CITY OF SAN MATEO
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CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 18 Section Name: {{section.name}} Account Number: 10-6143 File ID: {{item.tracking_number}} TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Department
MEETING DATE: November 6, 2023
SUBJECT:
Fallen Heroes Memorial at Central Park – Appropriation and Spending Plan RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution to approve a budget appropriation of $228,836.81 in the 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program budget from the San Mateo City Parks and Recreation Foundation as a result of the fundraising effort of the Fallen Heroes Memorial Committee for the Fallen Heroes Memorial project at Central Park; and authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to expend the funds for the site work construction contract, procure site furniture, plaques, and other related improvements, as needed, and to pay other fees associated to the project.
BACKGROUND:
At its May 4, 2015, meeting, the City Council approved a concept to establish a living memorial in Central Park to honor San Mateans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country and the City, via both military service and public safety service. The expectation was set that the Fallen Heroes Memorial (Memorial) would be largely funded through community fundraising. The Memorial was approved as part of the Central Park Master Plan in March 2018. A committee was established led by former Mayor Maureen Freschet comprised of past councilmembers, community members, military service veterans, and public safety retirees to undertake managing the design proposal process, to research and determine the names to be etched on the Memorial, and to fundraise for the memorial costs. A goal of $300,000 was established and the Memorial Committee has been effective in reaching $303,836.81 in donations in the last two years. It is important to note that the City provided $50,000 to launch this effort, and those funds are currently assigned in the Capital Improvement Project fund and a pledge of $25,000 from the County of San Mateo will be secured once the contracts are approved and the actual construction begins.
The mission of the San Mateo City Parks and Recreation Foundation (Foundation), a 501(c)3 non-profit, is to work in collaboration with the City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department to support parks, recreation programs and capital projects that can be enjoyed by all San Mateo residents. The Foundation agreed to serve as the underlining non- profit organization so donors could receive the full tax benefit from their donations.
Although the committee exceeded its fundraising goal, due to rising construction costs since this Memorial was envisioned it will be a stretch to cover all the costs to construct and install the Memorial. Therefore, timely approval of the proposed contracts for the implementation of the Memorial and necessary purchases with access to the appropriate funds to commence this effort as soon as possible is vital. Staff will be returning to the next Council meeting with a contract approval for the site work contractor. Staff is also in the process of seeking additional budget appropriation from the “Art In Public Places” Fund (Municipal Code Section 23.60.030) and will be seeking approval from the Civic Arts Committee and, if successful, returning to Council for an additional appropriation for the fabrication of the artwork. The committee is still dedicated to continuing its best efforts to raise funds for this project.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
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BUDGET IMPACT:
Once appropriated, the donated funds will augment the Parks and Recreation Department’s Capital Improvement Program account.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This budget appropriation is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is a government fiscal activity which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4).)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att. 1 – Proposed Resolution
STAFF CONTACT
Nicholas Tsiorvas, Business Manager
[email protected]
(650) 522-7408