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Commission backs design funding to make Wi‑Fi expansion shovel ready for $2M grant
Summary
Staff told the commission that pursuing a $2 million grant for the commons Wi‑Fi expansion will require engineering and architectural work estimated at $150,000–$200,000; the commission discussed adding the design phase to the CIP or seeking a planning grant.
Staff briefed the commission that a competitive $2,000,000 grant for the Wi‑Fi (WiFAP) expansion requires detailed engineering and architectural plans to reach shovel‑ready status.
A staff member summarized the requirement: to apply for the $2,000,000 grant, "we have to hire engineers. We have to hire an architect and actually come up with a design that could get us to the point where we can have 2 bids, and permits." That preparatory phase was estimated at roughly $150,000–$200,000. Commissioners discussed whether to add design funding to the CIP now or wait and pursue a planning‑grant opportunity; staff warned planning grants can take a year or more and recommended some CIP funding to move design work forward.
Several commissioners supported forming a small work group to handle floor plans and grant materials, similar to the bathroom project work group used earlier. The commission asked staff to research likely grant programs, cost‑share options and timeline implications and to bring a recommendation for funding the design phase at an upcoming meeting.
