Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 11/5/2024
Item Status: New
From: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Proposal for Installation of Memorial Benches at Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the installation of memorial benches at Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in our nation’s history. In honor of this occasion, the Fort Mims Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the General Galvez Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution requested the installation of memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park in Bicentennial Park. These organizations presented their initial request to the Commission on August 6, 2024, and are eager to proceed. During that meeting, the Commission expressed a desire to ensure that any additional placements at the park align with the in-progress Master Plan. However, the installation of these two memorial benches will not conflict with any future expansions and will complement the existing General Galvez monument already installed at the site. This initiative is a meaningful way to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, with a dedication ceremony tentatively scheduled for February 2025. Given the lengthy processing and shipping timeline for the benches, the groups are seeking a prompt decision from the Commission to ensure the timely completion of this project.
Previous Commission action/date: BCC Work Session - August 6, 2024 - The Commission discussed the placement of the memorial benches and want to ensure additional placements align with the master plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: This initiative incurs no cost to the Commission. The monuments will be funded by the requesting organizations.
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Felisha Anderson will be responsible for coordinating the follow-up process with the organizations to ensure the successful installation of the benches.
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration will email the Commission’s decision to Claudia Campbell, President, Fort Mims Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Claudia_cmpbll@yahoo.com) and Donald Potter, President of the General Galvez Chapter, Son of the American Revolution, at (dpotter69@yahoo.com)
Additional instructions/notes: cc: Felisha Anderson, Roger Rendleman, Frank Lundy