Bristol City Council approves budget amendment, moves to buy LC King building and OKs park and downtown grants

At its Feb. 4, 2025 meeting, the Bristol City Council approved a fiscal-year 2025 budget amendment, authorized a contract to pursue purchase of the LC King property on Seventh Street, accepted a $2 million donation to build "Katie’s Playground" at Still Creek Park, and agreed to accept a $100,000 tourism enhancement grant for a Shelby Street concert site.

The budget change (Ordinance 25-2) was presented by Finance Director Holly Burren and showed a proposed general fund of $37,308,094, an increase of $998,000, and a capital facilities fund balance proposed at $12,648,105. Burren said the capital increase includes $2,750,000 that would be needed to purchase the LC King Building. The council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading; the roll call recorded Mayor Hutton, Councilwoman Powers, Councilmember Aker and Councilmember Fire Robin voting yes.

Council then considered a purchase agreement for the LC King property (Resolution 25-12). City staff described the parcel as four buildings fronting Seventh Street and said the council’s approval would allow staff to move forward with an appraisal, a structural analysis, electrical/mechanical reviews, title and survey work, and an environmental investigation. The purchase agreement includes conditions that the city may waive; staff said any significant waiver would return to council for approval. Resident Brandon Hard testified in favor, calling the site an opportunity for maker space and arts programming; Dina Cook offered personal recollections of the King family. Council approved the resolution by roll call (Hutton, Powers, Aker, Fire Robin — yes).

The council also authorized two park-related agreements (Resolution 25-13) to accept a donation and maintenance arrangement for…