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Posted by: Kate on 05/19/2008 05:19 PM
Updated by: Kate on 06/24/2008 04:53 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
Draft Minutes Oconee County Veterans Memorial Foundation Committee for Thursday, April 24, 2008
Posted by: Kate on 04/24/2008 01:57 PM
Updated by: Kate on 05/19/2008 05:27 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
Construction of Veterans Memorial is Progressing on Schedule
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Photo: Master Tiler, Richard Carey at his best.
See the up-to-date Photo Album as construction progresses.
Chairman Larry Davison called the meeting to order at 8:10 pm in the BOC Chambers in the County Courthouse with the Pledge and a Prayer.
The Chairan deternined that a quorum was present.
Members Present
Larry Davison * Ed Kennedy * Jim Alexander * David Kilpatrick * Kate McDaniel * John Roberts * Don Walter * David Williams * Bill Gilmer * Jeff Benko * John Gentry * Miss Vinnie Williams
Members Absent
Rep Bob Smith * Mike Ginn
Guests:
Construction Superintendent Mike Maxey
Architect & Land Planner Ken Beall
Mike Sprayberry, The Oconee Leader (weekly)
REPORTS FROM THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES
1. Memorial Committee
Chairman Don Walter said he visited the site several times during construction and he was amazed at the attitude of all workers – positive and proud to be part of the effort and showing a somewhat reverent demeanor. He summarized the work completed so far. The monument structure is ready for tile placement via a special adhesive plus grout. Tiles were ordered today from Bella Maria, Inc in Athens and will be delivered in the next couple of days.
Granite Slabs. The selected granite is called “black galaxy”. The individual black galaxy tiles are 18” x 18” squares each ½” in thickness. They will cost $8.50 per square foot (18”x18” / 144 square inches/square foot = 2.25 square feet each @ $8.50/SF = $19.12 per granite tile). We currently have a quote of about $8,000.00 for the monument tiles.
Flags and fagpoles. Don brought up the size and cost of the Flags. A thorough discussion ensued concerning height of flags. The center flag will be taller than the others which will be placed at the same lower height on either side of the US Flag in the center. Several heights were discussed and the committee decided on 30 feet for the US Flag and 25 feet for the others. This height would also accommodate the US Flag flying at half mask without touching the top of the monument. The 30 ft pole will require a 6 x 10 foot flag. Flags and poles will withstand wind of 120 miles/hour.
Members did not decide on the manner of lowering the flag – a pole with an internal or external crank mechanism. An internal halyard (crank for pulling rope) last longer but is more costly. Jim Alexander suggested that the external mechanism could be converted (he had done so in the past) to a safe and efficient mechanism with little cost. He agreed to do the conversion if the committee decided to purchase the external halyard. The poles with the internal crank mechanism will cost about $1,800 each. Poles with the external crank will cost considerably less – a savings of about $4,400 for 7 poles. Most flags can be delivered within a week. The Committee showed a desire to include and fly an MIA flag and John Gentry said he would check for availability of the special flag.
Chr Larry Davison reported that the Woodsman of the World (a group that distributes all sizes of flags free) offered to donate to us free all flags with poles, but the poles have the external crank mechanism. They do not have the internal type pole to offer to us. As mentioned above, the poles with external halyards are much less expensive. Before deciding to accept the offer from the Woodsman, Jim A and Don W will visit Chr Larry’s church on Hwy 78 and observe the external flagpole given to his church by the Woodsman some years ago and get specs. No action was taken on the source of flags and flagpoles.
One member asked how to avoid the continuous noise of the rope hitting the pole when the weather is windy. Don W replied that it was OK with him to hear that sound because to him, it is the “Sound of Freedom.”
Mike Maxey mentioned that they were moving fast and that a decision should be made shortly. The cement slab for the poles will be laid on the back of the monument next week.
ACTION: Bill G made motion to take the offer of donation of flags and flagpoles made by the Woodsman and John R seconded it. John G amended the motion to read “pending the recommendation of the Jim A and Don W after seeing the one flying (donated by the Woodsman several years ago) at Chr Davison’s church on Hwy 78.” Vote was unanimous.
NOTE: $4,400 was budgeted for the flags and aluminum poles. If we go with the Woodsman offer, that amount can be saved to use elsewhere in the budget on some item that may overrun the budgeted cost.
