Silver Spring veterans committee flags substantial repairs needed for township memorial, weighs budget and fundraising options

The Silver Spring Township Veterans Committee on April 1 reviewed multiple repair needs at the township memorial and debated how to pay for them.

Don Franklin, a committee member, reported a malfunctioning water pump, a likely need for a new sump pump, stone shredding, cracks and caulking problems, and issues with glass at the memorial. He told the committee that “substantial cost” is anticipated but did not provide an estimate or timeline for repairs.

Committee members discussed two financing approaches. One option is to institute an annual maintenance line in the committee’s budget and support it with fund-raising activities. The alternative is to pursue fund-raisers while appealing to the Board of Supervisors to include monument maintenance in the township’s annual budget. No vote was recorded on either option.

The committee also recommended annual upkeep measures: an annual inspection, annual pressure washing, and consulting with Mr. Potteiger for maintenance advice and a repair plan. Cheryl Neidig, the committee’s liaison, provided advice on next steps during the liaison report (the minutes summarize her advice but do not quote it directly).

Chair Rick Martin said he would compile a list of damaged bricks and take steps to order replacements; the minutes list Rick Martin as the committee member who will order bricks. The minutes do not specify cost estimates, contractors, or a schedule for when repairs would begin.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: Rick Martin will compile the inventory of damaged bricks and order replacements; the committee will weigh the two funding options and may pursue fundraising and a request to the Board of Supervisors for budget support.