AGENDA DATE: 7/1/2020
TITLE:
Title
Civil War Monuments and Memorials
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a public hearing on whether to remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover Civil War monuments and memorials
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Kamptner, Stewart, Kilroy, Russell
PRESENTER (S): Greg Kamptner
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Until July 1, 2020, Virginia Code ? 15.2-1812 made it unlawful for localities to "disturb or interfere with" any war monuments or memorials. "Disturb or interfere with" included removing, damaging, or defacing the monuments or memorials.
Senate Bill 183 and House Bill 1537 (2020) amend Section 15.2-1812, effective July 1, 2020, to authorize a locality to remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover war monuments and memorials from its public property, provided that the locality complies with the procedures required by the new law.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Virginia Code ? 15.2-1812(B) establishes a four-step process before the County may remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover a war monument or memorial: (1) the Board publishes notice of its intention in the newspaper at least 30 days before it holds a public hearing on the matter; (2) the Board holds the public hearing; (3) the Board votes whether to remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover any monument or memorial; and (4) if it votes to do so, the Board must first, for a period of 30 days, offer the monument or memorial for relocation and placement to any museum, historical society, government, or military battlefield.
The Board has received many public comments regarding the Civil War monuments and memorials on the County courthouse grounds.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no expected budget impact to ho...
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