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Council discusses city support for CPRD park project; seeks budgeting details before committing large sum
Summary
City staff and CPRD representatives presented a request for up to $1,119,700 toward Phase 1 of a new park; councilors expressed support in principle but asked for clearer budget numbers before committing.
Dundee, Ore. — Representatives of the Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) asked the Dundee City Council on May 20 to consider contributing up to $1,119,700 toward Phase 1 of a new park adjacent to Fifth Street, but councilors said they want clearer budget projections before committing to the full amount.
Clay Gavin, superintendent for the Park and Recreation District, told the council the Phase‑1 cost estimate was "upwards of $3,000,000" and that the CPRD—s current funding request amounts to roughly 30% of that phase: "the cost represented in the funding request were closer to 30% of that phase 1 cost." Gavin said the district and staff had discussed multiple repayment structures tied to urban‑renewal investment thresholds and possible 15‑year payoffs if district and redevelopment triggers are met.
City staff explained the district—s proposal anticipates financing that would be repaid from future increment if redevelopment in the urban‑renewal area meets projected thresholds; staff described a model in which repayment could be interest‑free for several initial years and, if needed, include a modest interest rate in later years. Staff also noted the city is entering a bidding phase for park construction and had tentatively scheduled a summer ground‑breaking if permitting and easements are resolved.
Councilors raised several fiscal and implementation questions. One asked whether the city had precedent for funding roughly 30% of a public park phase using urban‑renewal dollars; staff replied the district—s urban‑renewal plan is new, and the agency has not yet funded comparable projects. Another councilor recommended the city set a capped commitment tied to completed project milestones rather than an open, phased funding approach. Councilors also asked staff to confirm utility and easement work needed along Fifth Street after landowners and PGE identified new pole and easement proposals that could affect timing.
No final commitment was made. Mayor Ford said the council is generally supportive of co‑investing with CPRD but that the council needed to see budget numbers and the city—s ability to fund the request before approving a specific amount; staff and the district agreed to return with more precise budget modeling and to coordinate further on utility easements before construction.
CPRD representatives said the district is encouraged by council interest and will remain involved as staff finalizes project schedules and funding steps.
