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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZE FUND (2)Agenda Item: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: DATE: July 13, 2004 Ken Pulskamp SUBJECT: VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA FUNDING DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation & Community Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council allocate $600,000 for the construction of the Veterans Historical Plaza project from Council contingency account number 2250-7401. BACKGROUND The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2004-05 budget at the June 8, 2004, Council meeting and requested that staff return with funding options for completing the Veterans Historical Plaza project. The removal of the Whites Canyon Beautification project from the Capital Improvement Program resulted in $713,685 going back to the General Fund, which could be available for other unfunded priority projects. One project available for funding consideration is the construction of the Veterans Historical Plaza located in the downtown Newhall area. An extensive public participation process was conducted in 2002 and the resulting concept plan was approved by the City Council on January 28, 2003. Design and construction documents are substantially complete and ready to submit for permit approval. It is anticipated that the cost to complete design, permits, construction, and inspection of the plaza area is approximately $600,000. Due to the types of construction and planting material contained with the plans, the cost per square foot for improvements are much higher than is typically seen in a standard neighborhood park. Significant components of the design include large trees, brick and decomposed granite paving, large pergolas, flagpoles, Victorian -themed lighting, and a water feature. 0 In concert with the Historic Veterans Memorial Committee (HVMC), a number of offers have been received for needed materials or in-kind services. Consequently, the overall cost of the project may be reduced through the donation of site demolition and material disposal, brick pavers, and landscaping. The HVMC has been fundraising in order to purchase the memorial displays or art pieces, which will be located on the plaza site. To date, the HVMC has raised approximately $8,250. The memorial feature is planned to include a single bronze sculpture by a local artist and approximately 12 story stations with information that will interpret our Country's military history. The plaza area has been designed to support this memorial concept. The City has had several discussions with a private group who had expressed an interest in designing and fundraising for the plaza and memorial feature. A redesign would likely require revisiting the approved Master Plan and public participation process. To date, no proposal has been received to support this concept. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as approved by Council. FISCAL IMPACT Allocate funding in the amount of $600,000 from Council contingency account number 2250-7401 to project account P1001001-8110. If approved, this action would result in a balance of $400,000 in the City Council's contingency account.