Okaloosa County BOCC — September 15, 2015 — Acceptance of Memorial Bench from LeAnn Holcombe for Beach Access — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: September 15, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: James Puckett SUBJECT: Acceptance of Memorial Bench from LeAnn Holcombe for Beach Access #2 DEPARTMENT: Public Works BCC DISTRICT: 2 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Staff requests Board consideration of a request from LeAnn Holcombe for the Board of Commissioners to accept a granite bench in memory of their son, Will Holcombe, to reside in Beach Access Way #2 on Okaloosa Island. BACKGROUND: Staff was approached in September 2014 by Amy Herf, a friend of LeAnn Holcombe, concerning the possibility of placing a memorial bench for Mrs. Holcombe’s son, Will Holcombe, at Beach Access Way #2 on Okaloosa Island. On January 29, 2015, staff meet with Mrs. Herf and Mrs. Holcombe on site at Beach Access Way #2 to locate an area for the proposed bench. The mutually agreed upon area is near the entrance to the boardwalk where a recessed wooden bench resided. The Parks and Buildings Supervisor said the wooden bench could be removed by staff and the 6 foot granite bench would fit in the vacated area. Mrs. Holcombe has since ordered the bench with the potential delivery time of six (6) months. Parks’ staff has frequently reminded Mrs. Holcombe of the harsh salt air environment and the high possibility of vandalism the bench will be susceptible to in a public park. Mrs. Holcombe has been informed that the County will not be responsible for any damage or replacement of the bench. OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove the request to accept the donation of the granite memorial bench from LeAnn Holcombe to reside at Beach Access Way #2. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends Board approve the request to accept the granite memorial bench from LeAnn Holcombe to reside at Beach Access Way #2 on Okaloosa Island. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator