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Committee endorses moving $40,000 Harbor Shores advance for Jean Clark Park repairs to full commission
Summary
Committee reviewed a proposed Harbor Shores advance of up to $40,000 to address urgent repairs at Jean Clark Park (lift station, toilets, boardwalk, benches) and agreed to refer the resolution to the full commission after staff provides a prioritized repair order and cost detail.
Committee members discussed an urgent parks repair package to address failing fixtures and safety hazards at Jean Clark Park and agreed to move a proposed Harbor Shores advance of up to $40,000 to the full commission for consideration.
City staff outlined the priorities for repair: restore the park's lift station that serves restroom plumbing, repair toilet fixtures, replace damaged sections of the boardwalk, and replace or reinstall benches. The staff presentation said Harbor Shores offered to advance the funds and would be repaid by year‑end settlement or by withholding a portion of payments owed under its 99‑year lease; staff recommended proceeding to the full commission with a resolution authorizing the advance.
"We're looking at probably about $40,000 in work," staff said, describing Harbor Shores' offer to advance funds without interest. Commissioners asked that a repair order (work priority list) accompany the resolution so the public and neighborhood groups can see what will be repaired first.
Commissioner Henry emphasized the need for a maintenance plan and questioned whether the lift station replacement would consume the entire advance; staff said a precise figure will require inspection. Several commissioners noted the park has generated parking revenue and suggested the park could absorb any small outstanding balance once repairs restore operations.
During public comment Diana Green, representing the Jean Clark Neighborhood Coalition, thanked staff for the proposed repairs and urged stronger, continuing enforcement and long‑term maintenance solutions. She asked the city to enforce existing park closing hours, update Chapter 28 (parks ordinances) to reflect current needs, ensure sustained police patrols with citation issuance, and adopt traffic‑calming measures to prevent speeding and drifting in the park.
The committee did not approve the advance at the meeting; it voted to refer the resolution and accompanying repair order to the full Benton Harbor City Commission for final action.
