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Home My WebLink About2011-08-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT Agenda Item: 3 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: August 23, 2011 Rick Gould INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL MONUMENTS AT VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA Parks, Recreation, and Community Services RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. City Council approve the proposal to install a plaque to recognize State Senator William J. "Pete" Knight, recognizing the military career of Senator Knight. 2. Approve proposal to install recognitions of Assemblyman George Runner and Senator Knight on the Donor Wall for their efforts in securing the site for Veterans Historical Plaza. 3. Direct staff to procure and install the recognitions at the Plaza. BACKGROUND At -the February 22, 2011, City Council meeting, the Council approved the Special Use Facility Policy for Veterans Historical Plaza. The intent of the policy was to set procedures in place for the Plaza's use, and to guide future enhancements proposed at the site. Prior to the adoption of the policy, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission, the City Council, SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc., and staff provided input on a written set of procedures that was needed to allow for the consideration of modifications or improvements to the Plaza. The Special Use Facility Policy created that framework. At the time of construction of the Plaza, installation of a plaque to honor State Senator William J. "Pete" Knight was anticipated and funds were collected for that purpose. In addition to his political career, Senator Knight was a combat pilot, test pilot, and an astronaut. Senator Knight holds the world's speed record for flight in a winged, powered aircraft. On October 3, 1967, he set a world aircraft speed record for manned aircraft by piloting the X -15A-2 to 4,520 mph, a A r-"% r_OVED record that still stands today. During 16 flights in the aircraft, he became one of only five pilots to earn their astronaut wings by flying an airplane in space, reaching an altitude of 280,500 feet. In 1992, he was elected to serve in the California State Assembly representing the 36th District, which at the time, included Santa Clarita. Senator Knight served in the State Senate representing the 17th District from 1996 until his death on May 7, 2004, six months before the groundbreaking of Veterans Historical Plaza. Installation of this plaque would fiilfill the original intent of the design of the Plaza, while honoring Senator Knight. The conceptual design of the plaque is attached for your review. Section III B of the Veterans Historical Plaza Special Use Facility Policy illustrates the process needed for considering enhancements to the Plaza and is as follows: B. Improvements and Modifications Any request to modify or improve the Plaza shall be submitted for review by the City via an application outlining the requested modifications. Applications shall First be reviewed by SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. Comments by SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. will be submitted along with staff recommendations to the Parks, Recreation,. and Community Services Commission. The Commission will then consider the request and make a recommendation to City Council for consideration. The type and location of any physical improvements shall be in accordance with the Veterans Historical Plaza Master Plan. In accordance with the Special Use Facility Policy, an application outlining the requested modification was submitted to the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. The Director then provided the application to SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. for their consideration, review, and comment. SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. considered the proposal, and prefers that the recognition for Senator Knight be consistent with the recognition for Assemblyman Runner, as both gentlemen were pivotal in securing funding for the purchase of the property that became the Plaza. PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission then considered this matter at the July 7, 2011, Commission meeting. The Commission unanimously voted 5-0 to recommend to the City Council that two separate recognitions be added to the Plaza. First, the Commission felt that it was appropriate to add a tile to the donor wall recognizing the efforts of both former Assemblyman George Runner and Senator William J. "Pete" Knight for their work in obtaining funding for the site. This recognition would be added to the existing donor wall. Second, the Commission felt it is appropriate to install a separate plaque for Senator Knight at the Plaza, as a way to honor Senator Knight's significant achievements and career in the United States Air Force. The Commission recommended a location opposite the drinking water fountain, near the ellipse. M ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as identified by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT Funds for this expenditure have been raised through private donations. ATTACHMENTS Proposed Plaque Honoring Senator Knight r Q C LL i— ��z�Op, o (n00 cn� Q rZ � f W 0 Z Lli Q �_ W W N L!J, W U O S z S J S LL z 4r G J S 1 Q J Lu CL C C f- _ W z Y C Q z n Z U LU JJry N rfl< ��Z _Wz SpC1, YQ�O �uL�zO f — _ J z W < '1-) -,- — � w tli `^ cn -a _i Q � � U -� 0 (n � S n W 1 L! to Z l` r?' 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