Mosier council accepts $552,000 OPRD grant for skate park, authorizes LUBA settlement and rule development

The Mosier City Council voted unanimously to accept a $552,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) to help fund a planned $696,000 skate park at Jacob's Park. Special Projects Coordinator Colleen Coleman explained the city will temporarily borrow between accounts to manage cash flow until grant reimbursements arrive.

The vote followed council discussion of a 25-year maintenance obligation tied to the project. Councilor Noah Estes raised concern that the long-term maintenance commitment could strain city resources; Colleen Coleman clarified the obligation requires the city to maintain the site in the condition described in the grant and permit approvals.

The council unanimously authorized the City Attorney to negotiate a final agreement to settle LUBA Case No. 2025-065 on terms discussed that evening, and authorized the mayor to sign the settlement on the city's behalf. The council also voted to appoint Councilor Gary Lindemyer and Councilor Noah Estes to participate with Main Street Mosier in developing the skate park's operational rules, as required by the conditional use permit. Finally, the council unanimously authorized the City Manager to execute any documents and contracts necessary to receive the OPRD grant funds.

The actions recorded include: (a) approval to accept grant funding and proceed with required agreements, (b) direction to City Attorney and Mayor to conclude the LUBA settlement, and (c) designation of two councilors to work with Main Street Mosier on park rules. No opposing votes or abstentions were recorded.

The council did not set a separate funding source in the meeting but discussed using internal borrowing between accounts pending reimbursement. Further decisions on park rules and any detailed maintenance budget items will be addressed in follow-up meetings and public processes with Main Street Mosier.