During the Sweet Home City Council meeting, held March 24, the council moved forward with a contract to get Sankey Park’s new bandstand built by the end of June, and approved council goals.
The council approved a contract 4-1 with Tocher Construction relating to the construction of a new bandstand at Sankey Park. Councilors Ken Bronson, Chelsea Augsburger, Josh Thorstad and Angelita Sanchez approved the motion, Councilor Dylan Richards opposed; Councilor Aaron Hegge was absent.
In 2023, Sweet Home was awarded a $177,080 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant to help with Phase III of the Sankey Park project, which included an ADA trail connecting upper and lower Sankey, sidewalk improvements, and general park upgrades, as well as the replacement of the original bandstand, which was torn down a few years ago due to disrepair.
The council originally approved a special procurement to award Timber Framers Guild with a contract for the new bandstand, but later found additional requirements and costs in excess of what the city could provide.
The city solicited quotes for completion of the work and received the lowest bid of $118,850 from Tocher Construction to build a 30’x36’ structure and concrete pad with lighting and electrical connections.
The bandstand will be larger than the original 1930s design, so as to accommodate small events and future growth.
The Sankey Park Phase III project is funded through grant funds, city funds and donations; whatever is not covered by the grant and donation is budgeted in the city’s General Fund. The city must complete the bandstand by June 2026 in order to obtain the grant funds.
Following two recent work sessions, the council unanimously approved its 2026 City Council Goals. They are: continuing the restoration of Weddle Bridge, build sidewalks on Mountain View Road, install pedestrian and bike trails, park projects, review council rules, possible demolition of the former City Hall, Willow-Yucca LID,
finish the wastewater treatment plant, complete audits and revise the cost of the wastewater treatment plant, install the water treatment plant generator, Canyon Creek pump station, make a plan for the former Santiam Feed Store, Quarry Park, and rebuild the CEIP funding.
In other business:
- Les Pool addressed his concerns about the process taken by City Council recently to approve the addition of an outdoor gym at the park next to City Hall.