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Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 <br />Regular Meeting Page 5 <br /> <br />D. Resolution 9944, Approval of the Tribute Memorial Park Concept 5 Design. <br /> <br />Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the Tribute <br />Memorial Park Concept 5 Design. He explained in 2022, the City Council requested staff <br />investigate a veteran’s memorial park and this concept grew into honoring EMS, police and fire. <br />In addition, t he Council wanted to honor the local tragedies which included the 1965 tornado, the <br />1986 gas line explosion and the 2008 35W bridge collapse. He reported a Tribute Committee was <br />formed and this group has been meeting over the past year and a half to discuss concept plans, <br />costs and funding options. He indicated the committee has a final concept plan for the Council to <br />consider. He reviewed the proposed plans in further detail, along with the proposed costs and <br />recommended the Council approve the Concept 5 Design for the Tribute Memorial Park. <br /> <br />Karen Mills, Tribute Committee member, reported the committee has so much passion for this <br />project. She appreciated how unique this park would be as it would honor veterans, police, fire, <br />EMS as well as recognizing the tragic events that occurred in the community. She believed it <br />would be a beautiful thing to bring all of this together within a single park. She explained everyone <br />in the committee can see the potential for this park as a place to honor those who have served and <br />work to make this community safe. <br /> <br />Judy Elstram, Tribute Committee member, stated she was honored to be a part of this project. She <br />explained she has learned so much about the different branches of the service, along with the <br />tragedies that occurred in the community. She appreciated the fact the City was considering a park <br />that would honor Mounds View’s history, while also honoring those who serve and have served. <br />She stated she looked forward to seeing this project completed. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn indicated she was the liaison to this committee. She reported a lot of <br />residents have said that what they like about Mounds View was the small town feel. She stated <br />most small towns have veterans’ memorials. While she understood some people found this project <br />frivolous, she believed this would be an amenity that would bring the community together. She <br />discussed how the park would provide a place for the gathering of people for a Memorial Day <br />Celebration and Veteran’s Day Celebration. She explained her dad recently passed and noted she <br />would be buying a paver for her dad who was a Korean War vet. <br /> <br />Mayor Lindstrom asked how many pavers would be sold for the park. Public Works/Parks and <br />Recreation Director Peterson estimated the park would have 450 pavers, but noted the park could <br />hold more than this. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn requested further information regarding the lighting. Public Works/Parks <br />and Recreation Director Peterson explained the plan is to have LED lighting that is controlled by <br />a computer. He noted staff would be able to change the colors of the lighting, which would help <br />to highlight different holidays throughout the year. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause asked if a non-profit wanted to make a bench contribution, how this <br />could be done. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the committee has <br />proposed having two benches in the middle of the park. He explained if the committee received <br />more funding, additional benches could be placed along the trail. He reported if an organization or