Fairview authorizes Metro IGA to secure $640,683 for Salish Ponds accessibility and amenities

The Fairview City Council on June 3 authorized the city manager to enter a general intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Metro to secure $640,683 in local‑share funding from the 2019 Metro parks bond for improvements at Salish Ponds.

Staff said eligible work would focus on connecting people to nature and cited prior outreach and the city parks master plan. The draft scope includes ADA parking and an accessible path from Reynolds School District’s lot to an ADA fishing platform, removal of a long‑locked and deteriorated concrete restroom structure, design and installation of a picnic shelter, replacement or addition of fishing platforms on the east pond, and replacement of weathered wayfinding and educational signage. Staff also proposed a modest community engagement budget to meet Metro’s public outreach requirements and noted that the city may need an easement from the school district for ADA access.

Staff cautioned some previously‑considered parking improvements on Gleon Avenue raise longevity questions under the bond’s 2050 maintenance requirement and because the roadway is jointly controlled by Multnomah County and Gresham; accordingly, staff proposed prioritizing improvements on city‑controlled property and formalizing an IGA with Metro now to secure the funding slot. Council voted to authorize the general IGA and to return for approval of final scope, easement agreements and construction plans.