Adopt Resolution #22-272 Accepting Funding from the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and Donation from VFW Post 5518 for a Veterans Memorial 

At the January 11th 2022 City Council meeting, an application to the State of Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for a Women Veteran's Memorial Sculpture project was approved - with the stipulation that the $5,000 grant if awarded to the city would be matched by a third party, and that Ramsey would essentially act as a pass-through agent for the project and collaboration with Rumriver Arts, a reoccurring program partner with the city.  Staff is pleased to report that the Elk River/Rogers VFW Post 5518 has contributed the needed match of $5,000 to advance the estimated $10,000 public art project.

Adopting Resolution #22-272 is necessary to accept the donation from the VFW, and also documents to the State that the city 'holds' the necessary funds for the project, $5,000 of which will be paid to the City upon the sculptures' completion (as a pass-through to Rumriver Arts). 

Many details of the memorial sculpture are under development at this time, and additional information is included within the attachments to this case. As the project is refined, staff will return for City Council input on the temporary installation and display locations, along with ideas for a final location, which may be in Ramsey's downtown, possibly in the vicinity of the VA Clinic.


 

No hard-costs from the city are anticipated for this project at this time, with the donation and grant funds anticipated to cover the costs of metal and fabrication, bases, and compensation to the artist. 

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #22-272, accepting the $5,000 donation and advancing the Women Veteran's Memorial Sculpture.

Motion to adopt Resolution #22-272, accepting the $5,000 donation from VFW Post 5518, and advancing the Women Veteran's Memorial Sculpture.