New dock for Gig Harbor canoe and kayak team takes another step forward
The Ancich Park Community Paddlers Dock took another step forward during the Aug. 10 City Council meeting after Mayor Kit Kuhn was authorized by council to sign a master’s agreement with Jerkovich Pier LLC.
This master agreement binds the city and Jerkovich into a sublease agreement to use a portion of the Jerkovich Pier aquatic lease for use as a community paddlers dock. In exchange, the city would design, permit and construct the dock, which would replace a portion of the existing Jerkovich Pier float system.
This project will include having the city remove existing in-water improvements and constructing new in-water improvements. The cost to the city is anticipated to be much less than constructing a new dock from scratch.
“I am so happy for our community,” Council member Tracie Markley said. “We were just taught in a workshop to celebrate our achievements, and this is definitely one right now. “
The progress was made possible after the previous June 22 council meeting, where council authorized Kuhn to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Jerkovich Pier LLC.
The Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team has been fighting for the past two years to build a dock at Ancich Waterfront Park. Their initial goal was to raise $500,000 for the effort.
After the June 22 council meeting, Kuhn told the Gateway that the racing team might need to raise less money than previously expected.
The city now will request proposals to complete the design and permitting process for the dock, with intent for construction to begin in 2021.
In other news, The Gig Harbor City Council:
Thanked a handful of employees, as many celebrated their anniversary of working for the city. They included a 20-year employee, two 15-year employees, one 10-year employee, and 11 5-year employees.
Said their goodbyes and thanks to Jim O’Donnell, Gig Harbor resident who passed away on July 16 at 85. O’Donnell was heavily involved in the city of Gig Harbor, primarily providing the city with his vast knowledge of forest restoration and its importance.
Approved and authorized the mayor to sign a professional service contract with Lawhead Architects for phase 2a of the city’s public works operation center project. That includes finalizing the interior layout of the operations building, preparing bid documents for construction and submitting associated permit applications. The cost of this portion of the project is $26,650.