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Sandeep Duggal spoke as a Jorgensen Lane resident in opposition to the Meadowlark Trail. He advised due process was not followed with the residents for their inability to offer input on the development. He advised the City long ago committed to keeping the space open in perpetuity. He expressed concerns about impacts to wildlife and fires from the short trail winding between 14 homes, some of which have fenceless open back yards. He requested the City Council reopen the approval process so there can be a sensible discussion of how to accommodate the needs of all involved. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 20. PUBLIC HEARING — Review and approve the Ken Mercer Skatepark final conceptual design, CIP No. 20774, and provide direction to staff on whether to proceed further with the design or pause until construction funding is identified Assistant Director of Library and Recreation Michele Crose reported this presentation was also made to the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 13. She reported on the design process over the past year, including community surveys, public workshops, and presentations before the City Council, Youth Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission. Richmond Rossi Montgomery (RRM) Design Group Landscape Architect Gina Chavez reported on how the community outreach shaped the proposed design which includes a street plaza style feel with skating areas for different experience levels. She advised public feedback also led to the inclusion of picnic-style gatherings, the preservation of the existing trees for shade, amenities such as a drinking fountain, and focused lighting for nighttime skating. She advised there was extensively detailed feedback helping to combine the two draft design concepts into a single preferred plan. Ms. Chavez reported the final proposed plan includes three acres of park improvements with a full acre of skateable space. She advised there will be two entrances to the skatepark- one from the main parking lot and one from the Hopyard Village shopping center. She noted the skating areas of varying ability levels, gathering spaces, spectator viewing areas, drinking fountains, bike racks, focused lighting, retention of existing perimeter landscape, and expanded parking lot with a future drop-off area. She advised there is a space retained for a potential future restroom next to the parking lot. In response to Mayor Brown, Ms. Chavez stated the restroom location could also be moved to the other side of the park. She clarified the two larger red blocks are shade structures for spectators and other community gatherings. Zach Wormhoudt, President of Wormhoudt Inc., reported the current skatepark is one of the oldest still in use nationally giving it a significant place within the skating world. He advised this provided cause to preserve the existing skatepark while integrating it into the proposed design. Ms. Chavez detailed the landscaping plans and a variety of plants to be incorporated with the existing greenspace. Landscape Architect Matt Gruber reported on feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting where the design was approved by a 4-2 vote. He advised the two "no" voters approved of the park's design but were concerned about the estimated $8.5 million in cost. The Commission requested adding a restroom and to look at alternative funding sources. He requested the City Council approve the design and provide direction relative to how staff should proceed until funding is identified. In response to Councilmember Arkin, Landscape Architect Gruber clarified staff would need about $50,000 to take the completed design to a bidding process. He advised there are many unknowns in the cost estimate such as change orders and inflation leading to a 42% contingency. He noted staff could see cost changes if the design was approved but the construction was tabled but noted there also could be a greater design cost if they wait to approve it. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 22 March 15,2022