Shenandoah council approves pump track and revises mound-removal agreement at Big Gem Park

The Shenandoah Town Council on March 24 approved two park-related projects for Big Gem Park: a resident-proposed pump track and a revised agreement with Turner Concrete and Excavating LLC to remove a mound at the park.

Resident Daniel Kiser presented the pump track concept, saying it would offer a safer place for children and an outdoor attraction for families; he estimated the project cost at approximately $45,000 and said he is pursuing fundraisers and grant opportunities. Council Member Reisinger moved to approve Kiser’s pump track project; the motion carried as recorded in the minutes.

Separately, the council rescinded a prior February motion that had authorized Turner Concrete to remove the mound for $58,000 on a $1,000 monthly payment plan. The council then approved a revised agreement to begin work for a total of $32,000 with monthly payments of $2,000 for 16 months. As part of the revised arrangement, the council approved issuing one water tap and two sewer taps to the Turner Concrete property (one at the shop and one across the street near RC Gochenour and Sons Plumbing) to offset costs. The minutes record the revised motion as moved by Chair Haggett and seconded by Council Member Reisinger; votes were recorded in favor with the mayor noted as abstaining and one councilmember absent.

Town Manager Charlie Jenkins told council that Turner is scheduled to begin removing the hill at Big Gem Park the first week of April and that the public works crew will coordinate with Turner on tree removal and site preparation. The minutes do not specify the pump track’s funding source; Kiser indicated he is exploring grants and fundraisers. No additional town appropriation for the pump track is recorded in the minutes.