An item was referred to the February 23, 2018 Finance and Citywide Projects Committee (FCWPC), to discuss identifying funding for "above ground" work before initiating neighborhood improvements.

The City Commission had awarded contracts having identified only the portion of the award associated with the underground utilities. Funding of the underground utilities for these anticipated capital projects were budgeted through rate increases and bond sales. In some cases, the funds for the above ground work have been unavailable/ inadequate to cover costs and meet resident expectations. The possibility of utilizing the future anticipated proceeds of the General Obligation Bond was discussed.  Finally, outside experts (Harvard, ULI) have emphasized the need for "place-making" as part of our resiliency efforts.

The FCWPC made a motion to have the Administration identify an existing above ground funding source before moving forward with neighborhood improvement projects.

CONCLUSION

The Administration presents the recommendation of the FCWPC to identify an existing above ground funding source before starting neighborhood improvement projects.

Note: This item has been deferred multiple times. Referred to Finance on 2/14/2018; approved in 2/23/2018 FCWPC. Moved to Commission as resolution on 4/11/2018 where item was not heard. Subsequently, this item was on the 5/16/2018 and 6/6/2018 commission meeting agendas, but was deferred.