Approve Memorial Site Easement Agreement - Ramsey Rotary and the City of Ramsey

In August 2010, the City Council adopted a resolution recognizing the Ramsey Rotary Commemorative Park Project.  The resolution included a provision that the Ramsey Rotary would enter into a maintenance agreement for the site with the City of Ramsey.  The agreement was  considered on the September 13, 2011 Agenda for Council approval.  At that meeting concern was expressed that the Ramsey Rotary's marketing efforts focused too much on the gas explosion that was the impetus for the memorial, rather than a general memorial for the entire community.  A comment was made, during the discussion, that the marketing may be too focused on a specific event, however, the monument itself does not specify any one event.  There was some disagreement with regard to whether or not the design of the monument was too focused on one event as well.  Council voted to postpone approval of the Memorial Site Easement Agreement until October 11.

Representatives of the Ramsey Rotary attended the Council Work Session of September 27, to discuss the monument and their marketing.  The marketing materials had been reviewed and amended consistent with Council's request.  The material focuses more on a general memorial theme by indicating it will inspire "hope that comes from tragedy and the bravery of everyday heroes that respond to local, national and global concerns."  The language continues "Upon reflection of this tragic event, the Ramsey Rotary worked toward creating a public monument to memorialize tributes from throughout the community for the events and people that have touched our lives in special ways."

With these changes, the Memorial Site Easement Agreement between the Ramsey Rotary and the City of Ramsey is once again before Council for formal approval.

The agreement establishes the obligations and responsibilities of each party.  The additional maintenance and operating costs of the memorial will be the reponsibility of the Ramsey Rotary.

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Motion to Approve the Memorial Site Easement Agreement between the Ramsey Rotary and the City of Ramsey and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign such Agreement.