Woodway council authorizes distribution from Carlen Bright endowment for arboretum upkeep

The Woodway City Council on Jan. 12 authorized Community Bank & Trust to distribute the accumulated income from the Carlen Bright Endowment Fund to the city for improvements and maintenance of the Carlen Bright arboretum.

Council considered background from City Manager Mr. Davidson, who said the endowment was established by the decedent’s last will and testament and that the fund’s income is restricted by the endowment terms to maintaining, repairing, operating and expanding the arboretum. The agenda packet listed an accumulated income balance of approximately $28,251.24; the council discussed plans to use the funds for signage, seating, lighting, landscaping, structural improvements and water features to enhance visitor experience and long-term sustainability.

Council members said the proposed use was consistent with the donor’s intent and moved the item into a formal motion and second. Mayor called for the vote and the measure carried unanimously.

The vote formalized the city’s authorization for the bank to distribute the endowment income to the city; the record did not name an individual mover or seconder. The council did not specify an implementation timeline in the meeting minutes for particular projects funded by the distribution.

The council’s action is procedural authorization to receive the endowment income. Next steps described by staff included using the funds for the listed improvements; the council did not adopt specific contracts or a project schedule during the meeting.