HomeMy WebLinkAbout041421-4.2
PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
4.2
TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission April 14, 2021
SUBJECT: Review Options for Hap Magee Ranch Park Barn and Provide Staff with
Recommendation for Action
BACKGROUND
The Town approved a license agreement with the Bounty Garden Foundation
(Foundation) for a community garden at Hap Magee Ranch Park in 2011. As part of that
agreement, the Foundation restored one of the two barns within what is now the garden
area, while the second barn was not restored at that time. Years later, the unrestored barn
was deemed a potential hazard as it deteriorated and was also the target of vandalism,
so a fence was installed around the perimeter of the structure for safety purposes. The
barn has remained in that condition since that time.
Last December, the president of the Foundation approached the Alamo Municipal
Advisory Council (MAC) with a request to demolish the barn due to a perceived rat
problem that was assumed to be associated with the failing structure. It has also been
indicated that the Foundation would like the additional space for more planter boxes and
feels the barn is an eye sore. The MAC determined that some action should be taken
related to the barn, though it does not appear that a recommendation to demolish the
barn was made at that time. Town staff did obtain an estimate for demolition of the barn
for approximately $15,000.
DISCUSSION
Following the MAC meeting, some members of the MAC and the Parks, Recreation and
Arts Commission expressed an interest in rehabilitating the barn. The rehabilitation
would consist of removing the “wings” on either side of the structure, leveling the
flooring, patching the siding, replacing the roof and repainting the exterior. The goal
behind the rehabilitation would be to make the barn safe and usable rather than to restore
it to its original condition. Additionally, while the barn is an old structure, it has not been
designated as a heritage resource by the Town and its historical value is unclear. Staff
consulted with a contractor regarding the rehabilitation of the barn and estimates the
project would cost approximately $100,000.
Beyond demolishing or rehabilitating the barn, a third option would be to leave it in its
current condition. The barn’s condition has been largely unchanged over the past several
years and there are no indications it is at risk of failure. Additionally, the Town’s pest
control contractor believes that, while rats may enter the barn, the cause of rats at the site
are the nearby creek and the food source that the planter boxes provide, not the barn.
FISCAL IMPACT
Potential fiscal impact will depend on the determined course of action. Any required
funding would need to be appropriated as part of a future Capital Improvement Program
project. The cost for such projects at Hap Magee Ranch Park is typically shared equally
between the Town and Contra Costa County, subject to the County’s approval of the
proposed budget.
RECOMMENDATION
After reviewing options for the Hap Magee Ranch Park Barn, provide direction to staff
with recommendation for action.
Prepared by:
Dave Casteel
Maintenance Services Director