John Gentry (army reserve) stated that the Army would probably furnish us an army flag, but that the other services would be hard pressed to donate their flags. In that well known branch competition, Don Walter (navy) jokingly objected to John’s remark.
Mike Nicholson, who is employed by M&P Grading and who has been on site for most of the cement work, gave a summary of the type and cost of the garden plaza around the fountain directly in front of the Monument. Ken B presented hard-copy printings of options to the design of the plaza floor. The concept is to pour the concrete plaza around the fountain with a “formed” grid design to receive medallions representing each of the 50 states. The idea of making the medallions “stars” (as the stars of the US flag also represent each of the 50 states) is a recent refinement of the original concept. The best price for 50 medallions is $134.00 each ($119.00 each for casting x 50 plus $700 for the mold) or $6,700.00.
A stamped border which was discussed at one time would be cost prohibitive. Stamping consists of laying a block of rubber mold on the wet cement, then removing it to give a textured finish.
ACTION: Jeff B made the motion to accept Ken B’s design with the medallion, John R seconded it and the vote was unanimous.
2. Finance Committee
Treasurer David Kilpatrick gave a financial update. See attached Financial Report. CDs in each of 3 banks now total $68,163.92.
Oconee State Bank: $21, 596.91;
North GA Bank: $21,375.61;
Bull Dog B&T: $25,191.44.
Checking account $5,592.26 after depositing 2 donation checks ($150.00 – James Cool and $75.00 - ???).
At this time one outstanding check for $1,297.25 has not been cashed.
All together the total assets amount to $83,876.52 as of 4-24-08.
Mike reports that we are well within the estimated budget that was approved last month.
David received a $300 donation tonight from Robert Wilson which will be deposited in the checking account.
Ken B asked for the 501c foundation's Tax ID number to give to the tile company, The number is 01-0552773 and is listed on the Veterans Memorial Web site under Donations. www.oconee veteransmemorial.com
3. Fundraising Committee
Chairman John Roberts reported that he has been out of action for a few months due to circumstances beyond his control except for a week vacation in Hawaii. He commented that the visible construction has stimulated donations recently in which he was delighted. He stated that now would be a good time to remind the local bank presidents to donate substantial amounts. The Telephone Solicitation fundraiser being coordinated by Bob Smith is ongoing. Bob and several community citizens had met to plan the project before Christmas, but their progress was interrupted by the Holidays. It is still on tract per an e-mail from Bob to Kate. It is the feeling of the Committee that fundraising interest will increase as the Memorial construction progresses. B-b-q, auctions, 5K runs, raffles, etc can be pursued during the time from May through November 15.
4. Publicity Committee
Bill Gilmer agreed to write an article for next week’s issue of the OE. Mike Sprayberry will also write an article for his week The Oconee Leader weekly and its Online Edition (www.theoconeeleader.com). Everyone agreed that the visible sign of the work being done at the site is good publicity for donations and this is the time to solicit.
David K stated that he had been contacted by an individual from NewsSource 15, a local communication outlet from the UGA Journalism School. He agreed to an interview that will run on the channel in 2 or 3 days. NewsSource has a substantial audience from the student population.
John G said that the Parks & Recreation Department will feature its “Movie in the Park” which always has a huge attendance, on Saturday, May 10. We could have a presence at this event. Bill G said we could sell raffle tickets for our pictures there. He asked if Jeff still had the pictures in his care. Yes, he does. No action taken.
5. Program Committee
No report.
6. Old Business
No report
7. New Business
a)… Flag Donation. Under new business, Chr Davison reported the offer from the Woodsman as described above.
b)… Names on Bricks. Ed K asked about the bricks-with-names project. Chr Davison reminded that this project will be in Phase II of the Memorial project & will be addressed at a later date. What we are concerned about today is in Phase I he said.
