ON THE AGENDA Here are a few...

ON THE AGENDA

Here are a few of the items the City Council will discuss tonight.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS

The city will receive $1.7 million in block grant funds for fiscal

year 2003-04. The Department of Housing and Urban Development allows

a maximum of 15% of these funds to be used for public service

programs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Twenty-six

applications were received. One of the funding guidelines adopted

previously by the council is that 40% of public service grant funds

may be allocated for homelessness prevention and homeless assistance

programs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Eighteen grants are recommended, representing $231,580.

“Every year, we have to make tough decisions, and there are people

who think they’re deserving ... and we’ll do the best we can,”

Councilman Gary Monahan said.

KOHL’S APPEAL

On Feb. 24, the Planning Commission approved the demolition of

Edwards Theater, the Ice Capades Chalet and Kona Lanes to make way

for a 95,839-square-foot Kohl’s Department Store. On Feb. 28, Mayor

Karen Robinson appealed the approval because she believes the city

does not provide enough recreational opportunities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Kohl’s has asked for a postponement because there are two traffic

studies that are outstanding, City Manager Allan Roeder said.

Robinson said she is ready to vote.

“I certainly have seen more than enough information about it to

make a decision on Monday about this particular project,” Robinson

said. “I think we all know what the traffic conditions are in this

area. ... The intersections are level D and E, so that’s pretty

impacted.”

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM

In September, the Planning Commission recommended that the council

adopt an Art in Public Places ordinance and policy manual. A council

study session on the topic was held in January.

The commission prefers to focus on “monumental sculptures” as

eligible artwork because they are bolder and more visual art

statements and are also less likely to attract graffiti.

Based on a review of other cities’ programs, the commission

determined two types of projects should be subject to an Art in

Public Places fee: new commercial and industrial development with a

building valuation of $750,000 or more; and exterior tenant

improvements, remodeling, repair or reconstruction projects with a

building valuation of $750,000 or more for existing commercial and

industrial development.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Staff recommends approval of the ordinance and the manual.

“A tax is a tax is a tax, and if we believe the developers can

afford to pay more money, then maybe we should put that into roads,”

Monahan said.

-- Deirdre Newman