Report Prepared by: Ken F. Elwin, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Bob Hart Square Fountain Repairs
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consideration of options for the Bob Hart Square Fountain, including rehabilitation and making the necessary repairs to restore its operation or conversion to a planter as an alternative.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving staff to complete the existing fountain repair project; or,
B. Approving staff to pursue converting the fountain into a planter; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided in the 2026-27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
On September 30, staff presented this item to the Public Works, Road, and Infrastructure Subcommittee. The Subcommittee directed staff to bring the item before the City Council for final direction on the two options under consideration.
On August 19th, a leak detection company inspected the Bob Hart Square fountain by performing an electronic leak detection and pressure testing of the fountain lines. All pressurized lines held pressure, and no leaks were detected. A dye test was then performed in the fountain bowl, which identified several leaks along the bottom edges of the tile structure.
Staff contacted several pool repair companies and received two quotes to repair the fountain bowl. The proposed repair is within the adopted project budget and would involve removing the existing tile, waterproofing the bottom of the fountain, and applying a pebble finish.
Staff has also discussed the alternative of converting the existing fountain into a planter with several adjacent businesses. Feedback has been mixed, with some businesses expressing interest in the planter option. Staff is seeking City Council direction on whether to proceed with rehabilitating the fountain or pursue its conversion to a planter.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No additional funds are needed at this time; there is currently $20,000 budgeted for the repair of the fountain.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fountain Photos
2. Council Presentation