Parks staff detail gopher-control program, maintenance shortfalls and a multi‑year wish list

Parks maintenance staff updated the committee on field maintenance, ongoing gopher control efforts and a prioritized Parks & Recreation wish list.

Staff described a multi-pronged integrated pest management approach that includes CritterMax applied via an EasyFlow irrigation adapter, mechanical "Gopher Hawk" devices placed in runs, and a carbon-monoxide smoke tool for certain runs. Parks staff stopped using a pellet bait product and emphasized nonchemical mitigation where possible because of park users, including dogs.

Staff noted a staffing gap last winter when the district lacked a second parks maintenance worker; rehiring (Eric Jackson joined the crew) has restored daily trap-setting capacity and increased the pace of mitigation. Staff track capture tallies and use flags and on-site monitoring to keep traps and devices out of public play areas.

The committee also reviewed a parks wish list with items that range from modest ($5,000 for a replacement golf cart, $5,000 gopher smoker) to major capital projects: bleacher ADA upgrades (site access cost estimates vary widely), lighting projects (tens of thousands), and a full turf/irrigation replacement and leveling project estimated in planning documents at roughly $750,000–$1,000,000.

Staff said some funding options exist—development impact fees can be used to expand services, and private grants have funded items such as a recently ordered turf renovation machine—but Templeton’s median-income metrics limit eligibility for some state grants that prioritize disadvantaged communities. Staff also noted county-level CDBG funding would require the county to prioritize subrecipients.

The committee asked staff to continue tracking costs, tallying gopher-control outcomes, and refining capital estimates for the upcoming budget cycle.