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Staff outlines potential capital reallocation, audio-system replacement and downtown development goals
Summary
City staff recommended reallocating existing capital borrowing to fund pedestrian-activated signals, replacing a failing council-chambers audio control unit, and discussed stormwater and downtown redevelopment priorities; council asked for follow-up and financial details.
City staff briefed the council on several capital and development items at the March 31 meeting, including proposed reallocations of previously borrowed capital funds, an equipment replacement in council chambers, stormwater financing, and early guidance on redevelopment of a downtown "acres" parcel.
Staff reported that bond proceeds previously borrowed for the Washington Street Bridge (approximately $330,000 originally) have been partly unspent and could be redirected to purchase two pedestrian-activated solar signals at Washington and Madison, which staff estimated at roughly $30,000 each. Staff also reported the audio control unit in the council chambers is failing and that replacement and installation is estimated at about $25,000. The elevator project at City Hall remains pending final state approval because required signage/labels were missing in the control room; staff said those labels are expected to be installed and submitted for photo verification to the state, with final approval possible within days.
On stormwater, staff noted an anticipated multi-hundred-thousand-dollar project this year and said the city may reallocate some capital borrowing to shore up the stormwater fund; staff emphasized the stormwater fund plans to repay borrowed money from fund income. The council heard a heads-up that the city may propose capital-fund amendments in upcoming meetings and asked staff to present detailed figures and funding sources for council review.
Finally, staff updated the council on outreach regarding development of the approximately 2.3-acre downtown parcel (the "acres downtown" site). Earlier concepts included a high-density residential proposal; staff said the city has opened the property for developer interest and asked whether the council prefers minimum unit counts or other development goals. Councilmembers discussed general preferences for a mix of residential density and some ground-floor commercial/active uses along the riverfront and asked staff to prepare development criteria for referral to the CDA or finance committee.
No binding budget amendments or agreements were adopted at the March 31 meeting; staff will return with specific proposals and financial schedules.
