HomeMy WebLinkAboutgr00090_000043_pg028January 24, 1977 Page 11
Administrator Achen stated that the City could only apply for
funding of one project. Admin. Achen stated that the proposal
for merely land acquisition probably would rank low in the grant
criteria, because the land by itself creates no real benefit.
The City would have to be committed to constructing the improvements
if the land were acquired. The park shelter buildings would rank
higher. The City could emphasize the drainage improvements in
those areas of low and moderate income houses. The City stands
the best chance of getting funds if it focuses attention on the
east one -half of the City, since that is where there are more low
and moderate income houses.
Bob Glazer stated that this sounded like an inducement for low
income housing. Admin. Achen stated that the grant money is to be
used to benefit those people, not to encourage more low income
residents. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that this would not
financially benefit anyone.
Mr. Glazer stated that some cities have declined from participating
in this block grant program. Admin. Achen stated that New Brighton
didn't like the red tape involved in working with HUD.
Councilmember Rowley asked what the City's chances were of getting
the funding. Admin. Achen stated that it was better than 50/50
if we can develop an application that meets their criteria. HUD
only asks for final applications from cities that have a chance
of getting funding. The final application is the one that takes
a lot of time and work but then you know that you have a good
chance of getting the funds.
Admin. Achen suggested that the application be for acquiring the
land and also making the improvement to that land.
Mayor Pickar suggested that the Administrator come up with a pro-
posal for land acquisition and storm drainage construction.
Admin. Achen stated that one problem with this is assessment policies.
There are some drainage districts with a tremendous cost, and some
districts with no cost. With the previously suggested assessment
policy, the cost per residential lot could be from nothing to
$2200. If the City is defined as an entire benefit district and
the costs distributed equally throughout the city, the average cost
would be $720 without deducting any income from the other two grants.
Mayor Pickar reviewed a letter from the Rice Creek Watershed
District on a grant for restoring Long Lake. He stated that the
Council will be getting more information on this in the future.
Councilmember Baumgartner stated that the staff has spent a lot
of time working on grant applications. Admin. Achen stated that
the City has gotten at least $100,000 the last two years.
Mayor Pickar stated that if Mounds View doesn't get the grants,
someone else will.