Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Monuments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee seeks bids, fundraising for Iwo Jima monument at Harlem Block Park
Summary
An ad hoc committee presented a design and preliminary cost estimate of $150,000–$160,000 for a new Iwo Jima silhouette monument at Harlem Block Park and described partial fundraising commitments; the committee asked staff to put a bid authorization on a regular meeting agenda.
An ad hoc committee told the Weslaco City Commission at a May 7 workshop that it has a design and preliminary cost estimates and is ready to solicit bids for a new Iwo Jima silhouette monument to be sited at Harlem Block Park.
The committee described a design with an approximately 33-foot flag-topping element and presented a local contractor estimate in the $150,000–$160,000 range. The group said civic organizations have pledged partial support and members are pursuing additional donations to complete the fundraising package.
Israel Maldonado, speaking for committee members including Mark McHale, Ramon Rey Ascendes, Almadalia Gonzalez and Randy Hall, said community groups are committed to raising funds and providing volunteer support. "We're committed," Maldonado said, and committee members discussed fundraising ideas such as donor plaques or engraved bricks. The presenters said the Westco Rotary had indicated a target of about $50,000, the Elks Lodge had committed $10,000 in its budget and the Economic Development Corporation had committed $100,000 toward the project as described in the committee report.
Committee members said Andrew and Maribel of the design team provided pro bono assistance to create the monument design and that a local builder supplied the cost estimate. The committee asked that the city place authorization to solicit bids on a future regular meeting agenda so donors and partner organizations can pursue additional commitments. Participants noted the Rotary and Elks plan to bridge budget years if necessary and that additional fundraising could reduce or eliminate the city's share.
No formal city action to approve the project or release funds occurred at the workshop. Committee members said once the commission approves bid solicitation and funding steps on a regular agenda they expect to move forward with procurement and additional fundraising. Several committee members and veterans in attendance said they would donate time and support local events tied to the monument's fundraising and dedication.
If the commission directs staff to proceed, the committee expects staff to return to the commission with bid results, a recommended award and a final funding plan.
