City reports park and waterfront updates: Brasher Park cleared, Gil Dog site clearing underway; council flags dock repairs and a hazardous piling

City Manager Andrew Butterfield and staff provided several updates on parks and waterfront matters during the Sept. 9 council meeting.

Butterfield reported that Brasher Park had been cleared and that the city is requesting proposals for an overall parks study to develop a unified parks strategy. He said Nick’s Park and the city dock used by police and fire boats were in poor condition; he asked the building official to inspect the dock and report back to council next week on whether repairs or replacement are needed.

Butterfield said at least one parcel known as the former Gil Dog property has received clearing permits and that the owner has offered temporary use of the cleared property for city events until development begins. Later in the meeting staff and council discussed the demolition permit for the Gil Dog site and the possibility of salvaging specific items before demolition: a relatively new restroom/concession building and an awning or stage tarp were identified as candidates to move to Brasher Park. Staff and a councilmember described preliminary discussions with contractors about the feasibility and cost of moving the restroom building to Brasher Park.

Councilmembers and residents also raised a navigation hazard in the river: a remaining piling or limestone marker was reported in the channel that some boaters had struck. Council asked staff to mark the hazard (for example, with a buoy or marker) and to coordinate with the contractor and state/county representatives as needed.

No formal votes were taken to purchase or move structures; council asked staff to pursue cost estimates and, if feasible, coordinate salvaging the restroom/concession building and to mark the piling for boater safety.