Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-26 20-358 Order 10/26/202020-358 10/26/2020 20-358 Community & Economic Development Order 042-220 Title, Order Authorizing the Deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument This Order will authorize the deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument in accordance with recommendations from the Commission on Cultural Development. In 1999, the City of Bangor accepted a monument from New Bedford, MA commemorating the Portuguese Explorer Estevan Gomez. The monument is currently displayed on City owned property at 200 Broad Street. In July, the Penobscot Nation and others brought concerns forward to the City Council stemming from historical reports that Estevan Gomez abducted Native Americans and attempted to sell them into slavery. Council Order 20-239 directed The Commission on Cultural Development to consider deaccession of the monument in accordance with the City's Public Art and Monuments Policy. Their recommendation was then reviewed and approved by the Business and Economic Development Committee on October 20, 2020. If approved, this Order directs that the primary piece of the Gomez Monument, the upper cross, be removed and displayed at the Bangor Historical Society with appropriate language indicating the historical and cultural context of multiple viewpoints as to the events of the Gomez expedition. This Order further directs the removal and destruction of the pedestal and patio as continued display of the pedestal and patio would be confusing, aesthetically unpleasing, and illogical. Business & Economic Development Committee 10/20/2020 Recommend for passage 50 New Business 10/26/202020-358 CITY OF BANGOR ORDER 10/26/2020 20-358 Nichols Authorizing the Deaccession of the Estevan Gomez Monument WHEREAS, in 1999, the City of Bangor accepted a monument from New Bedford, MA, that commemorates the Portuguese Explorer Estevan Gomez; WHEREAS, historical reports indicate that Estevan Gomez abducted Native Americans and attempted to sell them into slavery; WHEREAS, the Penobscot Nation and others have expressed concern over the City's display of said monument at 200 Broad Street; WHEREAS, the Commission on Cultural Development reviewed this matter pursuant to Section 95-8 of the City's code of ordinances regarding recommendations on the deaccessioning of monuments; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Cultural Development has issued a report of their findings recommending the removal and deaccession of the pedestal and patio area in conjunction with moving the upper cross of the monument to the Bangor Historical Society along with appropriate contextual signage; Be it Ordered by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, the primary piece of the Gomez Monument, the upper cross, be removed and displayed at the Bangor Historical Society with appropriate language indicating the historical and cultural context of multiple viewpoints as to the events of the Gomez expedition. Be it Further Ordered that the pedestal and patio of the monument shall be removed and destroyed, as continued display of the pedestal and patio would be confusing, aesthetically unpleasing, and illogical. IN CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 26,2020 CO 20-358 Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes: Fournier,Hawes,Nichols, Okafor, Schaefer, Sprague, Supica,Tremble,Davitt Councilors Voting No: None Passed CITY CLE