HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Item No.13CITY OF
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REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: THOMAS P. EVANS, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2012
SUBJECT: LAKE ELSINORE VETERANS MEMORIAL
Recommendations
The Lake Elsinore Veteran's Memorial Design Ad -hoc Committee recommends that the
City Council approve the location, revised design, and layout of the proposed Lake
Elsinore veteran's memorial to be located at Diamond Stadium; and to award the sole
source contract to Sun City Granite for the construction of the memorial.
Background
At the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of June 26, 2012, the City Council
unanimously voted to move forward with the creation of a memorial located at the
entrance of Diamond Stadium and consisting of jet -black granite. Furthermore, the
Council also authorized the formation of an ad -hoc design Committee, consisting of
Mayor Tisdale and Joyce Hodenadl of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, as well as
various veteran affiliated groups in the Community (i.e. Veterans of Foreign Wars,
American Legion, etc.).
At the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of October 23, 2012, the City Council
reviewed the design, location, and proposed materials of the Lake Elsinore veteran's
memorial. Four (4) members of the public spoke in opposition of the proposal and
requested the Council to continue the item off calendar to allow for further input and
consideration of alternative designs. There was discussion to remove the proposed
symbol of the cross on the face of the memorial. The proposed scene depicts a World
War II military member kneeling at the grave site of a fallen comrade and the grave
marker included the symbol of a cross. Also, some speakers suggested that alternative
locations should be considered.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13
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Lake Elsinore Veterans Memorial
November 13, 2012
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Finally a motion was made by Council Member Magee and seconded by Council
Member Weber to continue this agenda item off calendar to allow for further input from
the community, to eliminate the cross from the design and for the Ad -hoc committee to
consider alternative designs and locations. The motion passed 4 -0 -1 with Mayor Tisdale
abstaining.
On Friday, November 2, 2012, the Lake Elsinore Veteran's Memorial Design Ad -hoc
Committee held a public meeting at the City's Cultural Center. The Committee took
testimony from approximately seventeen (17) residents. Out of the seventeen (17), four
were against the current proposal, two (2) were indifferent, nine (9) spoke to keep the
depiction as proposed, and two (2) spoke to keep the depiction as proposed, but to
include the "Star of David." They believe that since the depiction is a representation of a
World War II cemetery, then the inclusion of the "Star of David" was warranted for
historical accuracy.
After testimony was given, the Committee voted unanimously to keep the original
location and proposed materials the same, but to amend the proposed design. The first
design amendment was increase the size of the POW /MIA design on the back of the
memorial. The second design amendment was to include a "Star of David" into the
depiction to more fully reflect the historic World War II era cemeteries that are the
inspiration for the depiction. The Committee also requested that the project go back
before the City Council at the regular City Council meeting of November 13, 2012.
Discussion
The proposed custom premium black granite monument will be thirty -four inches (34 ")
wide by eight inches (8 ") thick by fifty -four inches (54 ") high. It will be set on two (2)
premium black granite custom shaped sub -bases eight inches (8 ") thick.
There are also five (5) premium black granite pedestals that will surround the proposed
monument. Each pedestal will include the insignia from each branch of the military (i.e.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) and will be twenty -two inches (22 ")
wide by eighteen inches (18 ") thick by twenty -four inches (24 ") high. Both the five (5)
individual pedestals and monument will sit on top of a ten -foot (10') circular concrete
base.
The rear design of the monument will include the POW /MIA insignia. The front of the
monument will include the verbage:
Honoring our brave men and women who by their sacrifice give life
to our most precious gift- freedom. Freedom is never free.
The monument includes a historical depiction of a World War II era soldier at a
cemetery kneeling at the grave of a fallen comrade. The grave marker includes the
symbol of a cross. Behind the cross are additional grave markers that include the "Star
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Lake Elsinore Veterans Memorial
November 13, 2012
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of David." The depiction is intended to reflect a purely historical context inspired by
World War II era military cemeteries, in particular, the American War Cemetery near
Omaha Beach, Normandy. Attached are two letters submitted to the City opposing the
proposed design.
Fiscallmpact
Fifty- thousand dollars ($50,000) was budgeted for a Lake Elsinore veteran's memorial
for fiscal year 2012 -2013. Sun City Granite submitted a proposal for the design and
construction of the Lake Elsinore Veteran's Memorial in the amount of $46,172.30.
Prepared by: Justin Carlson
Management Analyst
Approved by: Thomas P. Evans, /(
Interim City Manag
Attachments:
1. Sun City Granite Revised Proposal (dated November 6, 2012).
2. Memorial Rendering No.1.
3. Memorial Rendering No.2.
4. Memorial Rendering No.3.
5. Correspondence
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Lake Elsinore City Hall
attn: Mayor Brian Tisdale
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Dear Mr. Mayor
We are a company of designers and craftsmen specializing in the manufacture of public monuments and
other custom products that identify, recognize or honor special places, people and events. Here in the
Inland Empire, we have been honored by commissions such as the Congressional Medal of Honor
Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, the granite Wall of Honor at City Hall, the "Sword in the Stone "
memorial and "Eagle and Lights" memorials located at Riverside County's Administration building, both
tributes to our Veterans. I have read with interest, and some dismay, of the planned Veterans' Memorial
to be sited at Diamond Stadium.
