Sonoma moves forward on Plaza improvements: approves topographic survey contract and accepts lumber donation from Sonoma Raceway

The City of Sonoma council approved a professional-services contract for a Plaza Park topographic survey and accepted a lumber donation from Sonoma Raceway to refurbish benches and tables in the Sonoma Plaza amphitheater and park.

Survey contract and scope: The council approved a professional-services agreement with BKF Engineers for a topographic survey of the Plaza (contract amount approximately $39,008; budget adjustment $43,008.77 was authorized). City staff said the survey will document existing grades, elevations and utilities to support a Plaza sustainability plan and future work on drainage, irrigation and electrical improvements. Public Works Director Mike Berger said the survey will also support sequencing of repairs so the city avoids repetitive excavation and maximizes efficiency.

Donation and bench replacement: Sonoma Raceway arranged a donation of lumber through its supplier (Humboldt Lumber) valued at about $24,000. The donated timbers have been delivered to the public works yard. Public Works staff will coat and install the new benches and park tables. Berger explained that PROS had weighed staining versus paint; paint had been selected initially for durability and graffiti abatement, but staff said they would pilot a staining approach and preserve pre-stained stock at the yard for efficient replacement when benches need swapping.

Why it matters: The Plaza is a heavily used historic public space; the survey and bench replacements are intended to improve safety, drainage and longevity of park furnishings while minimizing disruption through coordinated work sequencing. The donation closes a funding gap that would otherwise have limited the city to replacing only amphitheater benches rather than benches and tables citywide.

Community and donor comments: Officials credited Karen Collins and Sonoma Raceway General Manager Brian Flynn for facilitating the donation. Flynn described the Raceway's trade relationships with suppliers and said the gift was part of the track's community support. Berger said the Prop 68 grant administrator will assist staff in reprogramming approximately $18,000 of remaining grant funds for other Plaza improvements; grant-funded work must be completed and reported by 2028.

Action taken: The council approved the BKF Engineers contract and authorized the budget adjustment as well as accepting the lumber donation; votes were recorded during the consent calendar and subsequent motions. Staff will proceed with survey work and bench refurbishment and will coordinate the coating and installation schedule with PROS and park maintenance crews.