Talent council approves purchasing policy, appoints TPAC member and awards Old Town Skatepark contract

At the Dec. 4 meeting the Talent City Council approved several consent and contract items. Council voted to adopt the city’s updated purchasing policy by resolution (listed in the agenda as resolution 2024-103-R) and approved the consent calendar that included the mayoral appointment of Megan Smith from alternate to full member of the Talent Public Arts Committee (TPAC).

On the Old Town Skatepark rehabilitation, staff reported three proposals were received and recommended awarding a design-build contract to Grindline Skateparks Inc., which had the highest score and agreed to perform both skate-park rehabilitation and associated site work. The staff report identified available funding of $526,360 drawn from American Rescue Plan and a state local government grant; council moved to award the contract "in an amount not to exceed $526,360" and the motion was seconded and carried.

Council discussed forming an advisory committee for the skatepark project and outreach to high-school and middle-school students; staff said they would include youth in the advisory process and noted some Grindline staff live locally and are familiar with the existing park.

Votes and next steps: The consent calendar carried; the purchasing policy resolution was adopted and the skatepark contract award was approved. Staff said design-phase meetings with community stakeholders will follow and any design changes will require city review and approval.