The Committee narrowed the Place of Remembrance water-feature design toward the smaller council-ring option and left the historic sundial bench in place for now. It then reviewed the proposed 2027 revenue and capital budget, including housing fees, infrastructure priorities and unfunded projects.
What was discussed
The Place of Remembrance discussion compared retaining both water features, retaining only the smaller council-ring feature, or removing water entirely. Staff presented a roughly $3.257 million Rose Garden construction estimate with both features and substantial savings from omitting the larger remembrance-loop water feature. Members weighed the sensory value sought in community engagement against construction, maintenance and winter-operation costs, while also discussing a visual connection with the future Port Clinton sculpture.
The chair drew support for limiting water to the council-ring area, with reservations and requests for firmer maintenance figures still on the record. A preservation representative suggested restoring the existing pool rather than building unnecessary new elements. A separate debate over the sundial bench ended with leaving it in place for now, not approving its removal or restoration contract.
The budget workshop reviewed projected revenues, previously approved home-rule sales-tax changes, proposed taxes and fees, and a large capital program funded partly by debt and grants. Members deferred the fee-in-lieu housing question to a broader housing-policy discussion. Public Works reviewed bridges, water and sewer projects, lead-service replacement, streets, facilities and tree management, then identified unfunded or deferred needs. A future discussion was proposed to define the scope of Port Clinton redevelopment before budgeting and public engagement.
Meeting outline
Place of Remembrance options and estimates
Design and budget reviewStaff presented water-feature alternatives and explained that the figures were construction estimates, distinct from consultant costs and subject to continued refinement.
Watch from 4:54 ↗Water experience, maintenance and historic pool
DiscussionMembers weighed community preferences for water against ongoing maintenance and cost. A preservation representative urged consideration of restoring the existing pool and retaining the landmark’s historical trace.
Watch from 13:43 ↗Council-ring direction and sculpture connection
Design directionThe Committee supported moving the design toward water at the council ring only, with maintenance questions still to resolve. Staff explained that the sculpture solicitation allowed a possible compatible second piece, not a commitment to two sculptures.
Watch from 36:14 ↗Sundial bench disposition
Leave in place for nowMembers considered dismantling, repairing, relocating or leaving the bench. The exchange concluded with leaving it where it was for the time being.
Watch from 45:08 ↗Budget revenues and proposed fees
Budget workshopFinance reviewed the proposed balanced budget, revenue increases, borrowing and grants, the home-rule sales-tax increase already approved separately, and proposed fees.
Watch from 60:28 ↗Housing fee deferred for policy discussion
Deferred discussionMembers asked to consider the fee paid instead of inclusionary units within the larger housing-policy discussion rather than settle it as an isolated budget line.
Watch from 74:19 ↗Levy, utility rates and capital funding
Budget proposalsThe workshop reviewed a proposed combined city/library levy increase, water and sewer rate plans, capital spending and debt capacity, including the need for revenue to service borrowing.
Watch from 82:50 ↗Infrastructure, streets and unfunded needs
Capital planningPublic Works outlined capital projects and street-rating priorities, discussed tree replacement and maintenance, and reviewed deferred projects. Staff proposed a later Council vision discussion for Port Clinton redevelopment.
Watch from 90:09 ↗
Decisions and direction
Supported further design work with water limited to the smaller council-ring area, while retaining requests for maintenance information and cost scrutiny.
Left the sundial bench in place for now following discussion of removal and preservation alternatives.
Deferred the fee-in-lieu housing decision to the upcoming broader housing discussion.
What comes next
Refine maintenance costs and provide an overlay of the proposed memorial design against the existing site; coordinate the water-feature direction with designers.
Evaluate sculpture proposals before deciding whether to commission a compatible second sculpture at the Rose Garden.
Continue individual budget briefings and compile questions and answers for Council, with the information available to the public on request.
Return to housing policy and fees at the next Committee meeting, and hold a future discussion defining the vision for Port Clinton redevelopment before detailed budgeting and engagement.