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Politics & Government

Capitola City Council: Skateboard Park Proposed for Rispin Property

The Capitola City Council dedicated Thursday's meeting to Maryann Slettehaugh.

The words “skateboard," "Rispin Mansion" and "solution" were those that defined Thursday's City Council Meeting. Mayor Dennis Norton led the council in unanimously dedicating the meeting to Capitola resident Maryann Slettehaugh, who was .

The five most important moments of the meeting were:

  • The Public Works and Community Development departments updated the council on plans for the future of the Rispin property. Ideas for the park-to-be include bocce ball, a community garden with benches and extensive lighting—and a skateboard park. 
  • The council voted 4-1 to continue with $389,000 in already-approved plans for the property as well as $180,000 in future construction and garden restoration.
  • Mayor Norton insisted that the city needs a skateboard park, adding that the council had already “thrown out” four proposals of locations for parks prior to Slettehaugh's death. He also said that the prevalence of obesity and excessive computer use, as well as the high number of skateboarders at the Rispin public hearing, made the need obvious. 
  • The council voted 4-1 to reinstate $2,000 for 211 phone services in FY 2011-12. The program directs people to a variety of programs, including housing, health care, senior services and child care. Councilman Kirby Nicol was the minority opposition.
  • The council was updated by City Attorney John Barisone on the ongoing settlement with Surf and Sand Mobile Home Park, but took no action. Surf and Sand resident Nancy Brewer pleaded with the council to settle the issue as soon as possible.

Quote of the Night: Nancy Brewer~ “I will be being charged $1,600 per month plus utilities and garbage [when my lease expires]. My daughter, Laurie, lives with me, and if I died, she would not be able to afford it. She would me be homeless. She wouldn't want to live. ... Please help us.”

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The next Capitola City Council meeting is scheduled for July 28. Stay tuned to Capitola-Soquel Patch for further local government news.

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