HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - CENTRAL PARK MEMORIAL PROJ (2)Agenda Item: 10
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:1
DATE: January 12, 2021
SUBJECT: CENTRAL PARK MEMORIAL PROJECT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Jerrid McKenna
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
Review, provide direction, or approve the included conceptual plan and construct the project
at Central Park, memorializing the victims of the incident at Saugus High School on
November 14, 2019.
2. Authorize the transfer of $40,000 from Contingency Account 19300-5401.001 to Central
Park Memorial Plaza expenditure account P3032601-5161.001 (General Fund Capital);
increase Transfers Out account 10019500-5501.601 and Transfers In account 601-4711.100
by $40,000.
BACKGROUND
On Thursday, November 14, 2019, the City of Santa Clarita (City) was forever changed. Early
in the morning, prior to classes beginning at Saugus High School, a gunman opened fire on his
fellow classmates in the quad. The surrounding community of off -duty first responders, from
different departments throughout the region, quickly sprang into action to rescue their fellow
community members. With the assistance of these brave men and women, students, faculty, and
staff quickly evacuated across the street to Central Park to reunite with their loved ones.
However, the result of the event will forever be remembered with two precious victims' lives lost
too soon, among many others wounded physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In the days following this tragic event, community members began gathering at Central Park to
mourn the lives lost and begin the healing process. On Sunday, November 17, the City partnered
with many other local stakeholders to host the community -wide Saugus Strong vigil to grieve,
remember the victims, and show support for all those affected by this senseless tragedy. More
than 10,000 people attended the vigil to support one another.
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With the significant role Central Park played in the evacuation and healing process, the City has
received numerous requests by residents to memorialize the event and its victims at the park.
At the July 14, 2020, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to meet with the families
of the victims and discuss options for properly memorializing the event and the lives lost on
November 14. City staff met with the families on Friday, August 7, 2020, to begin that
discussion. Following that meeting, staff researched and sent a variety of memorial ideas to the
families for inspiration. The families have expressed interest in Central Park being dedicated in
memory of the victims, Gracie Muehlberger and Dominic Blackwell, and to create a memorial at
the entrance of Central Park.
At the August 25, 2020, City Council meeting, in addition to approving the addition of language
to the entrance signage at Central Park (contingent on SCV Water approval), the Council also
appointed Councilwoman McLean to work with City staff and the victims' families to identify a
proposed location and design for a physical memorial. The City Council asked that this concept
be brought back at a future date to allow for public participation.
After multiple meetings with the families, the attached conceptual plan has been developed and
agreed upon. As noted in the attached design, the proposal includes two 11-foot obelisks —with
murals on each side made from tiny mosaic tilesto memorialize the two victims of the event,
surrounded by seating areas to observe the memorials and space for intimate reflection, shaded
by existing tree canopies.
It is recommended that the City Council review and approve the conceptual plan and direct staff
to move forward with construction. If approved, the families have agreed to pay for the design,
construction, and installation of the obelisks, while the City would be responsible for the
surrounding site construction.
The City's as -needed construction engineering company, Psomas, completed the landscape
architecture and cost estimate for this project. The total cost for grading, electrical, irrigation,
landscape and hardscape is $96,063. Staff has received interest from various local agencies and
private businesses desiring to provide pro bono work or contributions toward the project. In
addition, other elements of the project can be completed in-house by City staff. Therefore, it is
recommended to authorize $40,000 from Contingency for project construction.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total construction cost of the Central Park Memorial Plaza project is $96,063, of which
$40,000 will be funded by the City. Upon approval of the recommended action, $40,000 will be
transferred from Contingency Account 19300-5401.001 to Central Park Memorial Plaza
expenditure account P3032601-5161.001 (General Fund Capital).
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ATTACHMENTS
Memorial Site Plan
Memorial Plaza
Artist Designs
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