To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Accept a Donation of $25,000 for Development of Equestrian Trails within the McKay Community Forest in Memory of Former Humboldt County Supervisor and Planning Commissioner Seferino (Sef) Raul Murguia
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept a donation of $25,000 for development of equestrian trails within the McKay Community Forest in memory of Sef Murguia;
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign the attached letter of appreciation; and
3. Authorize installation of a plaque at the trailhead of the Northridge parking area in memory of Sef Murguia.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
McKay Community Forest (1710716)
DISCUSSION:
The family of former Humboldt County Supervisor and Planning Commissioner Sef Raul Murguia proposes a donation in the amount of $25,000 to support the development of equestrian trails within the McKay Community Forest. As stated in the attached letter from the family, the McKay Community Forest represents outdoor recreational opportunities for families to enjoy and conservation of the watershed, forest, and natural resources, which are values that Sef embraced throughout his life and public career. One of Sef’s strong personal interests was riding horses and the family would like their donation to be used specifically for developing equestrian trails. The family proposes installation of a plaque at the trailhead of the Northridge parking area in memory of Sef.
If accepted, Public Works would use these funds for equipment, raw materials, and labor to develop trails that support equestrian use within the McKay Community Forest. Public Works would track expenditures to confirm conformance with the intended use of the donation. Public Works is currently developing trails near Northridge and Redwood Acres and both areas will have trails for equestrian use. Public Works believes the proposed plaque is compatible with the existing signs and facilities at the Northridge trailhead.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Acceptance of the donation from Sef Murguia’s family will allow Public Works to receive $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 in Fund 1710-716. This donation would offset a portion of the internal loan from the Humboldt County General Fund that is included within the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Create opportunities for improved safety and health
New Initiatives: Seek outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County needs
Strategic Plan: 2.2 - Improve trails, rivers, and parks infrastructure
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to accept the donation and authorize installation of the plaque. However, this alternative is not recommended because it would be a lost opportunity to honor a former Supervisor and Planning Commissioner and benefit from a generous donation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1 - Donation letter for the McKay Community Forest from the family of Sef Murguia
2 - Letter of appreciation
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A