Discussion/Action on Park System memorial donation application filed by Gail Gygax on behalf of Gygax Memorial Fund, Inc.
[Some procedural matters discussed.] Alderman Marsala expressed concern about approving of the location without having any visual representation of the statue, noting that the recommended footprint was of fairly significant size. Mayor Connors stated that the applicant needed to have a location for the memorial in order to proceed with fundraising activities.
Tolar/Kehoe motion to suspend the rules to permit Gail Gygax to address the Council. Unanimously carried. Mrs. Gygax stated that she had originally requested to locate the memorial on a 12’ x 12’ footprint in Library Park; however, that request had been denied. She stressed that the size of the memorial would largely be determined by the location and, given the proposed location in Donian Park, it would likely be smaller than the 10’ x 10’ recommendation. She briefly provided the Council with a description of the proposed statue, which was to be a stone plinth with a bronze bust of the late Mr. Gygax and would incorporate elements to highlight the honoree’s contributions to role-playing. Mrs. Gygax also noted that the statute would require approval from the Department of Natural Resources, as it would be located in a wetlands area.
Motion to approve carried by vote of 5 to 1, with Alderman Marsala opposed.