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Mayor Thome asked and Ms. Yurchak confirmed that fundraising efforts for the veterans memorial could begin immediately following approval of the Master Plan. Councilmember Brown asked and Ms. Yurchak confirmed that the funds being allocated would be taken from the existing Cemetery Fund, funded by the sales of existing plots, rather than the General Fund or another project. Councilmember Brown commented that this would appear to represent a rather good investment. Nonetheless, the city likely never envisioned itself as the owner and operator of a cemetery and she wondered whether any thought was given to finding an appropriate buyer. Ms. Yurchak said "no," although it is something the Council could consider. She noted though that there was some discussion on changing the management structure of the site such that maintenance and administration of the site would fall to the contract operator rather than the city. This change is reflected in the annual cost estimates provided. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked whether any consideration was given to something like a cistern, which could collect water for irrigation while also being aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Yurchak again said "no," but that it was something they could explore through further development of the plan. Mayor Thome opened the public comment. Greg Clune identified himself as both a veteran and long-time resident and shared his strong desire to see the veterans' memorial move forward. He stressed the importance of reserving funds within an endowment that would put the cemetery on a self-sustaining basis going forward. Bud Engel said he has a vested interest in the cemetery as a plot owner and is fully supportive of the proposed plan. Donna Willy, Ladies Auxiliary VFW and military family member, expressed her support for the memorial as a wonderful place for the community to reflect upon and pay respect their deployed loved ones and fallen comrades. She urged the Council to consider approving the plan. Frank Brandes thanked both the committee and Council for their efforts to create what he felt was an excellent plan. He urged the Council to seize the opportunity to be the body that makes this happen and to strongly consider fast tracking appropriation of more than just what is needed to address sections 1 and 2. He suggested looking to Park and Recreation fees, in lieu fees, and even a bond to obtain the necessary funding and to put a timeline on anything that is approved so the community expectations are clear. Frank Capilla said he and a handful of other community members have dedicated more than a decade to driving the needed improvements to this cemetery. He said it was his pleasure to serve on the oversight committee and thanked both staff and consultants for their efforts. He shared his strong support for the proposed plan and budget framework. He stressed that the project would generate in excess of $39 million in revenue in today's dollars, which is more than sufficient to recover the cost of improvements and support ongoing maintenance. He estimated that the proposed improvements would increase demand significantly and encouraged the Council to begin sourcing additional cemetery sites immediately. He also supported fast tracking the project as suggested by Mr. Brandes. Nancy Harrington thanked Ms. Yurchak and Ms. Pattillo for the work that resulted in what she feels is an outstanding plan. She said that she and her husband are very excited to be part of the veterans' City Council Minutes Page 8 of 22 November 18, 2014