Title:
Capital Reserve Expenditure Requests (Park and Recreation)
Summary
ACTION:
1. Approve expenditures for equipment totaling $42,052 from the Park and Recreation Capital Reserve account for McDowell Nature Preserve
2. Approve expenditures for equipment in the amount of $17,191 from the Park and Recreation Capital Reserve account for West Charlotte Recreation Center
Staff Contact: Kevin Metcalf, Park and Recreation
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
1. McDowell Nature Preserve has over eight (8) miles of hiking/walking trails, and other work areas such as picnic platforms and associated walkways that are not accessible for full-sized construction equipment. High visitation, ongoing erosion, weather events and falling trees all create a need for small, versatile machinery that can be used in difficult-to-reach areas. In addition, trail construction technology/standards used when these trails were originally built is outdated and has since been proven incorrect. Some of these older techniques actually contributed to erosion and surface failure. A mini skid steer can fix these issues and maintain the trails in optimum condition for the long term.
Purchase of a mini skid steer tractor with the tilting blade, bucket attachments and a trailer ($42,052) will allow maintenance crews to access hiking trails and conduct maintenance functions and rerouting of trails where needed. Example of repairs include: reestablishing proper drainage, correcting erosion damage, removal of surface tree roots that create trip hazards and surface wear problems, reestablish trail surface grades, and conduct trail rerouting to aid in the protection of select plant species and reduce damages to natural areas/soils. All will greatly improve user safety and enjoyment. Trail surveys show users want trail surfaces improved/repaired.
2. A portion of the user fees is set aside in the Recreation Centers Capital Reserve Fund for repairs, improvements and equipment...
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