Council prioritizes bocce bathroom, Ferndale pavilion and Park & Rec reforms for next budget

Mayor Cowper told the council he would like to see the bocce bathroom and a Ferndale Park pavilion incorporated into the next budget.

"I would like to see the bocce bathroom and Ferndale pavilion incorporated into the coming budget," Mayor Cowper said. Councilmember Segal said the bocce bathroom should be ADA-compliant and supported sound-deadening work in the Community Center.

Council discussed league fees for tennis, pickleball, bocce and volleyball and whether fees paid by leagues should flow into city maintenance. City Manager Martin said league fees typically cover food, drinks and trophies; Karen Berkfield said the bocce league fee has gone toward new bocce balls in the past. Council agreed to retain the current guest allowance of three guests per sports tag.

Members also reviewed Community Events and the Parks & Recreation Committee. Cowper noted the committee is regulated by ordinance — it should have seven members, meet at least quarterly and act as a recommending body to the City Manager — but has not been following those requirements; the committee may be in hiatus until enough volunteers are recruited. Nicole Menuck and others questioned how committee funds have been handled historically; Martin said funds go to the city and must follow municipal financial rules.

On pickleball noise, council discussed attempts to mitigate sound via equipment changes without success and considered regulated hours. Martin noted park hours are 7 a.m.–11 p.m. and construction hours are 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; he suggested a 9 a.m.–9 p.m. play window as a possible compromise.

Next steps: City Manager Martin will supply cost estimates and a ranked list of goals to council for budget deliberations.