Council approves submission of three grant applications for trails, rodeo and a pickleball pavilion

Oakley City Council on March 11 approved the submission of three grant applications covering a Mill Race trail project, a 2026 restaurant-tax request for rodeo improvements and a restaurant-tax request for a pickleball pavilion.

Tom (S2) outlined the pickleball pavilion concept, described a roughly $91,000 preliminary cost estimate from an approved vendor and said the city could seek the full grant amount while retaining the option to bid construction locally if that produced savings. He also proposed that tournament proceeds include a charitable component for the Camas Valley Food Pantry.

Council discussed a wrap-rec grant for the Mill Race Trail (engineering, drainage and a 10% contingency), including a $19,000 trail-fund pocket from a developer to offset costs. Staff said several items — trail construction, a wildlife-friendly fence and cleanup of trailers on a lot now under contract to the Summit Land Conservancy — fit within the grant scope. Council members asked about procurement and whether the city should accept the recommended vendor or solicit additional bids; the mayor noted applying for the grant does not require an immediate procurement decision.

Councilmember S8 moved to approve submission of the three applications (wrap recreation/Mill Race Trail, rodeo 2026 restaurant tax, and the pickleball pavilion restaurant-tax application on behalf of Oakley City); motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff will proceed with applications and return with more detailed budgets and procurement options for council review.