Business Item 5c
STAFF REPORT
City Council Business Item
DATE: June 20, 2023
TO: City Council
FROM: Cameron Mull, Parks & Recreation Director
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Addendum Humboldt Skatepark Collective Agreement to Construct and Maintain a Half Pipe Ramp at Newburg Park
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute an Addendum to the City’s Agreement with the Humboldt Skatepark Collective to build and maintain half pipe ramp at Newburg Park.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City has previously collaborated with the HSC since 2018 on a future public skate park facility at Newburg Park and established an MOU with the HSC for “Right of Entry” for skate park planning & design purposes. In 2020 and 2021, the City applied for two rounds of Proposition 68 (Statewide Park Program) grant funding for Newburg Park improvements and development of the (now City-owned) 8.4-acre lot adjacent to the park, which included a concrete skate park projects a part of the grant concept. In both rounds of applications, the City was unfortunately not awarded either grant. Since this time, the HSC has since funded the construction of a wooden half-pipe ramp in Garberville (and has gained further experience through that process). Now the HSC would like to build a similar ramp in Fortuna at Newburg Park.
The most current landscape design (“Master Plan”) for Newburg Park includes a skate park located adjacent to the existing Bike Park. The HSC and City staff would like to proceed with the construction of a wooden half-pipe to create an opportunity/ facility for the public to enjoy. The HSC has offered to work with an architect and contractor (BP Drywall & Construction) to construct a half-pipe style ramp adjacent to that location, with little, or no cost to the City (funded by the HSC). The constructed ramp would be a bi-level half-pipe of approximately 52 x 36 x 5 feet, with a (higher) 6.5 foot height section, constructed with pier blocks on concrete footings, with the ramp material made of plywood and a “gator-skin” upper layer (synthetic material; similar to Trex). The ramp has an estimated ramp lifespan of 10 years before requiring maintenance. Once constructed, and per the MOU, the ramp would be owned by the City/ public.
The HSC has agreed to fund and maintain the project and procure the materials required in perpetuity through an amended, existing MOU (attached) that was initially signed in 2018 as a “Right of Entry”. This MOU has been reviewed and amended with additions made by the City Attorney. Since this project could fall under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), it Business Item 5c
has also been recommended by the City Attorney record a Notice of Exemption (NOE) for this project. A notice of exemption was recorded on 6/6/2023. If there is no opposition to the NOE, CEQA requirements will be fulfilled to proceed with the project starting 7/6/2023.
The HSC would be responsible for obtaining a building permit from the City of Fortuna, including the submittal of engineered drawings, prior to construction. If constructed, this project would be the only skateboard-specific feature in the Eel River valley and would complement the City’s existing Bike Park facility (the only paved pump track in Humboldt County).
There is also a desire to have experienced artists decorate the ramp after the build, according to the policies and with prior approval by the Fortuna Art Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The HSC currently has $14,000 delegated for this purpose, but the estimated cost for the build is approximately $50,000. The HSC has indicated they will be pursuing donations for the materials to construct the ramp to make up the shortfall.
The City would be responsible for staff time to review the plans and work with the HSC to ensure the build is completed in accordance with the approved plans. Some minor components or materials may be purchased with future (Parks) General Funds to improve the area surrounding the ramp to provide access, etc.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Receive staff report presentation and review Council questions with staff
2. Open Public Comment
3. Close Public Comment
4. Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an Addendum with the Humboldt Skatepark Collective to build and maintain a half pipe ramp at Newburg Park. Voice vote.
ATTACHMENT:
Addendum with Humboldt Skatepark Collective