County Facilities Committee approves mural for Veteran’s Services office

The Oneida County Facilities Committee voted to approve a mural in the Veteran’s Services office intended to serve as a backdrop for the Memorial Cross used during the annual Memorial Day service.

Lindsey Kennedy, a Buildings & Grounds representative, presented a mock-up of the proposed mural and said she reviewed the request with Corporation Counsel, who raised no objections and agreed the committee had authority over such modifications. Matthew Young, Veteran’s Services Officer, confirmed the mural “would come at no cost to the County.” The mock-up names local artist Lily Bielefeldt as the painter, and Veteran’s Services reported positive feedback from veterans who reviewed the design.

The committee approved the mural with a motion by Robert Almekinder and a second by Robert Briggs; all committee members present voted in favor. Administrative Coordinator Tracy Hartman participated in communications with Corporation Counsel and was listed in meeting minutes as part of the review process.

The mural proposal also included an intent by Veteran’s Services to display names of fallen veterans on an opposing wall; the committee approved the mural installation itself but did not take separate formal action on a naming or permanent display policy.