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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.26.2009• • COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 26, 2009 4:45 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt, Getty. Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. Mayor Hurley explained that the purpose of the work session was to discuss the federal and state infrastructure economic stimulus plan and the city's list of projects. The list is not prioritized other than the time table to complete the work. If and when the city receives any funding, the list will be presented to council for formal approval. Mayor Hurley reviewed the Town Hall Meeting held by Congressman Braley regarding the $825 billion economic stimulus package that is being considered by U.S. House and Senate. Mayor Hurley explained that a new transparency committee will be created to oversee expenditures. The funds will be disbursed by formula grants such as the Community Development Block Grant. The funds are being earmarked for recovery and investments and tax relief. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the stimulus package on January 28, 2009. Mayor Hurley explained that the request came from Governor Culver and the Department of Economic Development through the Iowa League of Cities for information on ready -to -go infrastructure projects in Iowa cities. The projects must be in the planning and development stages and would need to be under contract and begin within 180 days of the federal appropriation and completed within two years of the start date. Mayor Hurley explained that Waterloo's list of projects are existing projects from Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs), the Five Year Capital Improvement Program, the city's flood mitigation priority list, the city's Master Plan and Economic Development. Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, reviewed the city's proposed list. The list is by categories such as 90 days, funded and not funded, six months time frame and over six months time frame. The Iowa Department of Transportation requested additional information for transportation funds only, with the requirement that 50 percent of the funds would need to be under construction contract within 90 days of passage and the remainder by 180 days. Mr. Anderson noted that indications from legislative staff are that the funds will not be earmarked project by project but allocated in a dollar amount. Councilperson Getty now present. Councilperson Welper asked if the list of projects for the Washington coalition trip is included. Mayor Hurley responded that the US 63 project is included. Mr. Anderson noted that the Eastside Sewer Interceptor project is also included. Mr. Anderson noted that there is still uncertainty as to the definition of infrastructure and green projects or the details of the package. Councilperson Hart stated that he attended the meeting with Congressman Braley, and that regarding the trio questions, he thought the dollars would be coming in June. Congressman Braley said that oversight and accountability are important parts of the plan, and that the focus is to jumpstart the economy. Councilperson Getty stated he was concerned about the Cedar River. The flood filled the Cedar River, and the river needs to be dredged so water won't go over the banks. Mayor Hurley commented that if the water upstream carries sediment, the river fills up again. Mayor Hurley noted that the entire Cedar River water shed needs to be managed. Council Work Session January 26, 2009 Page 2 Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if the list is in any kind of order. Mr. Anderson responded that only by timing. Mayor Hurley stated if the city receives funding, the council will be engaged to help prioritize the projects. Dennis Clark, General Manager of Waterloo Water Works, stated that a number of the city's projects have Water Works components and some are just Water Works' projects. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Reggie Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 5:19 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk • •