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Council hears debate over CDBG application: $98,000 proposed for ADA ramps in low‑income neighborhoods, some members ask why drainage wasn’t prioritized
Summary
Staff said a $98,000 FY26 CDBG submittal would fund ADA ramps/sidewalk repairs in targeted CDBG neighborhoods; some council members questioned whether a nearby drainage project (with higher low‑income percentage) should instead have been prioritized but staff said application timing and bidding constraints limited options.
City staff briefed the council on the city's proposed FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) submittal on June 2 and explained the rationale for selecting ADA ramps and sidewalk repairs for the available ~$98,000 allocation.
Assistant Public Works Director Shiad Muhammed said staff used GIS analysis to identify two subdivisions within the city's CDBG service area that show documented need for ADA ramps and sidewalk work and that the $98,000 amount limits options for larger CIP‑scale drainage projects. "Given that specific amount availability it does limit the options of what we can do," Muhammed said, explaining the application window and bid requirements that require a defined scope and schedule.
Several councilmembers asked whether drainage projects — including an area outside the city hall identified in the inland‑port/drainage study with an 81.10% low‑income rating — might better justify the funds. Councilmember Jared Davis noted the high low‑income rating and suggested the city examine whether leveraging the CDBG amount into a larger drainage project would yield more impact.
Staff replied that while larger drainage projects could be a good fit, the timing for the CDBG application and bidding rules made it difficult to package a larger execution project within the available window; staff said the city's safer‑streets grant is a planning award and would not directly fund construction. Muhammed said ADA ramps and sidewalks are within staff's control to deliver on the required schedule and that the city has no dedicated ADA sidewalk fund.
Council discussion touched on leveraging small grants into larger projects, the need for a five‑year CIP/prioritization and the upcoming budget workshop June 30 as opportunities to consider strategic funding. Staff said they submitted the CDBG application to avoid forfeiting the immediate funding opportunity and will work to better align larger CIP priorities for future rounds.
Ending: Council ratified the staff action to submit the CDBG application for ADA sidewalk/ramp work and directed staff to return with follow‑up information about priority alignment and opportunities to leverage the funds with other sources.
