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Council approves funding to complete Bates Elementary pre‑K playground; project cost and funding sources discussed
Summary
The council approved an appropriation to finish the Bates Elementary pre‑K playground and discussed a $507,000 total project cost with funding from a $95,000 state earmark and ARPA funds; the precise appropriation figure noted in the meeting records varied between $252,639 and $152,639.
The Salem City Council approved an appropriation to complete renovations and rebuild the pre‑K playground at Bates Elementary School and discussed the project’s funding breakdown during its May 22 meeting.
Councilors said the total project cost is $507,000; funding noted in the discussion included a $95,000 state earmark and roughly $160,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The agenda included an appropriation figure of $252,639, but during the roll‑call motion the clerk read an amount of $152,639. Councilors voted to adopt the appropriation motion and move forward so the contract can be executed and state earmarks expended by June 30.
Councilor Merkel said the RFP process is complete and signing a contract is necessary to spend the state earmark by the June 30 deadline and to finish the work before the next school year. Councilors emphasized the playground is over 25 years old and the work will modernize the pre‑K play area.
Ending: Council approved the appropriation and instructed staff to proceed with contract signing and project completion; the meeting record contains different appropriation numbers in the agenda and clerk’s reading and staff follow‑up was requested to confirm the final appropriation amount and contract authorization.
