Commission flags generator, drainage and parking repairs for upcoming budget
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Summary
Commissioners discussed budgeting for a larger generator to make the community center a refuge, drainage work for Lake Chisholm including a sump and pump, two replaced meeting‑room doors deemed a life‑safety fix, and parking lot sealcoating and paving needs tied to storm‑drain constraints.
Commissioners at the March 4 meeting identified several facility projects they want considered in the city budget and grant applications, including a larger emergency generator, drainage work at Lake Chisholm, parking‑lot paving and a sealcoat plan for next year.
A City councilor and Sunset Empire Transportation Commissioner said the generator request in the draft budget was revised upward: rather than a small backup to keep lights on, the commission asked that a generator be sized to run the kitchen and heating so the Bob Chisholm Community Center could operate as a refuge during emergencies. "This is a community center, and it needs to be a refuge for weather and emergency situations," the commissioner said.
Staff explained the parking‑lot paving cost rose because the overflow lot across the street lacks a nearby storm drain and would require additional drainage work; that infrastructure need can make a local paving job escalate into a roughly $50,000–$70,000 project once drainage is included. An Agency official described an alternative for the low point at Lake Chisholm: install a sump and pump to move water to the street’s storm system and add a catch basin at the lake’s low point, while acknowledging exit‑point repairs may be needed to avoid recirculation.
Staff also reported two rusted east/west meeting‑room doors have been replaced and the work only requires interior paint as a finish; the fire department flagged the door condition as a safety issue earlier. The commission discussed sealcoating and driveway crack repairs, with sealcoating slated for the next fiscal year and the suggestion to complete drainage fixes before a full sealcoat.
On fundraising and grants, staff reported net proceeds of $1,947 from a recent tournament were deposited into the Sunset Park Foundation for the center. Commissioners asked staff to circulate a state parks and recreation grant notice (OPRD/lottery funds) that could fund rehabilitation projects; a commissioner said grant awards can be divided into small, medium and large categories and that the largest awards might reach up to $1,000,000.
Next steps: staff will continue costing/design work for the lake drainage project, bring a quarterly foundation finance update to the commission, and circulate the state grant information so commissioners can consider applications and budget proposals. No formal budget appropriation or vote was taken at the meeting.
