Title
ORDINANCE NO. 3383 - ACCEPTING THE GIFT OF A CONCRETE FOUNTAIN FROM THE OLD WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Required
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Old Westside Neighborhood Association (OWSNA) has offered to donate to the City of Longview a concrete fountain and pedestal including a pump housing and basin with liner. The fountain would be placed within the Old Westside Neighborhood in the public right-of-way in an unimproved island at the intersection of Kessler Blvd., Hudson St., and 25th Ave. The Visual Arts Commission recommended the Council accept the fountain into its permanent asset collection at their special meeting on June 13, 2018. Ownership acceptance by ordinance is required by the Longview Municipal Code. The proposed ordinance will accept the gift of the concrete fountain from the Old Westside Neighborhood Association.
The OWSNA would like to have electrical power brought to the fountain to power the water recirculation pump. However, Cowlitz County PUD has indicated that power is likely not available from the existing street light at the island and a new line will need to be brought in from a power pole approximately 135-feet away. A new electrical meter base and service will also be required in order to provide power. Responsibility for the cost of this new service has not been determined. Because the fountain would be City-owned, the City would pay the monthly electricity bill unless other commitments are obtained.
Water service is not available near the proposed fountain location. The OWSNA indicated it would maintain the water level in the fountain by periodically replenishing it with water transported to the site in containers.
The OWSNA has also indicated that if power is not obtained for the fountain pump, the fountain could be installed and filled with soil and plants until such time that power could be brought to the site. The OWSNA has agreed to maintain the plantings in the fountain, with the Parks Department utilizing its water truck to water the plantings.
The OWSNA would also like to eventually landscape the island area around the fountain and has agreed to maintain the plantings, with the Parks Department watering the plantings. Until landscaping is planted, Parks Department staff will mow the remaining grass around the new fountain.
Maintenance responsibility for the fountain, and the pump if power is brought to the site, has not been determined.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
The OWSNA will donate the fountain, pump, foundation pad, and labor and material to install the pad and fountain. The cost and responsibility of providing a new electrical service and the long-term maintenance of the fountain and pump, have not been determined.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3383.