HomeMy WebLinkAboutgr00090_000043_pg017January 17, 1977 Page 2
Councilmember Rowley stated that the need for storm drainage
improvements is still there and a city priority. She stated
that the Council should not ignore the possibility of securing
federal funds to help finance drainage improvements. She suggested
that the Council still would have an opportunity to decide not
to go forward with the project even if the grant is approved.
Administrator Achen stated that the Council has justification for
not plunging into the storm drainage improvement project. He
indicated that the storm drainage plan still must be reviewed
and approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District before work
begins and an environmental assessment will be necessary for
the project. If the Council felt like applying for funds to
meet Need 2 as established in its 1976 CDBG application, it
would be justified in postponing applying for this project until
these reviews and approvals have been obtained.
Representative Howard Neisen stated that most of the Council's
discussion has assumed the City would receive a grant which
actually is not a very good possibility considering the number
of cities that are competing for the money. He stated that
acquiring land for the storm drainage detention basins now
would benefit the City in its future storm sewer improvement
projects, whenever they are begun.
Councilmember Ziebarth asked whether the city has satisfied
Need 1 as established in the 1976 CDBG application. Administrator
Achen responded that Need 1 deals with programs to upgrade and
maintain housing conditions in the city. He indicated that the
current CDBG program would be completed this calendar year, but
that the City will have an ongoing program in the housing code
enforcement area. Thus, the need still exists. However, the
City is conducting activities designed to meet that need.
Councilmember Ziebarth proposed that since Need 1 is no longer
a top priority, that Needs 2 and 3 be moved up in priority.
He suggested that the City secure funds to begin implementation
of the storm drainage plan.
Councilmember Baumgartner questioned whether the actual items
included in the City's 1976 CDBG application might not be
considered luxurious and meet with less approval by HUD. He
suggested that the shelter buildings could be tied to city programs
serving the needs of low and moderate income persons and thus
an application for these types of improvements might be found
more favorable by HUD.
Mayor Pickar asked Administrator Achen to prepare a rough draft
of needs based upon Council's discussion for the January 24th
public hearing. He stated that this draft would assist the
Council in making its final determination of needs and objectives
and would help citizens by giving them some ideas to which they
could react.
MSP ( Ziebarth- Baumgartner) to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
Repgctful y .ubmitted,
Mark Achen, Clerk- Administrator
5 ayes