Agenda Item Name:
Title
Request Approval of Additional Wild Spaces Public Places for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center Improvements
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Presenter:
Gina Peebles 352-538-8265
Description:
Request Approval of Additional Wild Spaces Public Places for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center Improvements
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve an additional $1.2 million “off the top” of the County’s Wild Spaces Public Places allocation for necessary Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center Improvements
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Prior Board Motions:
June 23, 2020 - Approve the amended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include Camp McConnell and approve the budget amendment to move the budget to the required account lines and establish projects in order to track types of expenditures related to the restoration.
Jun. 9, 2020 - the Board approved $2.7 million in repairs and improvements at Camp McConnell. This restoration is to be funded from Parks’ allocation of Wild Spaces Public Places funding.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
$2.7 million is already approved for Cuscowilla renovations out of the Parks allocation; this change would bring renovation costs to $3.7 million for this project. This allocation “from the top” will reduce the amount allocated to Parks & Open Spaces by $100,000 and Conservation Lands by $900,000 over the life of the program.
A table with 9/30/21 updated revenues and expenses has been provided.
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Strategic Guide:
Infrastructure
Background:
The Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center improvements for only the South Pool Building and Mess Hall was $2,308,208 (current number - to be updated based on increased scope). Original project estimates are two years old and the cost of construction has skyrocketed recently. The available project budget is $1,412,792 (unspent/unencumbered funds). Staff would request the Board consider authorizing $1.2 million “off the top” of the County’s Wild Spaces Public Places allocation to be utilized for necessary improvements to Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center to ensure we are ready to host summer camp in 2022. Necessary improvements include:
• Renovations to the Mess Hall and South Pool Buildings (including intensive work in the kitchen to correct a number of code violations)
• Providing ADA accessibility
• Limiting access to the 2nd floor North Pool Building (until the American Relief Plan funding can be used to renovate it for safety)
• Providing waterfront access to George’s Pond to allow for fishing and hand launch recreational activities
• Installing the wetland area boardwalk for educational purposes
• Utilities hook up for the recently ordered/approved modular office and maintenance worker’s home