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Planning and Building Department, Cemeteries Division, recommending the Board accept the donation of a plaque to be installed at the Placerville Union Cemetery from the El Dorado Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
FUNDING: El Dorado Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
For more than a century, the members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, education, and patriotism. Most of DAR's volunteer work is accomplished through grassroots efforts of local chapters. One of the ways DAR accomplishes these goals is through the placement of plaques at locations of historical significance in local communities.
In 2017, the El Dorado Chapter DAR chose the Placerville Union Cemetery for the placement of a plaque, and began researching the history of the cemetery (see Exhibit A for the list of historical documents used to compile the history). Because DAR requires the highest standards of accuracy be maintained in the selection and research of a site, the local researchers were able to correct and expand the historical information held by the County about the cemetery to ensure the history of the cemetery is preserved accurately.
The former Cemetery Director approved the concept of the plaque and the proposed text for the plaque in April 2019 (Exhibit B). The El Dorado Chapter DAR submitted a request for approval of the plaque to their national headquarters and has received approval, with some minor changes to the text (see Exhibit C for the final text).
The El Dorado Chapter DAR is proposing to install a brass plaque on a suitable rock of native material, and is seeking the approval of the Board of the text that will be engraved on the plaque, as well as the plan to install the plaque and rock near the front entrance of the Placerville Union Cemetery. All costs for the plaque and the installation will be borne by the El Dorado Chapter DAR.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the installation of the plaque.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this item. The cost of the proposed plaque and installation will be paid by the El Dorado Chapter DAR.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Chris Perry, Cemetery Director
Assistant Director
Planning and Building Department