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Council reviews CDBG project proposals, directs staff to advance four projects to October public meeting
Summary
Council heard presentations on Community Development Block Grant proposals including an AC loaner program, nuisance abatement fund, emergency housing rehab, drainage improvements and ADA pedestrian upgrades; staff will bring the projects forward for selection at an Oct. 7 public meeting.
The Apache Junction City Council on Sept. 2 reviewed proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects and directed staff to advance the slate of projects to a second public meeting on Oct. 7 for final selection and application. Jeremy Johnson, the city’s grants manager, presented five CDBG proposals and explained there are two funding sources: a regional account (RA) noncompetitive fund of $156,800 and a competitive State Special Projects (SSP) pot that allows requests up to $750,000 per project for cities under 50,000 population.
Johnson said eligible activities include infrastructure, public facilities, housing rehabilitation and public services. The RA proposals presented were: a portable air-conditioning unit loaner program to assist residents during extreme heat; a nuisance abatement fund to address blighted properties; and an emergency housing rehabilitation program providing up to $15,000 per household for urgent repairs. SSP proposals included a Palm Springs drainage improvement project (curb and gutter along Cactus, Mesquite and Navajo to reduce flooding) and an Apache Villa pedestrian rehabilitation project to upgrade ADA ramps and sidewalks.
Council members and several residents asked clarifying questions. Council member Nasser noted the RA account is $156,800 and suggested blending RA projects or combining the AC loaner program with HVAC replacements to reach that funding level. Nasser and others favored the emergency housing rehab as a high priority. Council member Cross emphasized the ADA pedestrian upgrades as an important SSP candidate for walkability and compliance.
Jeremy Johnson told the council the library reading garden proposal was withdrawn because it did not meet CDBG contracting rules. Staff said project cost estimates are preliminary and can be adjusted prior to final application. A public commenter, Andre Meek, urged consideration of mini-split units and volunteer installation assistance for some repairs.
Council did not take a final funding vote but instructed staff to move all four discussed projects forward to the Oct. 7 public meeting so the city can finalize which projects will receive the RA and SSP applications. The next meeting will include formal direction on which projects to submit.
