Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/18/2022

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Councilmember Musgrove commented that she could see that this would be something considered for City owned land. She asked the source of funding, whether TIF or EDA funds could be used. Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that trees would not be eligible for TIF. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that the Finance Director may support this as an element of streetscape. Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that he would be very reluctant to use that type of funding. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she would support using EDA dollars as the intention would be to make the area more marketable for development. Chairperson Riley commented that they could leave the funding source open with the intention to review the use of TIF or EDA funds. Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that staff should then present this to the EDA to obtain its funding. Councilmember Musgrove commented that if the trees can be protected from future development, she would have less concern. She asked the benefit or lack of benefit to add in the cost for the sidewalk and electricity, if TIF funds could be used. She commented that it would seem to make sense to go into that area one time to complete those improvements. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that the difference would be the substantial cost difference. He stated that while it is a good idea in terms of efficiency, the trees are a good long- term investment that could be done now while the sidewalk could sit dormant for ten years. Chairperson Riley agreed that while he likes the idea, trees would gain value, but the sidewalk would lose value. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that a sidewalk would have a design cost of about $20,000 and then a full bidding process would need to be followed. He agreed that a sidewalk would have a cost in excess of about $500,000 to $700,000. Motion by Councilmember Woestehoff, seconded by Councilmember Musgrove, to authorize an RFP for the installation of boulevard trees and irrigation on City owned properties in The COR, consistent with the proposed Capital Improvement Project. Further discussion: Councilmember Musgrove asked that discussion occur with the other property owners to determine if they would like to participate as well. Chairperson Riley agreed that he would love to see other property owners participate but would not want the City to be paying for improvements on private property. Public Works Committee/January 18, 2022 Page 13 of 15