Folsom extends contract to run Lions Park mini train

Folsom officials last week extended the contract with operators of the Lions Park mini steam train ride by the Zoo. The Folsom City Council approved a five-year concession agreement July 8 to extend the contract with Truson V. Buegel and Stephanie Bea Roy to run the miniature live steam train at City Lions Park. Folsom City Lions Park on Stafford Street has featured the iconic scale live steam train railway for more than half a century since 1970. Terry and Geri Gold of Folsom Valley Railway, or Golden Spike Entertainment, acquired the train concession from the previous owner in the early 1990s and operated until recently. Golden Spike owned and operated the complete railway, equipment and structures apart from the boarding platform owned by the city. In 2008, staff conducted a Request for Proposals for the Scale Live Steam Train and Snack Bar Concessions. The council of 2009 passed a train contract with Golden Spike, while the snack bar concessions were awarded to Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, staff said. The current agreement with Golden Spike Entertainment for the train operations expired in January. Staff last year requested direction from the City Council on the future of the steam train operations. Terry Gold presented the City Council with information regarding potential buyers for the operation. During the discussion, the City Council expressed unanimous support for the continuation of train operations under new ownership. Subsequently, the Golds met with interested parties and identified Buegel and Roy as the chosen buyers. Mr. Buegel's selection was based on his extensive expertise in steam train operations and maintenance and for his tenure operating trains at Disneyland Park, staff said. The City Council approved an assignment and assumption agreement for the continued operation of the train by Buegel and Roy. The existing agreement assumed they have one remaining five-year extension available. The pair has operated the train for the last year. Staff believes an extension of the existing contract is in the best interest of the city and will ensure continued operation of the train for park and Zoo Sanctuary users. The total revenue over the five-year term is estimated at $132,945. Year one revenue is estimated at $25,040 with a 3-percent escalator each year thereafter, according to the report.