La Canada OKs Operating Pact for Museum

The La Canada Flintridge City Council voted 4 to 1 Monday to approve a five-year operating agreement with the Lanterman Foundation, clearing the way for restoration of the Lanterman House as a museum.

The city attorney will now draft several changes suggested Monday by the council before the contract is signed by the mayor. Councilman Ed Phelps, who expressed concern over the city’s financial obligations in operating the house as a museum, cast the only no vote.

A $500,000 state grant, which expires in June, 1991, provides money only for restoration of the structure and cannot be used for improvements to the 1.35-acre grounds. Creation of a parking lot, security lighting, a new septic system and roof repairs are among the changes that may be needed before the house can operate as a museum.

Phelps and a number of residents have said the city should be obligated to pay for the modifications, which experts estimate could run as high as $530,000.

But general contractor Robert Grossman, a trustee of the Lanterman Foundation, said he is certain that the restoration can be completed for less. Council members have repeatedly asked the foundation to provide firm estimates for projected operating expenses.

A sticking point for Phelps is the presence in the house of a huge theater pipe organ, which nearby residents say is inappropriate for the quiet residential neighborhood. Phelps suggested that the instrument might be sold for as much as $100,000 to a private collector.

Deputy City Atty. Stephanie R. Scher said the operating agreement would allow the city to move ahead with restoration of the house and begin operation as a museum before a decision is made on the pipe organ.

When signed by the mayor, the five-year contract will obligate the city to pay $9,600 this fiscal year for restoration projects not covered by the state grant. Thereafter, continued funding for maintenance and operation of the museum will become part of the city’s annual budget. The council will retain the authority to review the contract annually and could reduce the appropriation, veto funding or terminate the agreement.

The house, at 4420 Encinas Drive, became city property in 1985 after the death of Lloyd Lanterman, the last surviving member of La Canada’s pioneer family. In his will, Lanterman donated the vintage 1915 Craftsman-style house to the city. However, his estate did not provide funds to maintain or restore the structure.