The Forest Lake City Council approved a change order increasing the Veterans Memorial project cost by $7,425 to accommodate a different-colored capstone that the memorial steering group preferred.

Dave, a city staff member involved with parks projects, explained the contractor’s bid and the memorial group’s strong preference for a contrasting capstone color to make design elements stand out. He said the change order was approximately $7,500 in his initial remarks; at the motion the amount listed and approved was $7,425.

Council members and staff acknowledged the memorial fund does not currently contain the full additional amount and noted the city would temporarily incur the cost until additional donations or grant funds are received. Staff said there are grants in hand — one for $90,000 and another for $250,000 — but the overall project budget has grown since it was first estimated and some features, including the central memorial element, remain unfunded.

Councilmember Erickson (by voice vote) said the memorial group had worked hard and supported moving forward with the change; another councilmember said they expected additional donations to cover the cost over time. A motion to approve the change order and increase the overall project cost by $7,425 carried.

Staff will track incoming donations and reimburse the memorial fund as contributions are received.