El Cajon council seeks direction on size, scope and budget for new veterans memorial

City staff asked the El Cajon City Council for feedback on the size, scope and budget of a proposed veterans memorial to be sited in front of the public safety building, and council members discussed a roughly $500,000 starting budget and features to prioritize.

City staff said the project began with outreach in February 2023, that a location in front of the public safety building was selected, and that a request for qualifications produced three artists qualified to move to a request-for-proposal stage. "Today, we're here to seek some council feedback regarding the size and scope of the memorial and get a vision for what the budget should look like," staff told the council.

Staff recounted outreach feedback saying the memorial should recognize all branches of the military, including the Space Force and the Merchant Marines, and that the community asked for an area to gather for memorial ceremonies. Staff also noted that American Legion Post 303 currently holds Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies and asked that elements of the existing memorial be incorporated into the new design.

Staff presented comparative projects and estimated costs in today's dollars: a Corona upgrade at about $561,000; an Elk Grove memorial with a phased total equivalent of about $445,000; a Union City enhancement about $580,000; and a San Mateo project at about $482,000. One example, Rancho Santa Margarita's $90,000 project, included donated pro bono design work.

Council members generally agreed on a starting budget in the neighborhood of $500,000. "I think a half a million is probably a good starting point," one councilmember said, adding that an RFP could ask artists to propose what an additional $200,000 would buy. Several members urged that the design include seating with shade and accommodations for veterans with mobility challenges, and asked staff to pursue sponsorships and community fundraising to supplement city funding. One councilmember suggested a bronze aviator statue reflecting El Cajon's Gillespie Field history.

A member of the public who identified themselves as Truth urged inclusion of names and service branches and recommended shaded seating because of El Cajon's heat. Councilmembers and staff discussed the prospect of donor recognition elements such as plaques or named features as part of a broader fundraising plan.

Staff said the next step is to issue an RFP that will allow the three qualified artists to submit design proposals and cost estimates consistent with council direction. Staff will return to council with proposals developed from the RFP.

The council provided direction to staff on size, scope and a ballpark budget; no final design or appropriation was adopted at the special meeting.