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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19C - RECIEVE AND FILE MILITARY OPTIONSREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 TITLE: RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATE RELATING TO MILITARY RECOGNITION OPTIONS CITY MANAGER CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1� Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO 19111111111►1JIl qC7 RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive and file update relating to military recognition options. DISCUSSION At the July 21, 2020 meeting, staff presented an informational report to the City Council to provide an overview of concepts and ideas to recognize Santa Ana residents who have served in the U.S. military. In summary, staff presented the following options: incorporate military recognition into the design of the Orange County Civic Center; establish a veterans museum; deploy a street banner program; highlight stories of military veterans in City -issued printed materials; launch a digital and social media campaign to tell veterans' stories; reimagine military recognition at the Fourth of July celebration; partner with veterans -related organizations to support their existing programs and services; and support Veterans Day events. At the direction of the City Council, staff has been tasked with evaluating the following options: Install a Plaque, Fountain, or Statue in the Civic Center Through a collaborative effort, the City of Santa Ana could partner with all of the Civic Center tenants, which would include engaging representatives of all of the government agencies at each level of government, to expand upon the County of Orange's Master Plan. Specifically, the City of Santa Ana could advocate for design elements for the Civic Center that incorporate military recognition. Such design elements could include physical enhancements like statues, monuments, memorial spaces (walks, plazas, fountains, walls, etc.) plaques, and other art installations, which recognize U.S. military veterans. Additional options include renaming park/open space with a military hero's name, encouraging new developments to have a veteran hero's name, renaming streets, renaming City Hall conference rooms with a military hero name, etc. Staff has reached out to artists who engage in this type of work and according to preliminary estimates, non -customized sculptures can cost as low as $6,500, while custom-built sculptures and statues can cost upwards of $100,000—and can take up to one year to build and deliver. At this time, there is no funding source identified to engage with an artist to procure such a sculpture. 19C-1 Receive and File: Military Recognition Options Update September 15, 2020 Page 2 Launch a Digital Registry for Santa Ana Residents to Share Contact Information of Veterans As a way for military veterans to share their contact information, staff has set up a form on our City website where residents who have served in the Armed Forces can self -report their basic contact information (name, address, email, and phone number) and their service information (branch of service, entry date, and discharge date). The form is accessible at www.santa-ana.org/form/veteran-registry-form. Implement a Banner Program and Consider Corporate Sponsorship to Pay for the Banners Cities across the United States utilize their street light and utility poles to display commemorative banners to recognize their residents who have served in the U.S. military. To implement these types of programs, it is common that the custom street banners display the name, branch, and year that the individual served, and are placed along main roads throughout the cities. The City of Santa Ana could utilize its existing street light/utility pole banner program to implement this option. Staff estimates that the cost for each banner, which includes the printed banner, display hardware, installation, and removal, is approximately $275 per banner. There is no funding source identified for this item. Establish a Veterans Museum To celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans, to honor their sacrifices, and to educate and inspire the community through their stories and personal experiences, in 2016 Orange County government officials established Heroes Hall —a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served in the U.S. military. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually, with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans. Housed in a renovated 1942 Santa Ana Army Air Base barracks building, Heroes Hall consists of 3,600 square feet of exhibition space, as well as the Medal of Honor Courtyard and Orange County Walk of Honor (which was relocated from the Orange County Civic Center in 2016). Veterans museums, such as Heroes Hall, serve as place -based hubs for the public to engage in learning about local military veterans, access collections for educational purposes, and participate in civic dialogue. Although it is located outside of city limits, Heroes Hall serves the Santa Ana community. At this time, staff recommends that the City Council not consider establishing a veterans museum in Santa Ana. As an alternative, the City can find ways to support Heroes Hall, such as by providing a one-time or on -going donation. Pursue Military Recognition Programming for Upcoming Fourth of July Events For the past several years, the City of Santa Ana has hosted an annual Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Park. The purpose of the event is to provide shared space for the community to celebrate and recognize the independence of the United States, as well as to commemorate those who have served in the U.S. military and have fought for and preserved the freedoms that residents enjoy. Currently, as part of the Fourth of July celebration's programming, U.S. military veterans in attendance are invited to gather at the main stage area to be recognized. Members of the Santa 19C-2 Receive and File: Military Recognition Options Update September 15, 2020 Page 3 Ana City Council and other Orange County elected officials are invited to speak and recognize the participating veterans as well. If COVID-19-related public health restrictions (such as restrictions on events, gatherings, and related activities) are lifted, staff will commence planning efforts for the 2021 Fourth of July celebration, which will include a new focus on military recognition. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Submitted By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager 19C-3