TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to develop a plan and vision for a Long Beach COVID-19 Memorial that will be dedicated to those lost during the pandemic. A community advisory group should be formed for the selected project.
DISCUSSION
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic over a year ago, Long Beach has lost 931 residents. That number represents thousands more that have lost loved ones, co-workers, family members, neighbors and friends. As vaccinations become more available, and vaccination rates increase, our community may finally be seeing the end of the single largest cause of death in the last year. No matter how or when this pandemic is finally defeated, Long Beach deserves a focal point for people to express their grief and mourn for all those we have lost. A COVID-19 Memorial in Long Beach could be an opportunity for residents to pay homage and remember those we lost to the virus. A group of residents should be brought together with diverse backgrounds and experiences that can inform and provide community input to the City on the manner and scope of a potential Memorial. This matter has been reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on May 3, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation is requesting staff to develop a plan and vision for a Long Beach COVID-19 Memorial and form a community advisory group for this project. The requested action is anticipated to have a moderate impact on staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have moderate impact on existing City Council priorities, as the prioritization of this effort will likely impact or delay other current projects and initiatives. The cost for this Memorial and the funding sources have not yet been identified. Depending on the cost and the fiscal health of the associated funding source, reserves may need to be utilized or other offsets may need to be identified. Once a plan is developed, staff will return back to City Council for any appropriation authorization...
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