The city of Cape Coral has raised $60,000 towards its $500,000 goal for its Raise the Flag campaign.<\/p>\n
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn provided the update late into Wednesday\u2019s Cape Coral City Council meeting following questions from a council member and some members of the public, including one who said the project he had proposed was something nice to have but not a need and a waste of taxpayer\u2019s money.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod Bless America,\u201d Ilczyszyn said. \u201cLet me start off with this. I served this country as well as many others to give people the freedom to speak for and against,\u201d the flag, he said. \u201cI applaud everyone that has donated or show concerns for the flagpole. People are exercising their right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor John Gunter said Council has directed the city manager not to use any type of general fund money or other funding from the city for the flagpole project which can only be accomplished through donations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have already been good stewards of the tax dollars. We would not pay for the flag, but support him to get public donations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ilczyszyn said Raise the Flag campaign began to raise money for a 250-foot flagpole near the Cape Coral Bridge to celebrate the country\u2019s 250th\u00a0birthday next July 4.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeking to try to raise funds for the 250-foot flagpole to honor our country, ideals and freedoms it represents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Donations are being accepted at the counter in the city cashier\u2019s office, as well as on the city\u2019s website. Ilczyszyn said he has also partnered with 92.5 for airtime to make the project happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are over $60,000,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have other people that have pledged and are writing checks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The goal is to raise $500,000, as the city has received unofficial quotes ranging from $380,000 to $400,000. Without knowing what kind of in-kind services will be donated, the goal to reach is $500,000.<\/p>\n
Ilczyszyn said they have had several contractors that wish to donate electric work, lighting and concrete pads.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are focusing all of our efforts through July 4 to have the flagpole,\u201d he said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Councilmember Laurie Lehmann asked if the goal is not met, would the flagpole then become a city purchase order.<\/p>\n
The answer was no.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not prepared to assume what is going to happen,\u201d Ilczyszyn said, adding that at some point down the road he will make a determination of what to do with the donations. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Donations can be made at givebutter.com\/raisetheflag<\/a>. <\/p>\n