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Home My WebLink About1991-03-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - FLAG MEMORIAL (2)NEW BUSINESS DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: BACKGROUND March 26, 1991 Flag City AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: Raquel Garcia The City of Santa Clarita has received a proposal from Warren and Vera Johnson, members of the Santa.Clarita Valley Memorial Committee, for the erection of a flag memorial within the City. The proposed location for the memorial is in the community of Newhall. The Santa Clarita Valley Memorial Committee proposal, dated February 9, 1991, requests the City of Santa Clarita to assume ownership and responsibility for costs for engineering, construction, landscaping and maintenance associated with the erection of the flag memorial as an entrance to Santa Clarita. The committee is also requesting to have the memorial unveiled and dedicated on May 27, 1991 (Memorial Day). A descriptive concept of the flag memorial is included as part of the proposal; however, approximate costs for this project.were not provided. The committee has initiated a fundraising campaign to raise monetary donations to help the City pay for the memorial as well as acquire in kind support in the form of labor and supplies for the project. At this time, there are no City funds currently budgeted for this project. Erecting a memorial as a tribute to the men and women who have fought to preserve liberty and human dignity, from the Minute Men of the Revolution to Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War, will preserve history, foster a lasting remembrance and recognition for war veterans, and provide a landmark to be enjoyed by generations to come. Alternatives 1. Support this proposal. 2. Request that a non-profit foundation be formed to develop and maintain this project. 3. Ask that this be done privately. 4. The City make a specific dollar contribution. If the Council wishes staff to pursue this project, staff can proceed to research costs and submit a request as a part of the budget process. RECOMMENDATION Staff, recommends alternative 12. ATTACHMENT Flag Memorial Proposal and Location Map Continued To: q Agenda Item: Warren and Vera Johnson 26534 Oak Crossing Road Santa Clarita, CA 91321 252-5805 PROPOSAL - February 9. 1991 FLAG MEMORIAL Vera and I have initiated steps towards the possible erection of a Flag Memorial at an important entrance to Santa Clarita. The enclosed . map defines its location. We envision this as a memorial to all American veterans of wars, from the Minute Men of the Revolution up to the war in the Gulf, who have fought to preserve liberty and human dignity in the world. We propose the following options: 1. 'A flag pole at least fifty feet tall erected.in a base that would serve a multiple purpose: A. A pictorial frieze, sand -blasted in polished stone around three sides of a concrete base. Scenes would depict armed forces personnel from colonial America to the present. B. A repository for a time capsule housing local historical information, Gulf War news ie. news clippings, local service personnel, Etc. C. A base for living decorations such as potted small trees, plants, flowers and even a lighted Christmas tree. Donations of these items would likely come from the community as a "living tribute." 2. The flags flown could be: American, State, County, and City. 3.. The Flag Memorial should be.lit at night from the base. This will give it a striking visual impact and allow the flags to wave 24 hours a day. 4. Other benefits of the Flag Memorial: A. It would be a focal point,.along with the Western Walk of Stars landmark at the entrance to Historic Downtown Newhall for the 4th of July Parade, Hart Park, and Heritage Junction activities. B. It could be interpreted as being the first physical step in the resoration of Historic Downtown Newhall. C. It would help improve the character and appearance of downtown Newhall. 5. CITY SUPPORT - We are now working with the Department of Public Works to establish critical requirements and procedures. We will be requesting that the city take responsibility for all engineering, building of the base and installation of the flag pole including all electrical work and fixtures plus mounting of fine stone work. 6. OWNERSHIP OF FLAG MEMORIAL - It would be owned by the City. 7. FINANCIAL - We would like to see this.Flag Memorial construction and financing guaranteed by the city. We would also like the community to share in at -least part of the cost through donations if allowable. Page two of Flag Memorial B. COD MITY SUPPORT - We are in the process of contacting several organizations and businesses about the.Flag Memorial. Support options include: A. Monetary donations from non-profit organizations: I. people and businesses can donate to non-profit organizations and allocate the money to the Flag Memorial. The organizations in turn donate that amount to the City's Flag Memorial Fund. B. Material and labor can be donated to the Flag Memorial through any non-profit.organization. 9. CONTINUING FUND SUPPORT - Money left over after completion of construction can be applied to perpetual maintenance and beautification. Here.is where living plants, trees and flowers can be purchased on a coninuing basis to keep this a beautiful living memorial. 10. The Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade Committee could use its resources to help gather initial public support, coordinating its efforts.with city departments. 11. TIMING - Public support for service personnel in the Gulf war is high. Now is the time to act for several reasons. A. Local service -personnel would get a boost in morale knowing their community supports them in a big way with a permanent memorial. B. It could be the first memorial erected to service personnel currently engaged in a war. C. The public relations and publicity value can be tremendous. D. The target date for unveiling and dedication should be Memorial Day - May 27, 1991 (preferred), Flag day.- June 14, 1991, or July 4th at the latest. We solicite your written response. Sincerely, Warren K. J n Korean W eteran ` COPIES TO CITY COUNCIL. J. Fritz & Company CITY MANAGER, CITY CLEu7': ' & An Accounting Company Dat 22650 Barbacoa Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (805)297-597.5 FAX (805) 297-5059 February 26, 1991 R E C E I V E D FEB 2 7 1991 CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SANTA CLARITA City Council City of Santa Clarita Valley 23920 Valencia Blvd. Valencia, CA. 91355 Ladies and Gentlemen: The attached letter has been directed to all organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley. It is indeed self explainatory. We need the full City.Council support for this endeavor. If there are any available funds to further along this project, then we would like to have an application for such funds. Your complete consideration would be appreciated. Respectfully yours, Jonnie Fritz Chief Financial Officer SANTA CLARITA VALLEY MEMORIAL COMMITTEE JF/ms Encl. IN 1989 A GROUP OF DEDICATED VETERANS PROPOSED ERECTING A MEMORIAL HONORING ALL MEN AND WOMEN VETERANS OF ALL SERVICES AND'WARS. THIS GROUP APPROACHED ETERNAL VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK WITH THE IDEA OF LOCATING THE MEMORIAL ON THE GROUNDS OF THE CEMETERY. THE MANAGEMENT READILY AGREED AND OFFERED TO PROVIDE A SITE, DESIGN SERVICES, AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE MEMORIAL. IN ADDITION A PROPOSED NEW VETERAN'S GARDEN WOULD ENCOMPASS THE TOTAL CONCEPT. WITH THIS ENCOURAGEMENT, A NON-PROFIT SANTA CLARITA VALLEY MEMORIAL COMMITTEE WAS FORMED, AND THE DEDICATED GROUP IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF RAISING THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE MEMORIAL. ALL FUNDS WILL BE DESIGNATED DIRECTLY TOWARDS THE MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MEMORIAL WITH NO ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES BEING INCURRED. FOR THIS TO BECOME A REALITY WE ARE APPROACHING ALL VETERAN,SERVICE AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN ADDITION TO INTERESTED SANTA CLARITA VALLEY RESIDENTS TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THIS EFFORT. CONTRIBUTIONS OF ANY DENOMINATION WOULD BE GREATLY -APPRECIATED, AND ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE. ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING MR. WALTER E. (ANDY) ANDERSON. TELEPHONE (805) 252-2658. RESPECTFULLY YOURS, WALTER E. 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