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Public Works proposes mill-and-overlay for 8th Avenue and seeks quick start on $2.5M solar project to capture federal tax credits
Summary
DPW recommended a lower‑cost mill/overlay and temporary repair for 8th Avenue rather than full reconstruction; director also urged moving the municipal solar project from design into construction planning before July 2026 to maximize federal tax credits and grant eligibility
Public Works Director (Eric) told the finance committee Sept. 30 that staff recommend a mill‑and‑overlay repair for E. 8th Avenue (from West Hill Drive to West Wausau Avenue) in 2026 as a lower‑cost stopgap rather than a full reconstruction and stormwater redo, and that the department plans to pursue state and federal funding for a larger rebuild if needed.
Director Eric described a recommendation to repair the blown‑out section and perform a mill/overlay estimated at about $175,000 rather than a full reconstruction estimated near $1.8 million. He warned the mill/overlay is “not a guarantee that we’re not going to see it again,” but said it would buy time to apply for DOT STP‑Urban or other competitive grants to fund a full reconstruction.
On the municipal solar project, DPW staff described the proposed system as an approximately $2.5 million project. Director Eric said federal tax‑credit timing makes it advantageous to begin construction before July 2026 to preserve the most favorable tax credits (30% minimum, possibly up to 50% when various conditions are met). The city is applying for an EPA grant of $1,180,000; staff said they will need council commitment to bid the project in time to meet tax‑credit and grant scheduling and that full construction need not be completed until 2030 under current guidance.
Director Eric also outlined several operating adjustments for streets and motor pool budgets, including deferred equipment replacements and a $70,000 reduction in fuel costs tied to a new motor‑pool contract. He said the department is wary of reducing staffing further because work volumes (miles of streets, trails and sidewalks maintained) have increased while staffing levels have been steady over recent years.
No formal vote was taken on the 8th Avenue approach or the solar project during the Sept. 30 finance meeting; staff requested direction on whether to proceed with planning and grant applications.
