04-22-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117-1600 (651) 766-4029 / FAX: (651) 766-4048 www.ci.little-canada.mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Reis & Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: April 17, 2015 RE: Veterans Memorial — Phase II Funding MAYOR John Keis COUNCIL Rick Montour Michael McGraw Tom Fischer Christian Torkelson ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson The Veterans Memorial Committee met on April 6th to wrap up work on Phase I and begin planning for Phase II improvements. One of the concerns expressed with the Phase I project was the slope on the south side of the memorial wall. To address that, we installed some retaining wall block. The Committee thought that was an acceptable interim measure, but they felt we could dramatically enhance this area with a future additional feature. Attached to this memo is a sketch prepared by Bill Sanders to address the issue noted above. The concept he proposed in the installation of a "Freedom Wall". This would be a two foot high limestone wall similar to the memorial wall. (The new wall is highlighted in yellow on the attached sketch.) The five squares in the lower part of the wall would be either fountains or enclosed LED lights. The larger rectangles south of the wall would be additional benches. Mr. Sanders has estimated the cost for this feature at $61,100. The Committee endorsed this concept and is committed to raising additional funds. (They already have a positive balance from Phase 1 of over $990 plus the recent receipt of a $1,000 grant and additional paver sales). It should be noted the Veterans Committee will also be meeting with the Parks & Recreation Commission to discuss long term plans for the Round Lake area to allow for the coordination of future development plans for this area. To keep the process moving for Phase II, the Committee has respectfully requested the Council to advance them this money so they can proceed with construction. This request is also condition upon the understanding they will continue to raise funds to reimburse the City for this outlay. (A similar approach was used with the Historical Society in the late 90's). If the Council feels this is an acceptable approach, I would recommend we advance the funds from the General Capital Improvement Fund. (With the continued receipt of LGA, this fund can accommodate this advance.)