The Hollister City Council OK’d the pursuit of Prop. 68 grant funds to use toward improvements at Brigantino Park, the Leatherback recreation facility and a recreation facility at Fire Station No. 2.
Council members approved the application for grant funds through the program despite questions over the ultimate use of the money.
The state is now accepting applications for use of $6 billion in Prop. 68 funds toward park improvements. The approval Monday means the city will apply for funds to use at the three facilities.
Before the vote, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez questioned moving ahead on the idea for a community center at the old Leatherback location off McCray Street before shoring up a prospective partnership with the county. Velazquez believes the city and county could do a larger sports park or community center by working together.
“I think it might be wise to see if they might be interested,” Velazquez said.
Public works official Mike Chambless responded that the grant application and prospects with the county are “not mutually exclusive” and the city was merely applying for a grant. He noted how the application deadline is Feb. 15.
“All that does is give me permission to submit the grant,” Chambless said.
