Memorandum 14-018 Acceptance and Placement of Bronze Bust of Brother Asaiah

Memorandum ID: 
14-018
Memorandum Status: 
Backup

Details

Memorandum 14-018

TO:                       MAYOR WYTHE AND CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION

THROUGH:        RENEE KRAUSE, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

DATE:                  JANUARY 21, 2014

SUBJECT:           ACCEPTANCE  AND PLACEMENT OF BRONZE BUST OF BROTHER ASAIAH

BACKGROUND

At a regular meeting on January 16, 2014 the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission heard public testimony for and against placement of a sculpture of Brother Asaiah in WKFL Park. The Commission recommended forwarding  a recommendation of support that further opportunity for public comment was needed in the form of a public hearing.

 

Below is an excerpt from the meeting minutes of the January 16, 2014 regular meeting regarding that discussion.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  Recommendation for Support of Placement of Commissioned Sculpture in WKFL Park

 

Chair Steffy read the title into the record and inquired if more discussion  was needed on the subject or if there were additional comments from the commissioners.

 

Commissioner Brann commented on the statements and comments received on both sides of the issue and he believed a continued discussion would be appreciated. He agreed that no one wanted to fight about the decision but a good discussion would be valuable to making a decision. He appreciated people coming tonight.

 

Chair Steffy opined on the memorialization of an individual and the contrasts between what the individuals want and what the individual being memorialized might have wanted done. He further stated that there are two questions to ask  –

1. Are you memorializing the individual for the sake of the individual?

2. Are you memorializing the individual for the sake of the people he influenced.

 

Chair Steffy stated he believed the commission heard that during the public comments tonight. He opined that it would be appropriate for a public hearing to be held by City Council regarding this issue to get more public input on the placement. Chair Steffy requested a motion.

 

LOWNEY/BRANN - MOVED TO SUPPORT THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DONATION OF THE ART PIECE TO THE CITY COLLECTION BUT RECOMMEND A PUBLIC FORUM TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE PLACEMENT ON THAT PIECE.

 

Chair Steffy stated he will attend that meeting to answer any questions regarding the Commission recommendation.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

               RECOMMENDATION:

Hold a public hearing to obtain more public input on the placement of a bronze bust of Brother Asaiah.