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Council reviews $10M-plus TIF projects, River's Edge improvements and a possible $1M library commitment
Summary
Staff reviewed a multi-year capital improvement plan focused on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects including River's Edge erosion and parking, Middle Lake Boulevard drainage, 1st Avenue West streetscape, Falls Park gateway work, and discussed a potential $1 million TIF commitment to help relocate the county library.
City staff used the budget workshop to walk the council through a list of proposed projects tied to the Tax Increment Financing (urban renewal) district, describing priorities and rough cost estimates.
Staff said the TIF district's purpose is redevelopment, not new taxes, and outlined near-term projects including cemetery drainage work on Middle Lake Boulevard, an engineer-led drainage project (staff estimated roughly $5,000 in a discussion of orders of magnitude for smaller engineering scopes and suggested batching with nearby 4th & Talbot work) and street improvements on 1st Avenue West (curb, gutter, sidewalk and water-main replacement) to connect recent downtown investments.
Major TIF projects discussed included a truck-route crossing and intersection upgrade with an estimated range around $750,000 (staff noted it could reach $1 million if extensive sidewalk or road rework is needed), improvements to Falls Park and gateway areas with lighting and plaza enhancements, and an engineering-level concept for Riverside Park access and a new parking area that staff estimated could cost roughly $1.5 million to engineer and build.
Staff also presented a potential proposal to use up to $1 million in urban-renewal funds to help the county library relocate to a more suitable, larger facility. "Staff recommendation right now is... put $1,000,000 down on a property" in support of a library relocation, the presenter said, while noting conversations with the county administrator were ongoing.
On recreation, staff said an expert recommended replacing the pool liner, and presented a contractor estimate range of about $400,000 to $500,000 depending on manufacturer and installation timing; staff advised procuring bids in the fall to avoid peak-season disruption. Parks priorities also included low-maintenance landscaping at highway entry signs, improving disc-golf and playground equipment, and pursuing grants for a Pinewood pavilion and fitness court.
Staff asked for council direction on whether to proceed with engineering studies for large projects; staff said the council will be asked to consider formal approval of the CIP at the July 20 meeting.
Council discussion highlighted opposition to large new downtown parking lots and requested more detailed engineering cost estimates before committing TIF dollars.
