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03-14-2000 Regular MeetingMarch 14, 2000 The scheduled meeting of the Downtown Development Authority was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer, Mayor A. Max Bacon at 6:30 p.m. Present were DDA members Melinda Dameron, Hubert Black, Jim Pitts, C.J. Fouts, Doug Stoner, Eric Cash and Larry Freeman. Also present were design commission appointees Harold Smith and Mike Sizemore. Mayor Bacon reviewed the background of the Veterans Memorial Park Project. Mayor Bacon indicated that the City Attorney had indicated that both the City Council and DDA needed to approve the design of the Veterans Memorial Park and that he wanted both groups to approve the project. Mayor Bacon then asked Bill Lnenicka to review the work of the Veterans Memorial Association and the plans for the Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Lnenicka presented an overview of the work of the Association, the purpose of the Memorial, the site selection and the design. Mr. Lnenicka discussed the original concept and how it was revised and downsized to address the concerns of homeowners r who had felt the original concept was too large. Mr. Lnenicka stated that most of the green space used by City Residents will be retained, the Memorial wall will be along the back perimeter and what will be left will be a beautiful City Park. Ms. Dameron asked what the height of the wall will be and Mr. Lnenicka indicated that it would go from 12 feet to 2 feet and the wall near the Library will be 2 feet high. Mr. Lnenicka stated that the homeowners will not see the 12-foot wall because of a planted berm. Mayor Bacon indicated that the large tree would be saved and the other trees would be replaced. Mr. Harold Smith indicated his support for the project. Mr. Sizemore indicated this will be a positive addition to the downtown area and that he would like for the City brick to be incorporated into the design. Mr. Sizemore also asked that some design features from the Village Green be incorporated into the Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Bacon indicated that this site had originally been intended for retail. Mr. Sizemore acknowledged this but recognized that "use" has changed this site to "people" space. Mayor Bacon indicated that many people had asked that this site is preserved and he believes the Memorial is a good way to preserve the site, and the revised plan of the Memorial represents a good compromise. Mr. Fouts stated that by making this parcel a park, the land will be protected and Mayor Bacon agreed. Mr. Freeman asked about the names of Veterans on the wall and Mr. Lnenicka stated that the Veterans' names will be carved in granite. Mr. Freeman stated that he wanted to clarify funding and Mr. Lnenicka indicated that funding would be public and private funds if possible. Mr. Lnenicka stated that about 18 % of the funding could be public dollars. Mr. Freeman asked about total project costs and Mr. Lnenicka indicated that the Association still hoped to raise more than one million dollars by October 1, 2000. Mr. Stoner asked about the size of the stage and Mr. Allen, the architect on the project, stated that the stage would accommodate fifty people. Mayor Bacon asked that no work on the project begin until all funding was in place and Mr. Lnenicka agreed. Mrs. Dameron made a motion to approve the design of the Veterans Memorial Park subject to final plans being approved, with no land being disturbed, no tree be removed and no construction to begin until funding is complete and Mr. Stoner seconded the motion. Motion was approved unanimously.