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Trustees approve $26,000 for Jay Smith Pocket Park renovations
Summary
The Board of Trustees of Trust Funds voted to release $26,000 to renovate the Lower State Street Pocket Park (the Jay Smith Pocket Park). City Public Works Director Peter Rice said budget overruns from snow removal left no float in the DPW operating fund, prompting the request for a trust disbursement; trustees approved the release by voice vote.
The Board of Trustees of Trust Funds on March 18 approved a $26,000 release from trust funds to pay for renovations at the Lower State Street Pocket Park, commonly called the Jay Smith Pocket Park.
Peter Rice, director of public works, told trustees he was asking for the advance release because the department’s snow-removal costs had overrun the operating budget and left no internal float to cover the project. “I come before you today to request a release of $26,000 for renovations to the Lower State Street Pocket Park,” Rice said.
The trustees were shown drawings of the proposed minor hardscape and planting work and heard that the selected landscape contractor hopes to complete the scope within the $26,000 figure. Rice said the next-lowest bid was about $39,000 and that the city was negotiating with the chosen vendor to stay within the lower amount. He also told the board that Terrence (the designer) donated the design work and the contractor, Site Structures Unlimited, would be responsible for installation guarantees.
Rice described a donated bronzed bust of Jay Smith that still needs casting money and said the Portsmouth Public Arts Review Committee would review any art before the trustees would be asked to cover related costs. When asked where the bust would be placed, Rice said, “The head is gonna go, we haven't decided yet… we’re going to work with [the public arts committee] to find the appropriate location.”
Trustees asked about ongoing maintenance; Rice said the city recently added an arborist technician to its greens crew and that horticulture staff would handle routine upkeep, with contracted firms used when larger crews are needed. A trustee confirmed there were sufficient trust funds to cover the request.
A motion to approve the $26,000 disbursement was made and carried by voice vote; the chair recorded an aye and trustees indicated their assent. Staff will proceed with contractor discussions and return to trustees if project costs rise or if additional funding for the artwork is requested.
The trustees also discussed logistics for a donor check to arrive next month and agreed to sign the check at the following meeting before payment to the contractor.
