Loading...
Item 4I - MemoCITY OF SOUTHLAKE MEMORANDUM August 20, 2024 To: Alison Ortowski, City Manager From: David Miller, Director of Community Services Subject: Item 41, Appoint Members to the Veterans Memorial Focus Group Action Requested: Appoint members to the Veterans Memorial Focus Group Background: The purpose of this item is to request the City Council appoint Jack Baxter and Dennis Minder to the existing Veterans Memorial Focus Group. The FY24 Art CIP includes funding for the creation of a Veterans Memorial therefore, the Community Services Department began working with the Southlake Arts Council in January 2024 on this project. The Arts Council determined the formation of a Southlake Resident, Veteran Focus Group would be beneficial to consult with on the project. Staff presented the project idea to the City Council during the regular February 20, 2024, meeting and explained the intent of the Southlake Arts Council requesting to form a Southlake Veteran's Memorial Focus Group. Staff received positive feedback from Council and encouragement to proceed with the formation of the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group. Applications for the Veterans Memorial Focus Group opened in February 2024 and closed in March 2024. 16 applications were received and presented to the City Council during the May 21, 2024, meeting. The City Council appointed 14 members to the Focus Group and the full list of appointments is included on page two of this memorandum for reference. Since the kickoff of the Focus Group, the Southlake American Legion Post Commander has changed from John Kirby (originally appointed to the VFMG as Legion Liaison) to Jack Baxter. Additionally, Dennis Minder, a Southlake resident and military veteran has expressed interest in serving on the Focus Group and advised he missed the application process due to a health emergency he has since recovered from. Item 41 requests Council appoint both Dennis Minder and Jack Baxter (to replace John Kirby as the Southlake American Legion Post representative) to the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group. 1 Financial Considerations: N/A Strategic Link: The Veterans Memorial Focus Group initiative is linked to the City Council's Focus Area of "Partnerships and Volunteerism." It also addresses the City's Corporate objectives of "providing opportunities for partnerships and volunteer involvement" and "providing attractive and unique spaces for the enjoyment of personal interests." Legal Review: N/A Alternatives: • Appoint one of the proposed new members to the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group • Appoint both proposed new members to the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group • Appoint no new members to the to the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group Supporting Documents: List of appointed members of the Veterans Memorial Focus Group: Veterans Memorial Focus Group John Kirby Frank Bernardo Heidi Brown Matthew Hince Robert Kemins Alec Knight Bruce Krieger Casey Lawrence Georgia Milan Sabrina Modi Frank Pittman Brent Scurci Kevin Sweeney Natan Ton -that Staff Recommendation: Appoint both new members to the Veteran Memorial Focus Group City of Southlake Values: Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork 4