I readily confess to having a professional and potentially monetary interest in the design and production of
the memorial, And I admit to a strong and candid bias towards the proposed solution. As an artist, as a
designer, as a manufacturer and more importantly as one who is active in Veterans' support and
obviously their well deserved recognition, let me clearly state that the currently proposed memorial is
badly conceived and overpriced. It looks like a series of grave markers, which in fact it is. These are
stock, granite elements, produced in India and sold here through cemeteries and grave marker
companies. The copy and artwork is so trite and over used as to be embarrassing. And too, I am of the
camp that feels its placement is inappropriate. Memorials such as these are everlasting, heartfelt tributes
by a community and should be carefully evolved to reflect the intended spirit, and be a meaningful and
visually dramatic addition to your townscape.
I would be pleased to meet with you, and the Council. and other concerned citizens, to discuss this further
and seek your direction. I'd be privileged to prepare some concept sketches at no cost, if for no other
reason than to further the dialog and show you the breadth of options that are available. Of course I will
hope for more, but at the least perhaps your community may be inspired to honor our Veterans more
suitably.
By way of introduction, I have enclosed our brochure, and may I also refer you to our web site
patriciangroup.com. We do appreciate your consideration.
Respectfully,
Jeffrey Crumbaker
Managing Partner
10 -31 -12
c.c Daryl Hickman, Melissa Melendez, Peter Weber, Robert Magee
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m it ita ryatheists. org
Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers
0 I I
138o Monroe St NW PMB 5c s, Washington, DC 20010
(2o2) 656 -6223 1 community @militaryatheists.org
FIGHTING FOR THE FREEIIONS II'E OFFEND
07 Nov 2012
Council Members and Citizens
City of Lake Elsinore
Subject: A Sectarian Memorial /Monument Dishonors Many Veterans
I am writing on behalf of military men and women who have served our country in all branches
of service and all conflicts of our nation, and I ask that you ensure no religious symbolism or sectarian
bias be included in the proposed or future monuments approved by City Council.
The Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers represents nontheists who have served the
United States throughout history up to the present conflicts. Those who represent our service include
Pat Tillman, Afghanistan war Army Ranger and football player, Hans Kasten, WWII POW leader, Kurt
Vonnegut, WWII POW and author, Ted Williams, WWII Veteran and baseball player, Sherwin Wine,
Founder of Humanistic Judaism, and Robert Ingersoll, who raised a Regiment in the Civil War. Over 200
current and prior military personnel from all branches of service have posted public "atheists in
foxholes" profiles on our site, and our total membership spreads over more than 400 military
installations and ships worldwide.
We are Marines and Soldiers and Airmen and Sailors. We are combat veterans. Our members
also include World War II veterans, though fewer than in years past. I am a West Point graduate and Iraq
veteran. Why should our service be marginalized by the Council? Are a flag and eagle not enough? Why
must a divisive and religious symbol mar an otherwise noble effort to honor veterans?
To place a cross or other religious symbol on a memorial for veterans is a slap in the face to our
service. Such an act by the City of Lake Elsinore gives official sanction to Christianity over all other
beliefs. Adding a Star of David would serve only to patronize Jewish personnel and to further emphasize
that worship of a monotheistic God is "approved" for citizens and that all others are second - class. The
suggestion that the WWII soldier justifies Christian and Jewish symbolism suggests the council would like
to return to a time when our forces were segregated by race and when Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and
atheists were afforded no accommodation whatsoever. The Pledge of Allegiance did not include the
phrase "Under God" and our motto was not "In God We Trust ". Would the Council dare to offend
monument supporters by putting the Pledge on the monument less "Under God" with the excuse that it
was authentic to the period? That would be true to history but it would infuriate those trying to
promote their beliefs. Atheists, humanists, and other non - Christians serve their country and give the
ultimate sacrifice with no less dignity than believers. The only option for the council is to honor all
service equally, with American rather than sectarian imagery and values.
Citizens and council members of Lake Elsinore should not be fooled into thinking this is a simple
question of supporting veterans. Throughout the country in North Carolina, Montana, Maryland, and
several California locations, Christians are attempting to defend crosses and shrines on government land
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militaryatheists.org
as a way to promote their religion. Jewish individuals and organizations are occasionally complicit in the
relatively recent political mechanisms of "Judeo- Christian values ". The Constitution our military men and
women have sworn to defend prohibits such an establishment of religion in government. Lake Elsinore is
the newest government body being exploited to expand Christian privilege in government. This
Christianization of our war memorials is an issue of stolen valor as stark as any false claim of military
awards.
