Council hears updates on DRI, Department of State grants and capital projects including Niagara Street and DPW garage work

City staff briefed the Common Council on several capital projects and grant developments that could affect the downtown and waterfront.

Staff credited outside grant consultants with a measurable return: council discussion referenced consultant-facilitated awards described as millions in grant funding brought to the city since the firm was hired. In the meeting staff singled out $10 million and other DRI-related funding as examples of recent awards the city helped secure, and said the city’s overall grant yield had been substantial since contracting the consultant.

Separately, staff reported they expect a $2 million Department of State grant for canal ramp and related work; staff said using the $2 million would allow the DRI program to reallocate an additional $2 million to other projects in the DRI pipeline. The mayor and staff described that change as likely to increase the number of DRI-funded projects the city can advance.

Design and project updates included a planned $7 million Niagara Street project that, once designed, will be eligible for grant submittals; staff said project scope includes road repaving and reconstructed gutters along the river side. Sewer lining work was also discussed: staff described recent CCTV inspections, the lining process and the possibility that residents will need to install check valves to prevent basement backup if relining changes flow dynamics — staff cited the check-valve option as a homeowner responsibility and noted a historical example where residents later filed claims tied to relining work.

On municipal facilities, staff described a capital budget allocation for design work on the Department of Public Works (DPW) office portion of a garage roof project and said they plan to solicit bids for the vehicle-bay roof under a bond-funded project; staff asked for a verbal go-ahead to begin design work before the formal bond authorization in May so the city could realize procurement and scheduling advantages. Council members agreed staff could start design work but noted final expenditures remain contingent upon bond approval and the capital budget process.

No final contract awards or bond authorizations were approved at the session; staff said they would return with final figures and formal resolutions when appropriate.