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Mayor Thorne asked for a timeline of when other phases will be completed, noting that this is Phase 1 <br /> of a multi-phased project. <br /> Mr. Fialho explained that this is one element of three phases in the Cemetery Master Plan. The partial <br /> beautification of the cemetery will not start for another 12 months, but in the discussions they have had <br /> regarding installation of the memorial there will be an attempt to improve some of the edges leading up <br /> to the memorial. He said there is an internal road that leads up to the memorial and the City would like <br /> to resurface that and may install some edged landscaping along the roadside. If money is leftover the <br /> city might actually improve some of the existing historical cemetery sites that have fallen into disrepair. <br /> This is an attempt toward fulfilling some of the vision of the Cemetery Master Plan as part of the <br /> installation of the memorial. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked and confirmed that the City is in the middle of a two-year budget cycle and that a <br /> complete modification of the CIP would occur in July 2017. He clarified with Mr. Fialho that a mid-year <br /> request could be done and at that time, the Council could review the request and balance funding <br /> against other priorities. <br /> Vice-Mayor Brown questioned the numbers for the height of the flag poles in the staff report. Ms. <br /> Andrade-Wax explained that there have been three revisions. She confirmed that the final design <br /> concept maintains the American flag proposed at 25 feet and the other 6 flagpoles with their flags at 20 <br /> feet. <br /> Vice-Mayor Brown asked when the sculpture might be ready. Ms. Andrade-Wax said if approval is <br /> received tonight the direction will be to work with the Veterans' Memorial Committee to find an artist <br /> and start work on that piece immediately.. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the item for public comment. <br /> John Loll conveyed he is a member of the Civic Arts Commission but is speaking as a citizen. He <br /> commented that he wholeheartedly supports the project, its location in the cemetery, said it will not be <br /> distracting with a donor wall or memorial, and he thinks the scale of the project is appropriate. He <br /> echoed the fact that the project did not receive unanimous support from the Commission and <br /> suggested that the bronze sculpture is worth another public discussion by the Commission and Council. <br /> Heidi Bailey said she is very pleased there is interest in honoring Veterans with a memorial; however, <br /> the scale of it is overwhelming to the landscape and history of the Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery and <br /> she suggested a better placement at the Senior Center or Bernal Sports Park. She and her family <br /> members have purchased plots in the south hill portion of the cemetery and asked the Council not take <br /> away from the cemetery's simple and rustic style that reflects its history. If the proposed memorial <br /> moves forward, she asked for modifications to scale it down to better blend and complement the <br /> cemetery. She asked that there only be one flagpole with the American flag instead of seven, natural <br /> marble or cement or wooden pillars used instead of black granite, to replace the granite base with a <br /> smaller unpolished base, and to place a memorial oak tree next to the bronze soldier which would grow <br /> and shelter him and aid in those wanting to sit and reflect. <br /> Nancy Harrington said she and her husband have been very involved in the Veterans Memorial and <br /> want to be sure people understand that the Pioneer Cemetery is unlike other cemeteries which consist <br /> only of pioneers. There are veterans, pioneers and residents all intermixed and buried there. She feels <br /> that the memorial would change the feel of the cemetery for everybody to be proud of those buried <br /> there and also for the way the cemetery will be maintained. She said many people have tried to <br /> improve the cemetery and was ashamed of its current condition. She spoke of her family's offering of <br /> $40,000 and knows the community and civic groups will also monetarily support the request and asked <br /> for approval by the Council. • <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 16 November 3, 2015 <br />