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Newman manager reports Nature Park progress, Veterans Memorial timeline; shelter and community updates shared
Summary
City Manager Michael reported Nature Park is at ~60% design with planting to begin and more than $10 million in grant funding; staff outlined Veterans Memorial and community event timelines; Judy Richardson provided an October animal‑shelter report.
Newman — At the Nov. 12 council meeting City Manager Michael and staff updated the council on capital projects, grants and community programming.
Nature Park and grants: Michael said the Nature Park project is nearing completion of design (about 60% complete), with roughly 200 trees to be planted and construction anticipated to start in 2025 and finish in 2026. He said the project is heavily grant‑funded and that the city has received just over $10 million in grant commitments to date. Michael also said the state will reimburse the city about $65,000 for a recently adopted housing element.
Veterans Memorial: In response to a council question, staff said the Veterans Memorial design would be brought back in spring 2025, with a view to advertise and award construction contracts in early 2026 and complete construction in 2026.
Community events and shelter: Ally reported trunk‑or‑treat was well attended and reminded residents the Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for Dec. 7. Judy Richardson provided an October shelter report: the shelter initially had 6 cats and 13 dogs at the start of the month, took in 57 cats during October (4 adopted, 46 enrolled in trap‑neuter‑release work) and took in 20 stray dogs (9 adopted, 8 returned to owners, 3 sent to rescues, 2 euthanized).
Audit and next steps: Staff said auditors provided draft financials and will present the finalized financials and the ordinance's second reading at a future meeting. The council adjourned following brief closing remarks and a Veterans Day acknowledgment.
What’s next: Staff will return with additional detail on Nature Park timing and Veterans Memorial design options; the council will receive the auditors’ draft financials at an upcoming meeting.