"This is not a religious issue, this is an accurate historical depiction of a World War II soldier,"
[Councilwoman] Melendez was quoted as saying. "We are not making a religious statement; that's not
what this is about." It would be so much easier to simply remove the unnecessary symbolism. If this is
not about religion, then a cross (and star) should not be on the monument. If Christians wish to honor
service members in general or to honorjust Christian service members, then they should do so on their
personal or church property. MAAF would applaud such a monument because we affirm religious
freedom and support for veterans. But this monument on city land with city approval is nothing more
than government establishment of religion.
MAAF is not representing a legal action with this letter, but the briefest review of case history
will show sectarian symbols in or as memorials are being challenged throughout the country. The Lake
Elsinore Council will be wrong, legally and ethically, if they erect a sectarian shrine under the guise of a
war memorial. The City Council will expose taxpayer dollars to legal fees and expose itself to ridicule for
self- serving governance. Conservative and Christian veterans may advocate for a Christian memorial and
viscerally denounce the voices of reason who point to the Constitution and the diversity of our military.
Council members should rememberthat they have been put in this difficult and actionable position by
Christian special interests. The hard and honorable fight is one that resists special interests in the service
of diversity and equality for the marginalized minority of non - Christians service members who deserve
equal recognition.
Take time to watch the PBS documentary Berga. Watch the story of Hans Kasten, foxhole atheist
and just a Private at the time, who was elected by his peers to lead other Prisoners of War. He stood up
to his Nazi captors by refusing to give up Jewish prisoners. He was beaten but still refused to betray his
fellow soldiers, whatever their beliefs. He was a member of MAAF and travelled to Washington, DC in
2005 to address gathered veterans about his values and how important it was to have recognition of our
service. He talked about how important it was for our military to move beyond assumed Christian
monoculture and to embrace diversity. Our Freedom has been defended by Christians and Jews,
Wiccans and Buddhists, Blacks and Whites, Men and Women... and atheists. Honor military service by
honoring all veterans, not just those who happen to share the beliefs of the majority.
Prove that this memorial isn't about religion. Don't be strong -armed by special interests. Make
the legal choice that honors all our veterans. It's a simple change that will still make for a wonderful
monument:
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milita ryatheists.org
Appropriate for Church
rr Jason Torpy
President, Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers
References:
Similar religious veterans memorials: http://militaryatheists.org/advocacy/stolen-valor/
Profiles of atheists in foxholes: http://militaryatheists.org/atheists-in-foxholes
Less than 70% of our military self- identifies as Christian: http' // military atheists .ore /demoera phics/
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Throwing in a Star of David
Does not fix the issue.
SUN CITY
GRANITE
MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS
Attention: Justin Carlson
City Manager's Office - City of Lake Elsinore
130 S. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
PROPOSAL TOTAL $46,172.30
Scope of Work
PROPOSAL
November 6, 2012
•.• Premium Black Granite custom shaped all polished monument 34 x 8 x 54" set on two Premimum Black
Granite custom shaped sub -bases sized 48 x 18 x 8" (upper base) and 60 x 24 x 8" (lower base).
• Includes engraving of custom design on front. Text and design will be engraved over Laser
Etched flag image 30 x 32" (see illustration)
Includes installation of granite features (with crane). Cement foundation and all three granite
pieces will be drilled with three 1.5" core holes. Granite will be secured by 1.25" stainless steel
rods running through all granite pieces and into concrete. Granite pieces will be secured together
and to concrete foundation with construction grade epoxy.
❖ Five Premium Black Granite custom shaped pedestals 22 x 18 x 24" (see illustration).
• Includes engraving of one Military Branch Emblem on each pedestal (Air Force, Army, Coast
Guard, Marines, Navy).
• Includes installation of granite features. Cement foundation and each granite piece will be drilled
with two I" core holes. Granite will be secured by .75" stainless steel rods and fastened to
concrete with construction grade epoxy.
Construction of 10' Concrete circle, 14" high.
Grey Wash finish top and sides. 3,000 psi pump mix, forming, grading and finishing.
• Includes 44 rebar 12" on center as re- enforcement for weight of granite monument.
• Includes excavation of soft soil and adding road base with compaction. Includes demolition and
disposal of existing landscape and material and capping of existing irrigation.
6' Cast Aluminum Outrigger Wall Mount Flagpole and 5 x 8' Flag.
• Includes drilling and mounting of flagpole.
4- Clean (sandblast) surrounding bricks on ground.
Payment: For special order granite pieces, a 33% deposit is required to place granite order. Approximate
production tune for special order granite is 120 -150 days. An additional 33% will be required to commence
construction work. Balance will be due at time at'installation.
1270 W. Markham St., Perris, CA 92571
(951) 943 -4966 phone
(951) 943 -5586 fax
www.suncilygranitexom
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