The Board of Aldermen reviewed project lists for parks and stormwater, reducing some capital requests and debating timing for a proposed playground at Liberty Field.

Alderman Cleave said the Liberty Field additional parking and a playground proposal should be postponed given current budget pressure; Alderman Kelly and others pressed for retaining at least some funding to replace damaged Liberty Field plaques that honor veterans and donors. Staff reported a vendor quote of roughly $90,000 for 90 deep-etched granite plaques but said historically the city purchased laser-etched plaques for about $300 each (roughly $9,000 total). Alderman Kelly proposed funding $10,000 this year to replace the most-damaged plaques; the board accepted a reduced allocation rather than the full $90,000 quote.

On playground equipment specifically, some aldermen argued the site is crowded with fields and parking and suggested postponement. Others said a playground would help families attending youth soccer games. Staff said the parks fund remains in the black with the adjusted project list and suggested that maintenance and material options be reviewed to find lower-cost plaque alternatives.

The board also discussed repairs to the Community Park parking circle and other near-term maintenance requests. Separately, the earlier-discussed contingency transfer package includes $120,000 previously authorized for the skate park plus an additional proposed operating transfer to parks; staff said parks remains in the black after reductions but urged department heads to monitor cash flow.

Ending: The board reduced the Liberty Field plaques line to $10,000, left the playground funding under further review, and asked staff to seek lower-cost options for plaques and to prioritize maintenance items such as the Community Park drive circle.