City staff provided the Park Board an update on efforts to replace porta-potties at the city tennis courts with a permanent steel building containing restrooms, limited concessions and storage.

Staff said they have collected multiple quotes for a pre-fabricated steel building and that one quote described a fully assembled steel building priced at about $26,000 (figure provided by a contractor at the meeting). Staff said much of the labor for site work (electrical, plumbing, demolition, concrete) has been pledged in kind by community members and local contractors. The presenter said three vendor/quote responses have been sought; staff has received two written quotes and expected a third.

The board heard that the city’s grant writer applied for a T-Mobile community grant (a $55,000 program) and that staff applied only for the building portion of the project—staff estimated that request at roughly $30,000. Staff also reported a contribution arrangement from Ray Ray Corp: a $5,000 pledge now with an additional $5,000 promised when community-raised funds reach $15,000. Members of the Fannin family and TAC also offered contributions: staff reported $1,000 commitments from members of that family or associated group.

If the grants and donations come together, staff said the goal is to have the building installed and ready in about 90 days to coincide with the next tennis season, subject to receipt of funds and vendor lead times. Staff said they will continue soliciting local sponsorships and will present more detailed bids and final costs to the council as they are confirmed.

Board members asked whether capital or grant funds intended for other park projects might be repurposed; staff said the council had previously approved a $30,000 park capital allocation that could be redirected to other park needs if the Bobby Buck grant is received. No formal action on the tennis court building was taken at the meeting.