HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA PLAQUE REQUEST (2)O
Agenda Item: 6
1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: �1 A11�44-1)
DATE: October 12, 2021
SUBJECT: VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA PLAQUE REQUEST
DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Community Services
PRESENTER: Phil Lantis
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc.'s request to add a plaque
to honor Bill Reynolds at the Veterans Historical Plaza, as supported by the Parks, Recreation,
and Community Services Commission.
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc., (SCV Veterans) is requesting to add a plaque
to honor local veterans advocate Bill Reynolds, who passed away on January 11, 2021. Mr.
Reynolds was the former president of SCV Veterans and was the driving force behind the Fallen
Warriors Monument that was installed at the Veterans Historical Plaza (Plaza). The monument
lists the names of those service members from the Santa Clarita Valley who died in war going
back to World War L Mr. Reynolds envisioned the monument, raised the funds, and coordinated
its completion leading to its installation and dedication in November 2018.
The SCV Veterans are requesting that a plaque be added at the Plaza in near proximity of the
Fallen Warriors Monument acknowledging Mr. Reynolds' contribution to the Plaza and the
veterans community. All of the costs associated with the creation and installation of the plaque at
the site will be the responsibility of SCV Veterans.
This item is being presented to City Council as described in the City of Santa Clarita Veterans
Historical Plaza Special Use Facility Policy.
The process for making improvements or modifications at the Plaza specifies that requests are to
be reviewed by the SCV Veterans organization; the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Commission (Commission); and finally, the City Council for approval. As the request letter is
from SCV Veterans, the first step has been completed.
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This request was shared with the Commission at their meeting on September 2, 2021. At that
meeting, the Commission suggested several revisions, including reducing the size of the plaque
from matching the Story Stations to matching the plaque honoring Pete Knight, removing some
text, and looking at alternative locations for the plaque to be placed. After posting of this City
Council agenda, the request was presented again to the Commission at their meeting on
October 7, 2021.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact for this item as the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc. will
cover all the costs of the plaque and installation.
ATTACHMENTS
SCV Veterans Memorial Inc. Request Letter
Requested Plaque Location
Bill Reynolds Plaque Mockup
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Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc.
23287 Sierra Highways Newhall, California 91321
June 1, 2021
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd, #300
Valencia, CA 91355
Mayor Bill Miranda
City Council Members
The Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc. has been in existence since 1980 for the purpose
of advocating for veterans here in Santa clarita. They have also been the organization that presents
the Memorial Day program at eternal Valley each year.
Members of the committee have also played a key role in the planning and ultimate approval of the
Veterans Plaza as we enjoy it today.
As many of you know, Bill Reynolds, the former president of the SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc.,
passed away on January 11 of this year. Bill was the driving force in bringing forward the Fallen
Warriors Monument which was dedicated in November of 2018. The Fallen Warriors Monument
lists the names of those service members from the Santa Clarita Valley that died in war going back
to World War I. He envisioned, raised funds, and coordinated its completion leading up to the
dedication. We can all appreciate the Monument's addition to the Veterans Plaza.
It is for this reason that the SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. respectfully request that the City Council
approve adding a plaque in the near proximity of the Fallen Warriors Monument acknowledging
Bill's contribution to the Plaza. Additionally, the committee will be responsible for all costs
associated with the creation of the plaque, as there are many people and companies that have
come forward to help make this possible.
Please do not hesitate in contacting me should there be questions regarding this letter;
661/510-0987. Thank you for your consideration in approving this request.
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Bob Kei ar, President
Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc.
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WILLIAM (BILL) REYNOLDS
August 5, 1946 — January 11, 2021
In honored memory of a fellow soldier who fought for our great nation,
and fought for his brothers in arms to receive the gratitude and remembrance
they so deeply deserve. Bill Reynolds is remembered as an American patriot,
friend to all who knew him and a dedicated advocate of military veterans.
He served in the United States Army, fighting in Vietnam while assigned
to the Charlie Company, part of the famed Boys of'67.
In 2012, Bill joined the Santa Clarita Veterans Memorial. Committee and
devoted himself to supporting and honoring fellow veterans.. He played
a major role in the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.
The Fallen Warriors Monument, which proudly stands in front of you,
displaying the names local veterans who gave their lives for American
freedom, was one of Bill's proudest accomplishments. He worked
tirelessly for years to create the vision, raise funds, coordinate with the City,
design the monument and plan its unveiling on November 11, 2018.
Bill Reynolds' legacy will live on in Santa Clarita through
the patriotic work he did on behalf of our veterans.