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City likes idea, not location, of VFW proposal
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Benson City Council expressed concerns Monday night with the VFW's plan to park a tank at Veterans Memorial Park on 4th Street.
Frank Biscardi, the VFW junior commander, said having a static display would be beneficial to the city, noting that visitors would stop and take pictures with the tank, and talk about seeing it in Benson.
Biscardi said the VFW has submitted an application to the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command. If a tank is not available, Biscardi said they will take anything.
Council members liked the idea of having a display, but didn't like the VFW's proposal to put it at Veteran's Memorial Park.
Councilman John Lodzinski led the discussion, stating the Memorial Park is a place to go to remember friends and classmates who didn't come back from war.
"Many people I've talked to see a tank as a thing people will climb all over and take pictures," Lodzinski said. "I don't mind the tank, but I think Veterans Park should remain more solemn, like a cemetery where people can come and honor the dead. Maybe the place across from Safeway would be more fitting. There's some parking over there. People will want to stop and take some pictures."
Councilman David Lambert said he's measured the spot for the tank at the park and there's plenty of space for it, and he said groups such as the American Legion and VFW think the park is a good place for the display.
The remaining council members agreed with Lodzinski.
No vote was taken on the issue, but council members directed Public Works Director Brad Hamilton to research the property across from Safeway to see who owns it and whether or not the display could be placed there.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a new contract with City Prosecutor Ann Roberts. While most of the contract was the same as last year, Roberts asked that the council renew it for a two-year term, instead of one as they have in the past.
Roberts will be paid the same amount, receiving an annual salary of $54,000.
Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation making Sept. 9 "Good Neighbor Day."
In the proclamation, Fenn said it would become a tradition for florists to promote neighborliness in their communities by giving away a dozen flowers to each visitor on a given day in September in hopes one flower will be kept and the other 11 will be given to 11 different people to help make new acquaintances or to renew an old friendship.
On Sept. 9, Benson's Flowers on Fourth is hoping to bring 'Good Neighbor Day' to the local community. On that day, Flowers on Fourth will be giving away individual roses to people who visit the shop.
At the beginning of the council meeting, Fenn also handed out certificates of recognition to several of Benson's longtime employees. Benson Police Officer Brian Williams was honored for making the five-year mark, but Fenn congratulated Darrell Foster and Jose Ronquillo for being city employees for 25 years.
The Benson City Council expressed concerns Monday night with the VFW's plan to park a tank at Veterans Memorial Park on 4th Street.
Frank Biscardi, the VFW junior commander, said having a static display would be beneficial to the city, noting that visitors would stop and take pictures with the tank, and talk about seeing it in Benson.
Biscardi said the VFW has submitted an application to the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command. If a tank is not available, Biscardi said they will take anything.
Council members liked the idea of having a display, but didn't like the VFW's proposal to put it at Veteran's Memorial Park.
Councilman John Lodzinski led the discussion, stating the Memorial Park is a place to go to remember friends and classmates who didn't come back from war.
"Many people I've talked to see a tank as a thing people will climb all over and take pictures," Lodzinski said. "I don't mind the tank, but I think Veterans Park should remain more solemn, like a cemetery where people can come and honor the dead. Maybe the place across from Safeway would be more fitting. There's some parking over there. People will want to stop and take some pictures."
Councilman David Lambert said he's measured the spot for the tank at the park and there's plenty of space for it, and he said groups such as the American Legion and VFW think the park is a good place for the display.
The remaining council members agreed with Lodzinski.
No vote was taken on the issue, but council members directed Public Works Director Brad Hamilton to research the property across from Safeway to see who owns it and whether or not the display could be placed there.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a new contract with City Prosecutor Ann Roberts. While most of the contract was the same as last year, Roberts asked that the council renew it for a two-year term, instead of one as they have in the past.
Roberts will be paid the same amount, receiving an annual salary of $54,000.
Mayor Mark Fenn read a proclamation making Sept. 9 "Good Neighbor Day."
In the proclamation, Fenn said it would become a tradition for florists to promote neighborliness in their communities by giving away a dozen flowers to each visitor on a given day in September in hopes one flower will be kept and the other 11 will be given to 11 different people to help make new acquaintances or to renew an old friendship.
On Sept. 9, Benson's Flowers on Fourth is hoping to bring 'Good Neighbor Day' to the local community. On that day, Flowers on Fourth will be giving away individual roses to people who visit the shop.
At the beginning of the council meeting, Fenn also handed out certificates of recognition to several of Benson's longtime employees. Benson Police Officer Brian Williams was honored for making the five-year mark, but Fenn congratulated Darrell Foster and Jose Ronquillo for being city employees for 25 years.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Editor's note wrote on Aug 26, 2009 11:06 AM:
" Thelma Grimes does not write headlines for stories, that would be the page designer. "
Tazz wrote on Aug 26, 2009 12:32 PM:
" The Veterans Organization is NOT stupid Sarge. If your nickname implies any connection with the military you should know that. SHAME ON YOU!! "
Billy wrote on Aug 26, 2009 3:50 PM:
" Good old Thelma: She writes that Roberts ask for a two year contract. The story says a contract was approved. It does not say if it was one or two years. What ever the length it was just another Benson good old boy give away. How many times are they going to fire and re-hire this gal? Think it has anything to do with her father being a former City Manager and City Attorney or her uncle a former council member and Mayor? "
Nancy C. wrote on Aug 29, 2009 8:46 AM:
" $54,000.00 a year for a part time job! My guess it comes with full benefits also. Anyone else want a city contract for that amount for a few hours a week of work? "
nam68 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 3:00 PM:
" I agree with you Tazz......where did this guy get his moniker of Sarge????!! "
Sarge wrote on Aug 26, 2009 10:50 AM: