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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12b - Dr. Robert O. Wilson Memorial DATE: February 19, 2019 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager By: Michael Bruckner, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED DR. ROBERT O. WILSON MEMORIAL Recommendation: Provide Direction SUMMARY At the November 20, 2018, City Council meeting, Council Member Amundson requested that the City Manager provide a discussion item at an upcoming City Council meeting regarding the City’s support of establishing an official monument in recognition of Dr. Robert O. Wilson. This request was concurred by Mayor Tay and Council Member Chandler. It is recommended that the City Council consider its options related to such a monument and provide direction to staff. DISCUSSION During the occupation of Nanjing, China by the Japanese in 1937-38, former Arcadia resident Dr. Robert O. Wilson was the sole surgeon responsible for treating victims of the occupation while others fled the City fearing for their safety. During that time, the selfless work of Dr. Wilson was attributed to saving the lives of countless civilians and POWs who would have otherwise perished. Dr. Wilson passed away in November 1967 but is still remembered and honored as a humanitarian. In November 2017, the non-profit Righteous Quest Foundation sponsored an unveiling ceremony of a temporary monument at the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist Church of Arcadia dedicated to Dr. Wilson; however, the Foundation would like to honor Dr. Wilson with a permanent tribute on October 5, 2019, the 115th birthday of Dr. Wilson, to commemorate his humanitarian efforts. At the November 20, 2018, City Council meeting, Arcadia resident Mark Shyang Liu appeared on behalf of the Righteous Quest Foundation requesting the City’s participation in the future event. Council Member Amundson requested that the City Dr. Robert O. Wilson Memorial February 19, 2019 Page 2 of 2 Manager provide a discussion item at an upcoming City Council meeting regarding the City’s support of an event to establish an official monument in recognition of Dr. Robert O. Wilson. This request was concurred by Mayor Tay and Council Member Chandler. The specifics of the event are still unknown at this time but the Righteous Quest Foundation has indicated that they would like to fundraise for a permanent monument for Dr. Wilson to replace the temporary structure at United Methodist Church of Arcadia. The City is being asked to serve as a co-sponsor of the event to help raise local awareness about the life and legacy of Dr. Wilson, in addition to supporting mark eting and outreach efforts related to the proposed event. No additional funding is being requested. Several options for the location of the monument have been considered, including a site at the United Methodist Church as well as at the Methodist Hospital of Arcadia. Dr. Wilson was a Methodist and these locations seem ideal for such an honorary. It should be noted that the occupation of Nanjing is somewhat of a politically sensitive topic, especially among Japanese nationals, who dispute some of the recor ded events. The Righteous Quest Foundation has indicated that they do not wish to place this monument as a memorial to the occupation or to have it be a political statement in any way. Rather, they want it to simply be a memorial to the selfless service pr ovided by an Arcadian to the Chinese people. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT The full scope of the event is unknown; however, the City can support and augment marketing and outreach efforts for the Righteous Quest Foundation through the City’s quarterly Newsletter, monthly Hot Sheet, website, and social media outlets at little to no cost. The City may also support through other in-kind activities, including use of City equipment and personnel at the discretion of the City Manager. It is likely that the funding for this effort would come largely or wholly from the government in Nanjing, China and/or organizations based in Nanjing. By the City of Arcadia being official partners and sponsors of the event, the fundraisers will be able to have more formal standing with these foreign dignitaries when making donation requests. Dr. Robert O. Wilson Memorial February 19, 2019 Page 2 of 2 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Council provide direction regarding staff support for the proposed event, including use of the City’s website, Newsletter, Hot Sheet, and social media tools to help generate awareness. Additional in-kind support may also be considered at the discretion of the City Manager.