City staff and the Murphy Veterans Tribute committee presented a conceptual design Tuesday for a veterans memorial to be located on the east island of the City Hall parking lot, describing an accessible walkway, six stone benches representing the U.S. military services, an area of commemorative pavers and a bronze monument. The presentation estimated the project cost at "just under a $100,000," and staff said funds on hand and a pending Collin County grant would be used, with additional donations expected.

The design team said the site was chosen because it already has irrigation, electricity, mature trees and a clear view of City Hall and the flagpoles. "The location offers a few benefits" including accessibility and existing utilities, the presenter said, and the concept centers on a six‑foot accessible spine that encourages visitors to walk from east to west toward the monument.

Why it matters: The project would create a permanent, publicly accessible place of remembrance on municipal property. Committee members and staff told council the design balances contemplative space with the capacity to host small events and to accommodate donations for individual memorial pavers.

Details of the concept and materials: The proposal calls for six large granite or Central Texas stone blocks serving as benches—one for each military branch—and up to about 120 pavers available for donors. The western end of the site would feature a bronze monument produced by the Randolph Rose company; staff said only a small number of that particular sculpture exist in the United States. The memorial design shown includes options for either a carved stone paver or a metal plate with an engraved panel and QR code linked to further information.

Committee oversight and eligibility: Mary Pat Elledge, a member of the tribute committee, told council the committee will manage donor records and eligibility checks. "We are going to be requiring a DD 214, showing that they were honorably discharged," Elledge said, adding the committee will keep those records and manage paver orders and placement.

Funding and approvals: Staff said current funds for the project include Murphy Veterans Tribute cash on hand and proposed Collin County Parks grant funding, but noted the county approval and some design details remain pending. Staff also said additional site work—irrigation repairs, electrical upgrades for events and lighting, and potentially replacing one or two trees—still require cost estimates and could affect the final budget.

Council response and next steps: Council members praised the design as "serene" and suited for quiet reflection. Council did not take an action item on the design Tuesday; staff asked for direction to proceed with further design and permitting steps and to continue coordinating with the tribute committee and Collin County on grant approval. The project will return for future council consideration once funding and final design details are confirmed.

Provenance: Excerpts of the presentation and committee remarks were given during the Council's presentations segment beginning with the Murphy Veterans Tribute presentation (presentation item 6D).