The Galloping Goose Historical Society has conceded that the town of Dolores is the legal owner of Goose No. 5 and on Monday signed a long-awaited operating lease with the town allowing the Goose to run on host railroads.
"We're admitting the town is the owner, and have turned over the bill of sale," said Lew Matis, president of the society board. "It's time to move past this."
The agreement comes after an effort to convince the town that the Dolores Rotary Club was the owner of the rail bus, a major tourist attraction.
Documents show that the Rotary purchased the Goose and placed it in the town's name.
The town also declined to sell the Goose to the society, which restored and maintains it, and built a replica depot and museum featuring its history.
The society operates the Goose every summer and fall on the Durango-Silverton railroad, and out of Chama, N.M., on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad.
The operating lease is at no cost and is for a 10 years, to be renewed for additional periods of five years.
The lease states the society will continue to restore, maintain and operate the Goose. Revenues and ticket sales go toward the society for operation costs. Restoration, fundraising and management of the Goose remain with the society.
The lease also requires more communication with the town on Goose activities.
Each year, the society shall provide the town with its annual plan, open to town discussion. The plan may be modified throughout the year. The society also shall provide the town with an annual report on the Goose, including income and expenses.
The society shall maintain adequate liability insurance coverage approved by the town. Policies must satisfy the requirements of the owner of any railway on which the Goose operates. The society shall name the town of Dolores as insured on all policies concerning the Goose.
Matis said the lease allows the Goose society to continue its missions of restoration, public education and railroad tours.
"We're looking to get area schools more involved in the history of the Goose and our tours," Matis said.
Society board member Joe Becker said the group plans to be more active in the community.
"We will be taking on the Christmas celebration for the community here at the depot," he said. "We can have storytime in the back of the Goose, run it on our tracks, then do it again with another group."
