Commission weighs Palomar Theater lion-head estimate; staff told to check budget before commitment

Commissioners discussed a proposal to restore or install a lion-head ornament from the Palomar Theater during the April 9 meeting and reviewed an estimate included in the meeting packet.

Holly Mutka, a member of the Whidbey Playhouse board, presented photos and the project's estimate and confirmed the project was described in the packet materials. Chair J.R. Russell reminded the group that the original proposal predated the new submission process but that it is now entered into the system.

One commissioner summarized the estimate in the packet as roughly "like $3,000.3200" during discussion; staff and commissioners characterized the figure as an approximate $3,200 estimate for planning purposes. Commissioners discussed whether the commission could use discretionary funds to support the work but agreed staff should confirm available funds before any commitment.

Liz Lang, the recreation manager, said staff must "go back and look at the budget and confirm that the money is there for you to make this purchase." She and other staff noted procurement, permitting and whether the work requires cross-department coordination as items to confirm before moving forward.

Commissioners agreed the Palomar item will remain in the submission list and could be prioritized for the workshop if the commission collectively deems it a high priority; no funding decision was made at the meeting.