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Open Doors shelter work underway; state hearing, temporary occupancy could allow August opening; misting station proposed at Dunn Park
Summary
Open Doors has contracted Alert Fire to upgrade life‑safety systems and may seek a temporary certificate of occupancy at a July 22 State Fire Board of Appeals hearing. Council members also discussed three options for a planned water feature at Dunn Park, favoring an affordable misting‑station option while seeking matching funds.
Vice President Sierra told the council on July 14 that the Open Doors homelessness shelter’s life‑safety upgrades are in progress and that the operator may request a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) at a State Fire Board of Appeals hearing on July 22.
Alert Fire has been contracted to perform alarm and life‑safety upgrades required for occupancy. Sierra said the shelter has most beds and staffing in place; if the state board grants permission to inhabit the property in advance of final work, the city could issue a temporary certificate of occupancy while final corrections are completed. The building official will have final authority for any occupancy decision.
On recreational facilities, Sierra and other council members reviewed three proposals for Dunn Park: an ambitious splash pad with standard spray features and drainage (option 1), a scaled‑back splash pad (option 2), and a lower‑cost misting station consisting of poles with misting nozzles (option 3). The council noted money donated by St. Joseph’s Church and discussed pursuing CDBG matching funds for the project. The mayor and public works staff said a fast, competitive bid could be issued once the council picks a preferred option and that city crews could assist with utilities to control costs.
Council President Gendron and Councilwoman Sierra asked the administration to consult with the donor parish about the original intent — the church’s donation was described as intended for a misting station to bring comfort to Dunpark users — and to return with a budget and recommended option. The mayor said he would seek bids within weeks if the council confirmed a preferred plan.
No final vote on the splash pad or TCO was taken on July 14; the council requested continued coordination among the shelter operator, building and fire officials, public works and the solicitor’s office so the city can make decisions quickly once the state board rules and bids are received.
