It is recommended that the City Council approve the following actions to support the protection and enhancement of the veterans section at Mountview Cemetery:

Accept Donation: Approve the generous donation of one (1) park bench from Lockwood Precast, valued at $1,620, to be placed in the veterans section.

Authorize Council Contingency Funds: Approve the allocation of $13,930 from Council Contingency funds to cover the cost of 12 reinforced concrete planters. These planters, ordered from Lockwood Precast, will be positioned between Central Avenue and the veterans section to act as a protective barrier, preventing future vehicle incursions and reducing the risk of further damage to veterans' grave markers.

Over the past four months, 52 veteran markers at Mountview Cemetery have been damaged or destroyed by vehicles veering off Central Ave. To prevent further damage, the Parks and Recreation Department has ordered 12 reinforced concrete planters from Lockwood Precast, costing $13,930. These planters will be positioned between Central Ave and the veterans section to act as a barrier.

The purchase was not part of the original budget, so the department is requesting Council Contingency funds to cover the cost. If these funds are not authorized, cemetery funds will be used instead. Additionally, Lockwood Precast has generously donated a park bench valued at $1,620 for the veterans section.

City Council may:

• Approve staff recommendation for accepting donation and authorizing use of Council Contingency funds; or,
• Not Approve and provide staff direction

During the FY24 budget cycle, the cemetery did not anticipate the immediate need for this project and, as a result, did not request funding for it. Staff is now requesting $13,930 from the Council contingency funds to cover the cost of the planters.