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City staff: federal SAFER grant on pause; Parks and Rec narrows skate-park sites, readies summer programs
Summary
City staff told council that a federal pause on grant funding may affect a SAFER grant for nine planned firefighters; Parks and Recreation reported progress on a skate-park site study, nature-playground construction and summer-program fee adjustments
City administrative staff reported Feb. 3 that a federal pause on certain funding could affect several grants and loans the city is tracking, notably a SAFER grant that would fund nine firefighter positions. Staff said they are coordinating with grant authorities, the National League of Cities and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities to monitor any impact. "We are actively recruiting but have not hired any of them as of yet," staff said regarding the planned positions.
The council also received a Parks and Recreation report. The commission’s skate-park study has been narrowed to four or five preferred site options after vetting 23 locations against 18 criteria; staff plan additional community outreach on location and usage. A planned Eagle Scout project to install steps at Ridge Run Park was accepted; staff said the aqua-park daily fee will increase from $4 to $8 with package options to soften the change while the general swim pass fee will decrease because the diving ramp is absent. Commission members noted increased camper capacity at Lac La Ronne and continued progress on a nature playground.
Council acknowledged the reports and asked staff to continue coordination on the SAFER grant and outreach on parks items.
