City moves forward on $20M grant application

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council approved the budget for a potential “game changing” grant application during its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 16.

For the last several weeks the city has been preparing an application for an EPA Community Change Grant, creating a list of projects that would dramatically boost Charles City.

“It’s a grant, a sizable one, for up to $20 million in projects,” said City Administrator Steve Diers.

Diers has been working with Mayor Dean Andrews, council member Phoebe Pittman, tourism director Ginger Williams, and CCADC CEO Tim Fox to develop a list of projects to improve the community in an environmentally friendly way, such as solar panel instillation, permeable pavers, Whitewater course repairs and renovations, tree vouchers, assistance for energy efficient appliances, and several other projects amounting to about $20 million .

“We’re feeling pretty good about this opportunity,” said Diers.

The council approved the grant application, with council member Patrick Lumley noting that he feels encouraged by the positive developments in the city like the workforce housing project and Medical Center expansion.

“We could be on the cusp of something very special here,” said Lumley.

Regarding projects already in the works, the council set a public hearing date for a resolution that would amend the city’s Urban Renewal Plan to include the City Hall/Police Department renovation so that the project can utilize TIF district funds, along with a public hearing to enter into a general obligation loan to pay for the project.

The council also held the first reading and set a public hearing for the vacation of a portion of 13th Street, which is being traded to the Floyd County Medical Center for several acres of property west of the hospital. FCMC plans to use the eastern portion of 13th Street to join its property and facilitate southward expansion plans, while the city can utilize the western property for continued housing development.

“This seems like a good win/win all the way around,” said council member Delaine Freeseman.

Another public hearing was set to consider the rezoning of property at 500 Kelly Street, owned by David and Tiffany Rottinghaus. It is a residential structure that was zoned for business when it served as the former location of Mara Bridal Boutique. No longer being used as a business, a petition has been filed to rezone the property to residential.

The council also held a public hearing for the first reading of the SOO Green franchise agreement. SOO Green Vice President of Project Development Dr. Raj Rajan was present to answer questions about the high voltage direct current line designed to transmit electricity from Mason City to Illinois, connecting the Midwest and Northeast power grids.

Running the underground line along the railroad right of way, SOO Green needs to make franchise agreements with Charles City, along with 23 other communities along the route, of which 15 have been approved.

The franchise agreement is expected to bring in about $10,000 to the city per year for 25 years.

Having already reviewed the franchise agreement to their satisfaction, the council didn’t have any pressing questions for Rajan and proceed with the first reading. A second reading will be held at the next meeting, with the expectation that the third reading will be waived.

Continuing older business, the council approved a change order and pay request for the One Million Gallon Clearwell Project. Pay request No. 13 brings the amount paid to a total of $4,099,382.85 for work completed. Because the project is substantially overdue, the city is retaining more than $250,000 as the city and contractor negotiate liquidated damages.

“We’re concentrating on getting the project completed first and foremost,” said Engineer-in-Training Brian Sullivan.

The council also approved pay request No. 4 for the Main Street Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $228,826.40 for work completed in July, bringing the total payments thus far to $1,402,652.37.

In other business, Community Development Director Mark Wicks requested a street closure for next month’s SpookWalk event.

Main Street Charles City’s longest running event, the annual SpookWalk will operate the same as last year, with the exception of an earlier start time so that displays can be taken down before it gets too dark.

The SpookWalk will start at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28 for the general public. Kids who don’t do well with crowds can be preregistered for an early walk at 4 p.m.

Wicks also spoke about a façade grant application on behalf of Ryan Boehmer, who is requesting $10,000 to go toward converting the upper story of his building at 417 N. Main St. into an apartment.

“We really encourage upper story rehab and that’s what this is for,” said Wicks.

The council approved the grant application.

Finally, Wicks thanked the city Street Department for the work they did cleaning up after the severe storm last month, particularly in recovering the chamber’s downtown light pole banners, which were distributed across the city by the wind.

“I don’t know how much people realize how much work they had to do,” said Wicks. “We really appreciate it.”

Finally, the council approved a $1,500 donation to the effort to educate the populous about the upcoming Emergency Medical Services support levy, which will be on the ballot countywide for the Nov. 5 election. The city’s donation matches a tentative contribution from the Floyd County Board of Supervisors.

“I think this is a great opportunity to pull the community together to support the EMS levy,” said council member Keith Starr.