CC - Item 7E - Temporary Location of September 11 Memorial' • ' • O ki I
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER
DATE: AUGUST 9, 2011
SUBJECT: TEMPORARY LOCATION OF SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL
SUMMARY
Recent state legislation has impacted local Redevelopment Agency activities. Among
the City of Rosemead projects delayed as a result of state actions is the proposed Civic
Center Plaza. This, in turn, will impact permanent installation of the September 11
Memorial. It is, therefore, proposed that early demolition occur to parts of the existing
plaza to accommodate temporary installation of the Memorial and the crowds expected
to attend the dedication ceremony on September 11, 2011.
Recommendation:
Authorize demolition of the fountain, a portion of the seat wall, and a concrete bench
currently located in the existing plaza to be temporarily replaced by concrete to ensure
adequate space for the upcoming September 11 Memorial Dedication.
BACKGROUND /ANALYSIS
As City Council is aware, in June, the State enacted several laws effecting local
Redevelopment Agencies. These actions have resulted in delays to projects as cities,
like Rosemead, have had to take action to ensure continued operation. At its regular
meeting on July 26, City Council adopted an ordinance to comply with the state's
Voluntary Alternative Redevelopment Program. Thus, effective this month, Rosemead
will be able to resume already budgeted projects funded through RDA.
One of the impacted projects is the Civic Center Plaza and RCRC Expansion. Phases 1
and 2 of the project (the parking lot) will be completed late September or early
October —later than the originally scheduled date of August. Phase 3, The Downtown
Plaza, will, likewise, be pushed back to a completion date in early 2012. As a result, the
September 11 Memorial cannot be permanently placed in the new Plaza as originally
thought by the dedication date on September 11, 2011.
It is, however, important that the Memorial still be dedicated in commemoration of the
10 Anniversary of the tragedy of 2001 and that the ceremony occur in the plaza where
it will permanently reside after the Civic Center project is completed. Further, it is
City Council Meeting
August 9, 2011
Page 2 of 2
anticipated that a large number of people will attend the Memorial Dedication
Ceremony. In order to accommodate the expected crowd, it is proposed that some early
demolition occur in the existing plaza. The proposed demolition will include removal of
the existing fountain and a portion of the seat wall and a concrete bench located south
of the fountain (see Attachment 1). Once removed, these will be replaced by concrete
(see Attachment 2) to expand the usable space to accommodate the Memorial and
increase the space to allow for dedication attendees. While the Memorial will only
remain in place for the day of eth dedication, demolition efforts are consistent with the
proposed Downtown Plaza renovation.
To avoid added expenditures, demolition will be completed by Public Works crews and
concrete will be installed by a contractor using existing maintenance funds. These
efforts will be completed within the next few weeks to ensure that the space is readied
in time for dedication of the September 1'1 " Memorial on September 11, 2011.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Existing staff and maintenance funds will be used to pay for the proposed plaza
demolition. Thus, there will be no added fiscal impact.
•ector
Attachment 1: Existing Plaza
Attachment 2: Existing Plaza with Proposed Demolition