Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art Veterans Monument topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council backs veterans monument plan at Heritage Park; referral and funding conditions set
Summary
The council heard a proposal from the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group for a 'Returning Home' bronze monument and approved staff recommendations to refer funding questions to the Financial Review Committee; group will fund most costs and the city will manage park improvements subject to fundraising and a memorandum of understanding.
The Dana Point City Council voted to move forward with a proposal for a veterans monument at Heritage Park after hearing a presentation from the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group. The group will raise funds for a bronze sculpture titled "Returning Home" and asked the city to partner on associated park improvements.
Terry Rifkin, president of the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group, said the organization will fully fundraise for the statue and granite backdrop and asked the city to partner on park improvements that would make the site "a place of beauty, reflection, and pride for generations to come." Rifkin told the council the project is expected to take eight to 12 months once under way.
Mike Senecore (city staff) explained there is specific language in a proposed memorandum of understanding that defines city and support-group responsibilities: the city would lead project management, design, and construction of city-owned elements while the support group would fund the sculpture and contribute to some elements. Council discussion focused on landscaping and neighborhood impacts: one nearby resident objected to three new trees on the plan that would reduce views from Lantern Bay Estates; council members confirmed the trees would not be required.
Council moved two related actions: (1) at an earlier point the council voted to refer the project to the Financial Review Committee for funding evaluation; (2) later the council approved the staff-recommended action to proceed with the MOU process, with the explicit understanding that the support group will raise funds and that the city will not commit construction funds until fundraising milestones are met. Councilmembers emphasized fiscal controls and asked staff to ensure that city funds are not spent prior to the group's fundraising and a formal funding trigger.
Councilmembers also asked staff to trim existing trees as needed to reduce shading and to work with the neighborhood to address sight-line concerns. The council vote to move the staff-recommended action passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
