Committee hears update on Measure R-funded paving, upcoming veteran cemetery irrigation and animal services renovation

Del Norte County Measure R Oversight Committee members received an update on capital projects funded through Measure R, including completed paving at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall and the sheriff's office, and upcoming projects for the veteran cemetery and animal services.

County staff reported two items posted in the last quarter: a $12,823 charge to the sheriff's office for rent and utilities tied to a new rescue and storage building on Washington Boulevard, and a $445,000 charge directed to paving the new parking lots at the VFW Hall and the sheriff's office. Committee members said the new VFW parking lot eased access during a toy giveaway event in poor weather.

Staff said the irrigation project at the veteran cemetery was approved previously by the Board of Supervisors and that Administrative Programs Manager Tony Self is working with the veteran services officer to issue an RFP; staff described the procurement process for those unfamiliar with it and said the project should move forward before the fiscal year ends. The committee was also reminded that a $30,000 allocation for an animal services renovation — intended to improve office flow, staff safety, and sanitation — is included in this year's Measure R capital plan and that the county's building maintenance director is assisting with next steps.

Committee members asked about lighting for the sheriff's new paved area; staff said the current work included paving and fencing and that covered storage and lights were being evaluated as a possible future phase.