Yosemite Ridge reconstruction, bus-stop upgrades and park security among infrastructure items reported

Village staff delivered an infrastructure update on May 19 outlining several active and planned projects and reporting a recent act of vandalism in a park concession stand.

Staff said the Yosemite Ridge Acres street reconstruction project will likely start between July and mid-August and will include full street, curb and asphalt replacement; residents will receive mailed notices beginning July 1. Speed humps and parking striping are planned for Ridge Acres and Vera; the project timeline showed an anticipated completion by October.

Work at the municipal building parking area and drainage improvements is near completion; final parking blocks and striping remain. Staff reported kitchen renovations progressing but slowed by seasonal abatement work; appliance and cabinet delivery is complete and finishing work is expected, with an estimated mid-June completion for interior work.

The village completed a SORTA (SORTA/Metro) grant application for the Mayflower stop, seeking funding this cycle; staff expects a response within three months. The village is also working with SORTA on installing two covered bus stops, one at the heavy-use South Wege stop, to address commuter and student shelter needs.

Staff reported vandalism and an arson attempt in a concession stand at Volunteer Park. Damage was described as minimal, but the incident prompted staff to work with police leadership on increased park security measures and additional protections for facilities. "They had shimmy the door open," a staff member said when describing forced entry; officials said locks and door hardware will be upgraded and additional security steps proposed to council shortly.

Council was also told that staff is developing a phased gym rehabilitation plan, including debris removal, wall and floor repairs and a contractor search; staff anticipated presenting cost estimates and a phased schedule at a future meeting.