Smith Steel Works offers memorial bench to city for Long family

Paxton (speaker 12), representing Smith Steel Works, told the council the company would like to donate a custom memorial bench to the city in memory of the Long family.

"We donate a bench basically in memorial of, we've done police officers, firefighters, different families," Paxton said, and asked who the city would like him to coordinate with on wording, colors and design. Paxton said production typically takes about six weeks and that the company works under a state contract for municipal purchases. Councilmembers recommended coordinating with the family and said staff would provide contact information; the company said it would not initiate fabrication until the city and family give approval.

Councilmembers thanked Paxton for the offer and discussed possible coordination for related pavilion work and bids. No formal acceptance vote was recorded in the minutes; staff indicated they would follow up with the family and coordinate next steps.