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Lions president seeks partnership with city to restore downtown duck; council favors modest spring repairs
Summary
Bruce, the Lions Club president, described fundraising and volunteer efforts and asked whether the Lions or the city should lead restoring the town duck statue; councilors suggested modest repairs (mortar, paint, drainage) using small grant funds and community volunteers in late spring.
Bruce, who identified himself as president of the local Lions organization, appealed to the council for help restoring the city's duck statue and described recent club efforts to rebuild membership and fundraising capacity. He said the Lions raised funds from a coupon fundraiser (about $5,000) and that the club wants to be part of a restoration effort.
Council and staff discussed a practical, phased approach rather than a large-scale remodel. Suggestions included mortar repair, localized painting, improved drainage and repouring or rerouting the walking path so water drains away from the statue. Mike (public works/staff) and other council members recommended a modest spring or early-summer project that could be completed with donated labor, local art or contracted painting, and community contributions.
Staff noted there are roughly $5,000–$6,000 in grant funds (described in the hearing as remaining Blend/grant money) that must be expended before the end of the grant period and suggested those funds could help pay for initial restoration of the Lions' statue and surrounding surfaces. The council discussed working with the Lions on a shared plan and timing; consensus favored taking immediate small steps to prevent further deterioration and pursuing additional fundraising for a longer-term replacement if needed.
What’s next: Staff and the Lions will explore community volunteer work, identify materials and an artistic lead for the paint/work, and aim for late spring/early summer for restoration work so materials and drainage work can be completed in drier weather.
