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Leon Valley council directs $16,000 monument-and-bench option for Veterans Memorial Park
Summary
After multi-year discussion and resident input, the City Council approved staff direction to develop a $16,000 monument-and-bench design for Veterans Memorial Park and present a placement diagram to the park commission; if the commission lacks quorum, the item will return to council.
The Leon Valley City Council voted to direct staff to move forward with a $16,000 monument-and-bench design for Veterans Memorial Park, aiming for a modest commemorative feature rather than a larger, costlier monument.
At the council’s Dec. 2 meeting, staff reviewed three design concepts: an amphitheater, tall flag-height monuments, and a smaller monument with a bench. Council members and residents discussed cost, sightlines, accessibility and whether the park commission should review the plan. Doctor Caldera described the history: the matter had been discussed by the parks commission but was returned to council because the commission has been unable to reach quorum in recent months.
The council heard residents’ contrasting views. Mister Blackmore, a local veteran and life member of multiple veterans organizations, said, “This city cannot afford this memorial,” and urged veterans’ groups to fundraise rather than rely on city money. In response, Councilor Orozco and others emphasized that the item has been under discussion for four years and favored a simpler option that recognizes all service branches.
Council discussion focused on the $16,000 option — described by staff as a modest monument sign and one or two concrete benches — with attention to wording on the plaque and placement so the memorial would be visible from community approaches. Councilors also discussed whether the feature should be double‑sided or located near the flagpole and whether benches should be positioned for viewing.
A motion by Councilor Roscoe, seconded by Councilor Campos, directed staff to develop the $16,000 sign-plus-bench option, prepare a placement diagram and present that option to the parks commission at its next meeting in January (or return to council if the commission lacks a quorum). The motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff will return with designs, final dimensions and a recommended placement; the park commission will review the single option if it attains a quorum, otherwise the item will be placed back on the council agenda for a future meeting.