At the request of a member, Ken B offered his suggestion for the named bricks. A sidewalk will be built around the monument compound from the handicap parking area leading to the front of the Monument. Directly in front of the Monument, will be the fountain. Extending further from the Monument passed the fountain could be 2 handicap ramps, about 10 feet apart leading from the sidewalk up the incline (about 30 degree angle) to the fountain area. In the middle of that 10 ft spread between the 2 ramps, a structure could be erected for inscription of names. For the non-handicapped, 3 or 4 steps could be built on both outside areas of the 2 ramps. This design seemed to please all, but may be changed or modified as the work and the budget progresses to Phase II.
c)… Construction Update. Chr Davison asks for an update from Mike M. First Mike made a statement emphasizing the time, effort and talent that Architect Ken Beall and his Company has devoted to this project. He thanked Ken on behalf of his construction crew for Ken’s early advice to place the monument structure away from Hwy 53 and set at a slight angle for perfect eye contact coming into the Park entrance. He stated that Ken was very agreeable to work with and had donated over and above that which was sought in the beginning.
d)… Construction Schedule. Mike then reiterated the schedule that is being followed to reach completion of Phase I by July 4. He will need some help on the curb laying and the paving of the driveway around the compound. He asked Jeff B if the county could help and Jeff agreed to bring it to the attention of the BOC.
The schedule includes:
a) Tile work finished in 2 weeks – will start placing them early next week.
b) Fountain installation begins next week at the same time tiles are being laid.
c) Footing slab laid for flag poles next.
All the above in May
d) Curbing and road paving – to be completed before landscaping starts.
e) In June, landscaping can begin.
f) Phase I of Project completed by July 3.
g) Planned Ceremony for July 4.
So far, many have come forward to donate items for landscaping: Wayman Casper – labor; Eric Pope – Plants & shrubs; Jack McGee – pine straw; Lurger Lanthier – crepe myrtle trees; and grass (sod?).
Kate M was concerned about the intense maintenance of crepe myrtles. Ken B reminded that the reason he selected the crepe myrtle was to give color in the summer. That tree is the only tree available that blooms all summer and that is when more visitors will come to the Park. Kate agreed.
This led to the discussion of upkeep for the total memorial area (pruning, grass cutting, watering, fountain upkeep, etc). Jeff B said that will likely come from the county budget since the maintenance of the rest of the Park is the county’s responsibility. And it may be contracted out.
Jeff B stated that Oconee County would combine efforts with the city of Winterville for the Memorial Day Celebration on May 30.
Kate M stated that the County has the July 4th Celebration at the Eagle Tavern on that day. How should our Veterans Memorial Ceremony be combined? Or should the 2 events be separated by a day or two? Committee should think about this and make a decision later.
e)…Search Names. Chr Davison stated that searching for the appropriate names of veterans should start now. It was generally agreed that the start date should be WWI and continue to the present. He appointed 4 members to a Search Committee: Ed Kennedy, Miss Vinnie Williams, John Roberts and Kate McDaniel. He referred the group to the 2007 Memorial Weekend edition of the Athens Banner Herald for a list of names from Oconee County. This Committee will report back to the group at the next meeting.
f)… Park Name Change. As Miss Vinnie has discovered in her contacts with the public that since the Park was named Oconee Community Complex, many have voiced their displeasure. She emphasized that the name of “Oconee Veterans Park” was suggested made by her OE reporter, Blake Giles. And she had written and mailed at least 24 letters to committee members and the BOC requesting that the name be changed. The county has a policy for naming public entities. Any request for a name change would go through the Chairman of the Recreation Committee of Parks & Recreation. That Chairman would pass it up the line to the BOC with a recommendation. The BOC would then act on the request.
John G said that 1 large sign for the park had already been constructed with the present name, Oconee Community Complex and installed at the entrance.
At the annual Fire Fighters Dinner at which Miss Vinnie was honored, she announced that she was behind an effort to have the name changed. Probably every body in the county had heard about it by now.
Jeff B said that the Commissioners have been receiving letters and e-mails of displeasure with the name and they are expecting a name change request.
ACTION: Bill G made the motion to start the process to have the name changed to Oconee Veterans Park. Kate M seconded it and the vote was unanimous. As Secretary of the Foundation, Kate agreed to write the letter of request for name change and send it to Kim Argo.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm
Kate presented a 10-minute slide show of 129 photos on the big screen that have been taken by she and David K of the monument construction since day one. Most members stayed to watch.
Respectively submitted,
Kate McDaniel
Secretary, OCVMFC
April 24, 2008
____________________________________________________________
The address for mailing donations:
Oconee Veterans Memorial Foundation
PO Box 1836
Watkinsville, GA
30677
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