INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees agreed at Wednesday night’s meeting to the concept of accepting a donation from community member Michael Gross of up to $110,000 to construct a Veteran’s Memorial on district property. The specific location has not yet been determined, but the Village Green is viewed as an appropriate site by the majority of the board members.

“What I heard the board say tonight is that you agree with the concept of what is being proposed,” said District General Manager Bobby Magee. “The location is still to be determined. However, the majority of the board does feel like this (Village Green) is an appropriate place but that would be part of the staff recommendation.”

Trustee Dave Noble opposed the location because of the conflict the memorial could create.

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“I’m concerned that a memorial in my mind is supposed to be a place for quiet reflection,” Noble said. “I’m concerned there’s going to be some conflict with other users of Village Green whether its dog owners, the dogs are going to be going through there. The dogs might do their business and that’s not good. Kids are going to be hanging around kicking balls against stuff. That’s not going to be appreciated. So I’m concerned. I think there could be other places.”

Noble drove around Incline before the meeting looking for alternative sites. He listed:

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• grass area to the south of Aspen Grove
• forested area across from Village Green next to the recreation center
• forested area to the west of the recreation center parking lot
• large unused area near Preston Field Park parking area

“So that’s the only reason, at this point, I wouldn’t want to move forward if it is only that area above Village Green,” Noble said. “It’s a fantastic spot for a lot of other users that use Village Green. And that’s my concern about the conflict it would create.”

The majority of the board supports the Village Green location for the memorial.

“I for one think the location is a great location,” said Chair Sara Schmitz. “I like it because it’s on Incline Way. I like it because it’s in an elevated area. There’s so many wonderful things about it.”

The way the funding will be handled was discussed. After discussion, a formal proposal will most likely come from the Incline Tahoe Fund outlining the memorial plans and the donation amount will be submitted to the board.

“Let’s evaluate where we’re going with Village Green and if it’s going to fit in here and what impacts it has on other projects,” said Schmitz. “And at the same time come back to the board and here’s the game plan on how we’re going to logistically handle this project. Whether it’s with Incline Tahoe Fund or whatever it is so all concerns and issues are addressed. And come back to us with a concise answer to a number of questions.”

In addition, the board wants to give Gross a reasonable timeline for project completion.

Independent of this donation, the trustees requested legal counsel and staff to revise Policy and Procedure 138, which guides the acceptance of facility dedications and donations. The updated policy presentation will be presented at the May 29 meeting.

“Let’s create a policy that we can consistently follow” Schmitz said.

While many towns have war memorials, there are none in Incline Village. Recent Memorial Day services and flag retirement ceremonies have been held at Burnt Cedar Beach and the Village Green. Establishing a permanent memorial would create a dedicated gathering place for events honoring veterans.

The proposed memorial design features a 10-foot tall granite monument with inscription, flanked by three flag poles flying the American, Nevada, and POW/MIA flags. A surrounding plaza with benches would be constructed using granite cobblestones. Electrical work would allow for flag lighting.

If approved, the project cost would be paid for with community donations. No IVGID funds would be used. The new memorial would provide a sense of community pride and an official landmark for the resident veterans who have honorably served.

Brenna O’Boyle enjoys covering Lake Tahoe entertainment. Her beat includes Incline Village, Kings Beach and Tahoe City. She loves to write travel pieces and report on food/alcohol-related events. Brenna is also a Reno Public Art Committee member who identifies, reviews, and recommends artists for public art opportunities.