Keizer OKs policy exception to release $10,000 in parks matching funds for Gold Star memorial

The Keizer City Council unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 3 granting a policy exception under the Keizer Parks matching grant program so funds can be provided in advance for the Keizer Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

Public Works Director Bill Lawyer told the council the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee has raised about $10,000 to date and is seeking a city exception to the park grant program’s standard reimbursement procedure so the committee can place an order in April and meet a target completion date of Sept. 28, 2025 (Gold Star Mothers and Family Memorial Day). Lawyer said site preparation has begun and the committee expects additional fundraising to cover site elements beyond the monument.

Lawyer said the committee estimates about $150,000 for the overall project, with roughly $60,000 for the monument itself; the parks board voted to approve $10,000 for the matching grant and asked council for the policy exception to allow an advanced payment. Staff reported funds are available in the adopted 2024–25 park services fund, in the grant program line item.

Council President Starr moved to adopt Resolution R2025 (claiming an exception under the Keizer Parks matching grant program for the Gold Star Memorial Monument); the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The council’s vote authorizes the exception to allow the funding release for ordering the memorial; Council did not approve the full project budget or any additional city expenditures beyond the matching-grant exception during the meeting.