Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329 and enter into a service contract with E&L Cemetery Services LLC in an amount up to $90,581.00, to provide restoration and relocation services for the Linden War Memorial.
The Linden War Memorial, a significant historical landmark, stands proudly on a small greenspace owned by the City of Columbus at 2652 Cleveland Avenue. This memorial, bounded by Cleveland Avenue to the West, Westerville Road to the East, and a gas station to the north, is a tribute to the brave veterans of World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It serves as a constant reminder of their courage and sacrifice, instilling a sense of respect and pride in the residents of Columbus.
The current location has also led to the memorial being damaged in recent years. In 2019, the westernmost portion was struck by a vehicle, which resulted in cracked stone and fallen plaques. Columbus Recreation and Parks contracted with E&L Cemetery Services LLC to repair the damage. In 2021, another car struck the western portion of the memorial with more force, destroying the entire western half. E&L Cemetery Services LLC was once again consulted by Columbus Recreation and Parks to collect the damaged pieces and provided an estimate to Recreation and Parks to move and install the monument to Linden Park. Since 2021, E&L Cemetery Services LLC dba Columbus Memorials has stored the damaged pieces at its location under no contract nor direction from the City of Columbus.
As part of the Department of Development’s ongoing Art, Monuments, and Memorials maintenance, the Department of Development, Division of Planning took over as lead for the project in mid-2023. The intent of the Department of Development, Division of Planning is to work with Recreation and Parks to complete the project and move the monument to a more sec...
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