, including the execution of any necessary forms and or other documents, upon approval by the City Attorney.
Discussion:
See Purpose/Background above.
Impact:
The City will own the NASA memorabilia and personal effects from Chris Kraft- valued at $17,100.00 by the donor.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approval of the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, Elizabeth A. Kraft (the “Donor”) generously agreed to donate tangible personal property including NASA memorabilia and personal effects from Christopher Columbus Kraft, Jr. to the City of Hampton (the “City”);
WHEREAS, Christopher Columbus Kraft, Jr. grew up in the Phoebus neighborhood of Hampton and was an aerospace and NASA engineer who, among other accomplishments, was instrumental in establishing the Mission Control Center and served as NASA’s first flight director;
WHEREAS, the tangible personal property of a Plaque: For Outstanding Contributions to Man’s Conquering Space, presented by the Hampton High School Student Cooperative Association, 1965; Framed letter from President Johnson regarding Hampton award, 1965; Desk nameplate: Christopher C. Kraft, Jr.; NACA bronze emblem with dedication to Chris; Phonelic signs: “Flight Director” and “Red Flight”; Photos on mat board, entitled “Good ol’ Days at Langley”; City of Hampton distinguished citizen medal, framed; Metal medallion: Distinguished citizen of Hampton, Christopher Columbus Kraft, November 10, 1965; Baseball glove, probably used by Kraft at VPI in 1940s; Signed softball, Phoebus Sweet Shop Champions; Briefcase with Chris Kraft nameplate; Moon ornament with Virginia medallion inserted; Portrait of Kraft (24x36), with him at console in Mission Control superimposed at bottom; Citation, retiring Red Flight from available Mission Control designation; Hampton High 35th reunion program; 1939 Krabba (Hampton High School yearbook); Program: Hampton High School 50th Reunion, 1991; Silver cigar box with inscription on lid: “Christopher C. Kraft Jr., From Phoebus Civic Association”; Photos of Chris Kraft Day; Brochure: Apollo XII has Landed in Hampton; Booklet: Langley 50th Anniversary; Sketch of Fuller’s in Phoebus; 2 Stickers: Phoebus - Little Chicago; Autographed photo of Chris Kraft in his home office; Customs paper for Apollo 11 crew to enter US after coming from moon; and a 7 piece silver service: given to Chris and Betty Anne Kraft on Chris Kraft Day, 1965 which were collectively valued at $17,100.00 by the Donor’s appraisal;
WHEREAS, the City physically received the tangible personal property listed above in three separate deliveries on January 20, 2021; February 8, 2021; and April 13, 2021; and provided Donor with Custody Receipts;
WHEREAS, the City has had the tangible personal property listed above in its custody since that time;
WHEREAS, the City did not provide Donor with any goods or services in consideration for the tangible personal property listed above; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of such donations by the City of Hampton, pursuant to Hampton City Code § 2-134, requires the approval of the Hampton City Council to the extent the amount or value of such gifts or donations is $5,000.00 or greater, and the City Manager seeks that approval, submitting that acceptance is in the best interest of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia accepts the donation of tangible personal property, with a total value of $17,100.00 from Elizabeth A. Kraft.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to effectuate this charitable contribution, including the execution of any necessary forms and or other documents, upon approval by the City Attorney.