Item Description:
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Amend the 2025 Capital Budget to include capital project 1009111 HCGC Veterans Monument; transfer $350,000 in existing budget authority from the HCGC Elevator & Escalator Modernization project (CP 1005192)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that capital project 1009111 HCGC Veterans Monument be identified in the 2025 Capital Budget with a total appropriation of $1,100,000, $350,000 of which to be funded by a transfer of existing budget authority from the HCGC Elevator & Escalator Modernization project (CP 1005192) to cover design and construction costs; that following review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign any agreements, certifications, and other documents as necessary on behalf of the county; and the Controller be authorized to transfer and disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Hennepin County is home to 48,410 veterans or almost 15% of Minnesota’s veteran population.
Hennepin County’s Veterans’ Services department promotes and protects the rights of veterans, survivors, and their dependents. Their nationally accredited staff collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans service organizations to help service members, veterans, survivors, and family members efficiently navigate the Veterans Administration benefits system.
In Fall of 2022, Hennepin County issued a request for qualifications for artist and design services to conceptualize this monument. After a thorough interview process, Randy Walker Artist, a Minnesota-based sculptor, was chosen as the lead artist for the veterans’ monument. After a thorough community engagement outreach with over 20 veterans related organizations, including many BIPOC organizations, Randy and his team presented several options for consideration. The Hennepin County Veterans’ Monument will be a mirrored variation of the circular geometry of the North plaza’s waterfall and reflecting pool. A copy of the concept proposal has been distributed to commissioners and a copy is on file with the County Clerk’s office.
Final design and artwork fabrication will be completed in late 2025 with construction completion in the 3rd quarter of 2026.
Hennepin County recently received a grant in the amount of $10,000 through The Minnesota Office of Grants Management and The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to be used for the project.
Current Request: The HCGC Veterans Monument project (CP 100911) was initially included in the 2023 Capital Budget and 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program with a budget of $750,000. Due to increases in costs for construction, a budget increase of $350,000 is needed to complete the project. This transfer of $350,000 will bring the total project budget up to $1,100,000.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval