Minutes - Council - 11/10/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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elements that may qualify, such as the recreational activity and preserved woods. He stated that staff will continue to look at other projects that could be eligible as well near the rail station. Councilmember Riley asked and received confirmation that if the City were not a member of this group, the Riverwalk project would not have been eligible for the funds it received. He stated that the comment was made that if the City does not continue membership it could rejoin in the future. He asked if that is looked upon poorly or whether there is a process that would slow down projects because of that. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that he was unsure if it would be more difficult to apply in a year compared to this year but noted that would cause the City to miss a grant cycle. He noted that the City can choose to opt out at any point if the City feels its needs are not being met. Councilmember Specht stated that the comment was made that the benefits appear to outweigh the downsides and asked staff for input on the downsides. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill replied that from the perspective of the Council, staff would look as to whether the goals/vision align with the goals and vision of the City. He commented that staff did not see any conflicts. He stated that from a staff perspective, the only additional work that is necessary is the grant writing and accounting/reimbursement for the grant should it be awarded, along with reporting. Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the funding received from this program for the first three items listed in the case, with regard to the TIF districts in the COR. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that those projects are Sunwood Drive, Center Street, and the Draw Park and Amphitheater all within the COR. He stated that Sunwood Drive has a higher level of street treatment compared to other streets in the community, noting that the upgrades were funded through this program. He stated that for Center Street the sidewalks and angled parking were fully funded through the grant opportunity; and for the Draw Park and Amphitheater, the overlooks and a portion of the amphitheater were funded through the grant program. He explained that the Draw Park and Amphitheater would not be TIF eligible and both that project and Sunwood Drive were completed prior to the creation of the TIF district. He noted that when Center Street was completed, the TIF district had been created but had not generated enough increment to be used. He noted that the use of these grant programs allowed the TIF district funds to be used for other immediate needs and/or future projects. Councilmember Musgrove referenced the comment that the City can opt in or out of the program at any time and asked if that concept would be brought forward by staff or whether that is something the Council would need to track. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that the renewal period is once every 10 years and the City was one of the early joiners with its original enrollment and one prior renewal. He stated that if approved this membership would be valid for the next ten years. He stated that Council would need to bring the issue forward if it decided to opt out of the program, noting that staff would not bring it forward unless directed to do so. City Council / November 10, 2020 Page 11 of 13