September 21, 2004

SUBJECT: Consideration of Memorial for Sunnyvale Residents and City Employees Killed in the Line of Duty.

REPORT IN BRIEF

This report considers Mayor Howe’s request that the City consider the development of a memorial for Sunnyvale residents and City employees killed in the line of duty. Staff estimates that the cost of such a memorial could range from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on size and materials. This report reviews current City policy governing Recognition and Plaques, and identifies for Council existing means of recognizing those who have died in service to the City and/or Country. Staff makes no recommendation related to this request. 

BACKGROUND

During Council’s August 10, 2004 meeting, Mayor Howe requested that staff explore the feasibility of installing a memorial at either Washington Park or the City’s new downtown plaza (official name of the plaza yet to be determined) to commemorate the lives of Sunnyvale residents and City employees killed in the line of duty.  

EXISTING POLICY

Consideration of a memorial for Sunnyvale residents and City employees killed in the line of duty is supported by the following City policy:

Sunnyvale Legislative Policy: Recognition and Plaque Policy (Attachment A.) 

DISCUSSION

The City's Recognition and Plaque Policy (See Attachment A, Legislative Policy 7.3.11) establishes guidelines as to the use and layout of plaques and other appropriate forms of recognition on City Property. While the most common application tends to be related to the recognition of donations, this policy clearly indicates that plaques or other appropriate forms of recognition may be installed in memory of those who have made contributions (including the ultimate sacrifice of life) to the City. As such, no Study Issue is required to pursue this matter—Council policy already exists.

There is currently a display (approximately two feet tall by four feet wide) hanging in the lobby of the Public Safety building which memorializes those officers killed in the line of duty. Within that display, a separate plaque with photo is dedicated to each of the five officers who have died serving the City of Sunnyvale during the Public Safety Department’s history.

At Washington Park, an artillery cannon with a two foot wide by three foot tall plaque stands “In Memory of Those Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice”. The plaque lists the names of 34 Sunnyvale residents who died fighting for their country.  Representatives of the Sunnyvale American Legion, Post No. 344, were unable to provide any further history related to this particular plaque that it donated to the City in 1947.

If Council does wish to commemorate the lives of Sunnyvale residents and City employees killed in the line of duty via a plaque or “memorial wall” at one of the City’s public spaces, it need only provide staff further details in terms of exactly what is desired so that a budget issue paper can be developed for consideration in the context of next year’s budget. Fiscal Year 2005/2006 will be the second year of a two-year operating budget, so in keeping with Sunnyvale’s budgetary traditions, Council’s focus when reviewing the City Manager’s proposed budget for 2005/2006 will be on Capital Improvement and Special Projects.

The sooner Council could give staff a sense as to the size, magnitude and preferred placement of such a memorial, the more efficiently and effectively staff could prepare a Capital Improvement Project sheet reflecting Council’s interests. All capital projects proposed for the coming year will be reviewed internally by a staff Project Review Committee prior to the City Manager transmitting a budget recommendation to Council for next Fiscal Year. As Council knows, very few projects that do not pertain to health and/or safety have been recommended since the City found itself in the current budget crisis. 

FISCAL IMPACT

Unknown at this time. Staff estimates a one-time capital improvement cost ranging anywhere from $10,000 for a three foot by four foot bronze plaque to $250,000 or more for a large memorial wall. On-going maintenance costs would exist, but would likely be relatively minimal.