Title
Vote on a request to approve the 9/11 First Responder Memorial Site Lease
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote to approve Lease
Introduction & Background: In 2009, the county was approached by local first responders about leasing county property to erect a 9/11 memorial using beams from the world trade towers. The county fire marshal and local fire chief delivered the beams which were stored until the group could secure its non-profit status, and raise the initial funds to construct the site. In late 2013, the Board of Commissioners approved the design concept for the memorial, and in December, 2013, the Board approved the site plan. After a presentation by the group at the June 16, 2014 board meeting, the county attorney drew up a 99-year lease agreement, however, it was recently discovered that the Lease was never executed and was not approved by the Board. It now comes back before the Board for its approval.
Discussion & Analysis: The Chatham County 911 First Responder Memorial Foundation is nearing completion of Phase 1 of the project, but needs the signed Lease in place before it can proceed further. The date of the lease has been moved up a year and will begin August 1, 2015.
Budgetary Impact: N/A
Recommendation: Approve Lease