Review: April 22 Council Meeting
The City of Sierra Vista’s Draft 2021 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan is now open for a 30-day public comment period after being presented to the City Council at a public hearing on Thursday.
The plan was revised based on the guidance provided by the City Council at a public hearing in March when City staff and three nonprofit organizations presented proposals for how to use the City’s anticipated allocation of $254,678 for the plan year starting July 1, 2021. The City receives CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year. CDBG funds must benefit low to moderate income persons, aid in the prevention of slums and blight, or meet another urgent community need.
The projects recommended for inclusion in the 2021 Annual Action Plan are:
- Improvements at Cyr Center Park ($170,733) — The proposed funding will be combined with last year’s CDBG allocation to complete a proposed 113-space parking lot in a single construction phase, which will reduce development costs. This proposal builds upon previous improvements to the soccer fields and surrounding area, including demolition of the old public works yard.
- Emergency Home Repair and Disabilities Modification Program ($50,000) — This program offers funding assistance to Sierra Vista homeowners for emergency repairs to correct substandard housing conditions. Accessibility modifications needed for people who are elderly or disabled are also eligible for support under the program.
- Good Neighbor Alliance Kitchen Remodel ($18,945) — The local emergency shelter’s kitchen has not been remodeled since 2005 and needs new countertops, cabinets, drawers, a pantry, and a dishwasher. Good Neighbor Alliance currently prepares about 750 meals each year for the clients they serve.
- Society of St. Vincent De Paul, St. Andrew Conference Paved Parking for Barrier-Free Access and Client Safety ($15,000) — This project entails grading and paving seven additional parking spaces and a drive aisle to provide barrier free access to the food bank and conference offices where clients meet with case workers.
The full Draft 2021 CDBG Annual Action Plan is available for review and public comment.
Council accepts FAA grants
The City Council approved the acceptance of two grants from the Federal Aviation Administration for use at the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport at its meeting on Thursday.
One grant in the amount of $839,469 will completely cover needed pavement rehabilitation work on an apron area near the airport’s terminal and on a nearby taxiway. This grant is being provided through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.
The second grant totals $13,000 and is being provided through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriates Act. The purpose of the grant is help maintain safe and efficient airport operations, to include increased expenses associated with heightened sanitation measures. This includes reimbursement for airport operational and maintenance expenses incurred no earlier than Jan. 20, 2020, or debt service payments that occur on or after Dec. 27, 2020.
The City Council also approved the acceptance of a 20-foot-wide sewer easement to accommodate a sewer line extension for the Dutch Bros site planned for 475 N. State Route 90.
Details on the council meeting items are available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, April 23, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the “City Council” folder on the City’s document server at docserve.sierravistaaz.gov/.
City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12.
