Agenda Item Name:
Title
Request Approval to Proceed with Camp McConnell Improvements
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Presenter:
Gina Peebles, 352-538-8265
Description:
Camp McConnell Discussion
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve scope of work for capital improvements, not to exceed $2.7 million funded through unencumbered Wild Spaces Public Places funding. These improvements will stimulate our construction industry during a time when we cannot host camps, so the facility can be open for the summer of 2021.
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Prior Board Motions:
Jan. 14, 2020 -
1. County retains ownership of Camp McConnell.
2. Have staff reconcile the spent, funded, and unfunded active recreation projects and return back to the Board by email within 30 days to determine the exact available funds.
3. Convene a community design charrette with staff within 90 days to develop a potential community plan and capital improvement plan. The initial potential camp operating budget would be potentially 2 to 3 million. Florida Wildlife Care should be involved in the charrette. (3:1)
Oct. 8, 2019 - That staff schedule this for a future Regularly Scheduled Evening Board meeting for the Board to discuss. At that time staff is to bring any information/knowledge from interested parties and invite the public to attend.
To reject all proposals and inform anyone who submitted a proposal. Direct staff to reach out to the City of Gainesville to expressly understand their intent per their motion. Is it programming, capital, etc.? (5:0)
Additional motions are included in the attached report.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
There is $2.7 Million available in the Parks portion of WSPP allocation for this project. This will use the portion of funds previously set aside for the Rail Trail purchase. It will be added to the CIP during the FY21 Budget Development.
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Background:
Per Board direction in January, a public charrette was held to gather input from citizens on the future of Camp McConnell. Overwhelmingly, the citizens requested capital improvements be made to the property to allow for day use including renovations to the Mess Hall, pool and trails and overnight camp amenities. Approximately $2.7 million is available in unencumbered Wild Spaces Public Places funding, which could be used for these improvements, pending Board approval and direction.
The 300+ page environmental report on the property is available by clicking: <https://alachuacounty.sharefile.com/d-sb2b6ca1e18247279>