HomeMy WebLinkAbout043 - 03/04/1997 - AUTHORIZING RETURN OF THE CITY PARK WORLD WAR I CANNON TO THE AMERICAN LEGION, GEORGE BEACH POST NO. No action taken on Second Reading
ORDINANCE NO. 43, 1997
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF THE CITY PARK WORLD WAR I CANNON
TO THE AMERICAN LEGION, GEORGE BEACII POST NO. 4
WHEREAS,in 1932,the American Legion,George Beach Post No. 4, located in Fort Collins
(the"American Legion"), donated to the City of Fort Collins a World War I cannon (the"Cannon")
in memory of the veterans of World War 1; and
WHEREAS,the Cannon was thereafter affixed at a location in City Park to be viewed and
appreciated by the public users of City Park in honor of said World War I veterans; and
WHEREAS, the presence of the Cannon has proved to be incompatible with the subsequent
development and expansion of the playground area within City Park; and
WHEREAS, City staff has determined that the safety of playground users will be enhanced
by the removal of the Cannon from the playground area; and
WHEREAS, the present circumstances do not afford the Cannon the degree of respect and
honor originally intended through the acceptance and placement of the Cannon in City Park; and
WHEREAS, no other locations for the Cannon on City property have been identified for
relocation of the Cannon, and no City departments have expressed interest in retaining the Cannon
for other uses; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion has requested that the Cannon be returned for display in
the local American Legion Hall, consistent with the original objectives of the American Legion in
donating the Cannon to the City; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion has agreed to be responsible for moving the Cannon to
the American Legion Hall in Fort Collins at no cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, staff obtained public input regarding the most appropriate course of action with
respect to the cannon at a December 5, 1996, public meeting; and
WHEREAS, as a result of that public meeting, staff continues to believe that the proposed
move of the cannon to the American Legion Post is the most appropriate course of action; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the appropriate disposition of the Cannon in
these circumstances is the return of the Cannon to the American Legion for such uses as the
American Legion determines are appropriate; and
No action taken on Second Reading
WHEREAS, under Section 23-111(a) of the Code, the Council is authorized to dispose of
real property owned in the name of the City, provided it first finds the sale is in the best interest of
the City; and
WI IEREAS, the Council has determined that return of the Cannon at this time is in the best
interests of the City.
NOW, Tl1EREFORE, 13E IT ORDAINED BY 'I'I IF., COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that ownership and possession of the World War I Cannon located in City Park in Fort
Collins be and hereby is returned to the American Legion, George Beach Post No. 4.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 18th day of
February, A.D. 1997, and to be presented for final passage ort..t e 4th day of ar i, A.D. 1997.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 4th day of March, A.D. 1997.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk