Committee forwards Meadowbrook Farm 2025 operation and maintenance budget to council consent with $33,000 unexpected capital ask

The Finance & Administration Committee reviewed Meadowbrook Farm’s 2025 operation and maintenance budget, which the committee was told is prepared annually by Si View Park & Recreation District under the existing operations agreement.

Staff explained the budget includes the city’s usual not-to-exceed $25,000 contribution for operations and a separate, one-time capital request of about $33,000 to repair sliding doors, replace windows and add a swing gate near Swing Rock. Staff said the city’s total expenditure for 2025 on Meadowbrook Farm would be about $58,442 when the $25,000 operations contribution and the unplanned capital costs are combined; staff also said North Bend will match Snoqualmie’s cost share.

When asked whether the park district must solicit multiple bids for the capital work, Dina Burke, the city attorney, said the park district must follow its procurement rules and that, in general, government procurement is subject to public transparency requirements. Councilmember Kara Christensen asked whether the scope would include updated storm drainage, sanitary sewer and tree-species selections; staff said public works and community development input would be part of the review.

Staff said the additional $33,000 would come from the city’s general fund balance. Committee members discussed whether the change constitutes a budget amendment; staff said adding the unplanned capital cost would require an amendment to the city budget.

Committee members expressed no objection to forwarding the Meadowbrook Farm budget to the full council on the consent agenda. Several members said they were comfortable placing the item on consent, while noting the farm may need a longer-term maintenance plan in future biennial budgets.

No formal roll-call vote was recorded at committee; the item was placed on consent for the council agenda.