Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Freshwater Trail near completion; board weighs finishing costs and long-term maintenance
Summary
The county's Freshwater Trail project will reach five sculptures this year; EDC representatives asked the board to approve about $12,000–$13,000 in near-term expenditures and consider setting aside maintenance funds from roughly $60,000 remaining in the EDC special-project account.
EDC representatives told commissioners the Freshwater Trail — a five-site public-art loop of fish sculptures — is nearing completion but needs finishing work and marketing materials. The board heard a request to spend money already committed to the project: a $2,000 invoice for the 5th fish, about $1,500 for student-internship scholarships, and a $250 outstanding website invoice. Total near-term spending on the project, kiosks and marketing was estimated at roughly $12,000–$13,000 of the roughly $60,000 the committee reported remaining in the special-project fund.
Commissioners discussed long-term maintenance for the fiberglass/composite sculptures and kiosks. Townships that accepted fish have offered to steward and perform routine maintenance; one township reported material costs of roughly $100–$150 per fish for re-sealing every two years. Board members suggested setting aside a modest maintenance fund and asked for updated quotes for kiosk signs and brochure print minimums before the next work session. "We should finish what we had tried to put together," one commissioner said; others cautioned that ongoing stewardship must be clarified so the county does not absorb unexpected maintenance costs.
