HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 12 14 MinutesMemorial Review Board
Meeting of December 14, 2005
Attending: William Hubbell, Chair; Bonnie Bennett; Marie Enriquez; Howard Jones
Guests: Linda Delgado Kipp and Alfonso Salas, Cesar Chavez Commission
Staff: David Wiener
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1. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hubbell at 5:35 P.M. -
2. The notes from the previous meeting (there was not a quorum, so there are no official minutes) were reviewed.
3. Linda Delgado Kipp, Secretary of the Cesar Chavez Commission, and Alfonso Salas, also from the Commission
made a presentation
A. Linda said that the Commission is interested in a memorial to Cesar Chavez either in
front of City Hall (their first preference) or along Riverfront Park. If the City Hall Plaza is used,
their idea is that there would be a garden surrounding the monument. They estimate that the
monument would cost about $30,000 which they would raise. The price includes the base of the
monument. The monument itself would be made of granite. The monument would be a three
sided obelisk about 52 inches high. One side would be a portrait of Cesar Chavez; the second
would be a history of his life and accomplishments; the third would recognize the donors to the
monument. These would be either etched into the granite or bronze plaques would be attached to
each side. The Commission has discussed the monument with Deepdale Memorial on Lansing
Road. They have helped design it. This concept was developed over a period of time going back
to community forums that were held by the Commission in 2003. The monument should
reflect what Chavez did and highlight that he was a great American leader. If possible the garden
could contain crops or an agricultural theme, in addition to flowers. It should be a beautiful place
for reflection where people can sit.
B. Other ideas which the Commission has discussed include naming a bridge because
Chavez was a bridge between people and groups.
C. MRB members asked if the Commission has considered a Michigan Historical Marker or
something like it. Linda and Alfonso said that they had not.
D. Maria made a motion that the Board accept the concept memorial in front of City Hall
with a garden theme. She suggested that the idea be referred to the Parks Department so that their
landscape architects can review it and give us some feedback on the design. She said that we
should have an agreement on the design before the MRB makes a final approval of the monument
and refers it to Council. Bonnie seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
4. The Board reviewed the application from Jesus Cao requesting a memorial in honor of First
Lt. Justin Smith, a local hero who died in Iraq. The Board explored a response
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to Mr. Cao:
They noted that are plaques facing the plaza of City Hall honoring veterans. They also
noted that the City -County Veterans Memorial Courthouse honors veterans.
They commented that they are no memorials to veterans of either the Gulf War or the
Iraq War, and suggested that we contact Alfreda Schmidt and other representatives of the veterans
to get their suggestions about how to appropriately recognize and honor veterans of these wars.
They suggested sending a letter to Alfreda Schmidt, Jack Gunther or other veterans
asking their advice. Howard moved, and Maria seconded a motion to authorize David
Wiener to write such a letter.
5. Reports and updates:
The Parks Board is still reviewing the Norm Young Memorial. It is hoped that they will conclude their
review and make their recommendation early in 2006 so that Council can act upon our recommendation.
(Our recommendation was referred to the General Services Committee, which placed it on the Council
agenda but then pulled it when they learned that the Parks Board hadn't completed their review.)
NOTE: It may be appropriate and helpful to review our process with the Parks Board so that we can
coordinate future requests for memorials. This idea has been shared with the Parks Director Murdock
Jemerson and the Parks Board President Rick Kibbey.
A. The discussion for a memorial for Malcolm X has been postponed to the meeting in January.
B. David Wiener will be retiring from the City and will no longer be the staff to the Committee. The
new Mayor and his staff will determine how the Board will be staffed and whether they will
continue to meet in the Mayor's Conference Room.
6. Calendar for 2006
The Board agreed to keep the current schedule of meeting the second Wednesday of each month at
5:30 P.M., unless there are no agenda items. Bonnie moved, Howard seconded this motion. It was
approved.
7. Other business
Discussion of the possibilities of a local historical museum continued. Possible sites could be the current
building of the UAW 6000, the Depot Station on South Washington and the Comfort Station in Old Town.
8. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M.
Minutes Presented and approved by board &::8
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