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Council approves gazebo roof work and directs park design RFP; debate over long‑term plans
Summary
Council approved a bid for replacement roofing on the Stephens Park gazebo and separately authorized posting a request for proposals for a comprehensive Stephens Park design; members debated whether to spend on repairs before a master plan.
The Fraser City Council on March 13 approved a roofing bid for the Stephens Park gazebo and authorized staff to solicit proposals for a comprehensive master plan for Stephens Park, but members voiced differing views on investing in the gazebo before a park plan is complete.
City staff said decking and stair treads at the gazebo were replaced in November 2022 and presented bids for a shaker‑shingle roof replacement. The meeting packet showed a bid tab with a $10,774.35 figure for replacing shaker shingles; at the meeting Council member Bransky moved to approve a single‑tab shingles bid of $4,131.71 (Premier Roofing & Renovations) and a second was recorded. The motion carried by roll call (motion recorded as passing 4–2). The council approved that expenditure to replace the roof shingles and protect earlier repairs.
Several council members urged caution about further spending until a master plan for the park is complete. Mayor Pro Tem Sutherland said, "I am not in favor of putting 1 more dime into anything over there until we have an overall comprehensive plan for the park." Council member Shornack argued that, given the gazebo’s age and limited utility, the city should consider replacing it with a multipurpose pavilion better suited for rentals and events. Council member O'Dell asked whether the roof replacement could wait another year while the plan is prepared; staff said the structure has had recent repairs but some posts show rot and the roof protects those prior investments.
On the broader park question, council later voted to proceed with a request for proposals (RFP) for Stephens Park design services. Staff told council the RFP will require public engagement and make available existing renderings for a multipurpose pavilion so proposers need not recreate prior work. Council members said a design effort would help secure grants and shape staged improvements.
Council’s action therefore combined an immediate repair vote (roof) and the launch of a planning process intended to guide longer‑term park improvements. Staff will administer the RFP and return to council with proposals and a recommended consultant; work on any larger construction will require later approvals and funding.
