Richmond Board approves $164,000 plan to restore E.G. Hill Memorial Fountain

The Richmond City Board of Works and Safety voted to approve an interlocal agreement and move forward with contract No. 612026 for the E.G. Hill Memorial Fountain Restoration.

Denise Ritz, park superintendent, told the board the project "actually does, cost a $164,000" and described a fundraising strategy that could unlock additional state support. "We also if you raise, $50,000, you receive $50,000 from the state," Ritz said, adding the city had been raising funds through "the IH CDA and Patronicity through a crowdfunding campaign." Ritz said the bid went to Browning Chapman and that, "depending on when we can get this contract and get it rolling, we're hoping, they would have a start time of June and a end time of October."

Ritz said the work will be a complete renovation of the fountain "back to its former...historical glory" including restoration of the limestone bowl and pump system. She told the board the project is part-funded by a match program: local fundraising to secure a $50,000 state match, with the remainder planned from a bond anticipation note.

A Committee member moved to approve the interlocal agreement and contract; the Chair seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote. Chair remarks closed the item with a request that the formal contract be returned next week for signatures and finalization.

The board’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with contracting and project scheduling; the next procedural step is presentation of the finalized contract at the following meeting.