07-26-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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