How to resolve AdBlock issue? Assistant City Manager Nick Walker asked for the council to consider a spending plan for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and direct staff on next steps.
Walker said the city has been allocated funding totaling $1.2 million, and he presented a shortlist of four projects staff recommended because they fit into the funds’ most flexible category, revenue loss.
Those projects are South Main Street, from First Street to Lakeport Boulevard; renovations to the Silveira Community Center, which staff said still requires updates, in particular, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms; the planned recreation center; and water and sewer projects pulled from the city’s current rate study.
Walker said it’s a great opportunity to significantly fund one of those otherwise unfunded large capital projects.
Councilwoman Mireya Turner said it was a really good list of priorities that have been on city leaders’ minds for years and asked about prioritizing them.
City Manager Kevin Ingram said staff could crunch the numbers and see how far the funds would get them on the various projects. “We can bring that back for further action.”
Councilman Kenny Parlet said he liked the idea of getting something done and seeing cost estimates from staff. “Things change from month to month, quarter to quarter.”
Councilman Michael Froio offered his priorities, placing the South Main Street work in the No. 1 spot, followed by water and sewer projects, the Silveira Center’s upgrades and the recreation center.
Councilman Michael Green said he wanted to narrow the list of projects to just two, with the Silveira Center and roads being his two priorities.
Mayor Stacey Mattina said the heating and air conditioning system and the kitchen had been upgraded at the Silveira Center and asked what was left.
Ingram said the ADA bathrooms were the single largest piece that needed to be finished on the center. Mattina asked if any other funds were lined up for that purpose, and Ingram said no.
Turner said it would be helpful to get the more detailed numbers from staff, explaining she wanted to see cost comparisons for each of the projects.
While she noted that she favored the roads, Turner said she wanted to finish the Silveira Center so it could be used by the community.
Ingram said staff would bring back those pricing estimates for the Silveira Center and for some of the water and sewer projects.
Mattina said it also would be good to look at other funding opportunities for the city’s projects.
Ingram said the city had a little time and could spend some effort in looking at the project costs.
Walker’s written report explained that the funds have to be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024.
The council voted unanimously to support staff bringing back more detailed spending estimates for the list of projects.
In other business, the council approved a letter of support for the Lake Area Planning Council work regarding a rural regional energy network and accepted the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2020-21.
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