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Cleburne fast-tracks Nine‑Eleven Honors Monument: $138,400 design contract with BRW and advisory committee approved
Summary
Council approved a $138,400 budget amendment and a design contract with Brown Reynolds Watford Architects for Phase 1 of a Nine‑Eleven Honors Monument, and created a small advisory committee (two council members, two staff) to oversee an accelerated timeline aiming for a Sept. 11, 2026 ribbon cutting.
The Cleburne City Council voted to advance an accelerated plan for a Nine‑Eleven Honors Monument at Winston Patrick MacGregor Park, approving a $138,400 budget amendment for design services, authorizing a professional-services contract with Brown Reynolds Watford Architects (BRW) for Phase 1, and creating a Nine‑Eleven Honors Monument Advisory Committee.
Mayor (presiding) explained the project has languished for years and directed staff to target a ribbon cutting on Sept. 11, 2026 — the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Mr. Dobson, who presented the item, said Phase 1 will display the I‑beam artifact salvaged from Ground Zero, provide interpretive signage and include topographic and engineering design work. He said BRW was recommended because of the firm’s past work on earlier designs and their ability to meet an aggressive schedule. Staff said Phase‑1 design documents aim to be complete before Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) to allow construction next year.
The proposed funding for design is $138,400; construction funding beyond design is expected to come from previously raised donations (about $140,000 raised by the fire department and supporters) and additional general‑fund allocations or private fundraising. The council authorized a committee composed of two council voting members (one chair, one vice chair) and two staff (WEC manager Chris Fuller and Mr. Dobson) to oversee the design and ensure public, open work sessions. The mayor moved to approve the budget amendment, contract and committee appointments and the council approved all three items unanimously.
During public comment, Kim Jones urged strong commemoration and suggested features such as 2,977 commemorative bricks and annual remembrance activities. Councilmembers emphasized a phased approach — complete Phase 1 as a foundation and use that to catalyze funding for later phases — and pledged to involve community partners such as the Chamber in fundraising.
