Parks director wins council approval to use remaining Prop 68 funds for Town Square kiosk, mosaic and bulletin board

Emily Wen, the city’s parks and recreation director, asked the council to use remaining Proposition 68 grant funds to complete Town Square improvements, including a removable mosaic mounted on a restroom panel, a Prop 68 sign and an enclosed bulletin board for community postings. “It would be removable, so we can change it out if we want,” Wen said of the mosaic, and she told the council the work would be paid from about $132,000 still available in the grant fund pending final reimbursements from the state parks office.

Council members and residents asked for cost estimates and community involvement in the design; Wen said Makerspace has offered to help and that supply costs for tiles would be modest. Council also discussed requirements for the Prop 68 sign and whether the sign size could be reduced. Parks staff said the grant can be used through the end of calendar year 2027 and cautioned that staff would not commit to specific purchases until final accounting is complete.

After discussion, Councilmember (functional label) moved to “authorize staff to proceed with coordinating and installation” of the kiosk additions, and the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council and speakers repeatedly emphasized community involvement and cost control; resident Adeline Jones supported adding a bulletin board and noted the historical use of a 1984 Friends of Blue Lake board. The motion authorizes staff to coordinate design, evaluate prices and return with contract details as needed.