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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> APPROVED <br /> 45 Council comments—suggestion to exempt cemeteries; concurrence to go forward; will be <br /> 46 discussed again. <br /> 47 Community Development Director Grochala noted that a public hearing is required and <br /> 48 he asked how that should be publicized. Staff will arrange for a hearing probably early in <br /> 49 August. The council discussed adding information to a city newsletter and a utility bill <br /> 50 flyer. Staff directed to go forward with communicating the utility and share information <br /> 51 with the council. <br /> 52 <br /> 53 3. ARPA Fiscal Recovery Funds—Finance Director Lynch reviewed her written <br /> 54 report. Staff is looking for an initial discussion on the fiscal recovery funds element. <br /> 55 The council has acted to accept the funds and staff submitted a request to the state for the <br /> 56 funding. That process is still underway. The estimated funding for the City is $2.3 <br /> 57 million. There will be eligible uses: respond to public health emergency,pay for <br /> 58 essential workers, provision of government services (reduction in revenue), and make <br /> 59 investment in water, sewer and broadband. Staff is looking how needs for the recreation <br /> 60 facility project could be eligible for funding. The staff report includes the FAQ's <br /> 61 provided by the Treasury Department and they expand on eligible uses. The deadline is <br /> 62 December 31, 2024 for contracting for use of funds. An annual report to the U.S. <br /> 63 Treasury is required. An audit requirement is linked to amount utilized in a year's period. <br /> 64 <br /> 65 Councilmember Lyden asked if a water treatment plant would be an eligible expense and <br /> 66 Ms. Lynch said yes. <br /> 67 <br /> 68 Mayor Rafferty noted that there are still areas in the city that are not served by broadband <br /> 69 and that is a real need; a collaboration with the county(because they are receiving funds <br /> 70 also) is possible. <br /> 71 <br /> 72 Councilmember Stoesz asked if North Metro TV would be eligible for funding (as they <br /> 73 were for the previous payments)? Ms. Lynch suggested that former uses are normally <br /> 74 included but the list of eligible uses has pretty much just expanded; she thinks that North <br /> 75 Metro TV mainly utilized funds for PPE and that wouldn't be as much a need at this <br /> 76 point. <br /> 77 <br /> 78 Mayor Rafferty suggested getting designs ready for possible uses so the City will have <br /> 79 plans ready and could then understand the full picture of financing projects. <br /> 80 <br /> 81 Councilmember Stoesz asked if staff is aware of how Anoka County will be expending <br /> 82 their funds, noting that the recreation center will serve county residents. <br /> 83 <br /> 84 Councilmember Ruhland asked if there will be programming again for business <br /> 85 assistance. Ms. Lynch remarked that planning is moving much slower for these funds <br /> 86 because more time is allowed for use so she's not aware yet of how other jurisdictions are <br /> 87 planning their use. <br /> 88 <br /> 2 <br />