Perry council reviews five-year capital plan; discusses aquatic center, parks and appraisal for proposed fire station site

City of Perry councilors spent substantial time reviewing a draft five-year capital improvement plan and discussing several potential projects — including park upgrades, an aquatic center concept and a proposed site for a consolidated fire station — and directed staff to obtain an updated appraisal for a parcel under consideration for the fire station.

Why it matters: The CIP outlines multi-year capital priorities; decisions about land, grant applications and project scope will shape the city's ability to compete for state and federal funds and affect long-term maintenance costs.

Council members and staff reviewed the CIP draft and clarified that some items listed as "already awarded" would be removed when the plan is finalized in July. Staff stressed the CIP is a planning and grant-prioritization document and that the listed five-year totals include projects likely needing external grants.

Parks and aquatic center

Councilors discussed park improvements and two grant applications for park projects, with staff noting projects such as football field renovations, new restrooms, resurfaced courts and exercise equipment could be included in grant requests. One councilor advocated for an aquatic center, saying it could draw residents and provide revenue but noted the city must weigh ongoing operation and maintenance costs.

Fire station site and CDBG application

Council and staff discussed a privately owned parcel near 19th Street being considered for a future consolidated fire station and possibly a police facility later. Staff said the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application cycle is competitive and that an updated appraisal is required for the grant application; councilors voted to authorize staff to obtain a current appraisal so the city can present the strongest possible application. A councilor said the appraisal previously done was two years old and would likely not meet grant standards.

Councilors and staff also discussed site suitability, truck access, water infrastructure and the importance of public meetings before final siting decisions. Staff noted the CDBG application deadline is May 2 and cautioned that the grant cycle is competitive.

Sewer/storm and equipment needs

Public works staff described recurring sanitary- and storm-system maintenance issues, including clogged manholes and lines that have never been fully jet-cleaned. Staff presented rental estimates for a jet/vac truck (roughly $4,000 per week quoted for a rented unit) and said cleaning by hand is time-consuming, increases labor hours and raises safety concerns. Councilors discussed placing the jet/vac truck on the capital outlay list and pursuing grants but also emphasized that the city should consider budgeting for equipment purchases rather than relying solely on grants.

Next steps

Staff will obtain an updated appraisal for the proposed fire station parcel, continue preparing the CDBG grant materials, refine the CIP for finalization in July and return to council with more detailed cost estimates and timelines for high-priority projects.

Direct quotes in the meeting included one staff instruction about the appraisal: “Get it appraised,” and a councilor's comment urging a public meeting on station siting before final decisions.