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7 <br /> Dr. Atkins said the reasons for dropping out are known, but that is not where the <br />concentration is. She said staff concentrates on strategies that work and what causes <br />students to stay in school. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION <br />: USE OF DOWNTOWN MALL PROJECT FUNDS <br /> <br /> Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said that $1.1 <br />million, and likely more, remains in the downtown mall renovation project fund. He <br />nd <br />recommended using the funds for the following three projects: 2 Street improvements; <br />th <br />Corner improvements; and enhancement of 6 Street between City Hall and the parking <br />garage. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Huja, Mr. Tolbert said bricks will replace the <br />th <br />concrete sidewalks on 14 Street. Mr. Huja said that granite wears better, but Mr. <br />Tolbert said it is a cost issue. <br /> <br />nd <br /> Mr. Huja said he is not sure we need to spend $800,000 on 2 Street and thinks <br />we should be able to do better than that. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said the cost is due to the volume of utility work needed and size of <br />the storm drainage. <br /> <br />th <br /> Mr. Huja said that while it would be nice to do 6 Street, he is not sure that is the <br />ndth <br />highest priority. He suggested doing 2 Street, N.W. from the mall to McGuffey, 5 <br />Street linking the mall to Court Square, or from central place to Lee Park and the library. <br />He said these would be cheaper projects and the streets are heavily used. <br /> <br />th <br /> Mr. Tolbert said the 6 Street project can be left for now and the $300,000 for <br />that can be withheld. <br /> <br /> Ms. Edwards said she had received a comment about whether some of the savings <br />could be used to reduce vendor fees, and Mr. Tolbert said vendor fees will be discussed <br />in the fall. <br /> <br />nd <br /> Dr. Brown said he supports the Corner and 2 Street projects, with the <br />clarification that there is not concern about damage with future construction of the hotel. <br />th <br />He said he shares Mr. Huja’s concerns about 6 Street, and suggested that the $300,000 <br />be left unallocated for CIP projects if there is a shortfall. <br /> <br />th <br /> Mr. Taliaferro asked if there is a safety issue with 6 Street because of its heavy <br />use, and Mr. Tolbert said safety and beautification. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris agreed that in this economy it would be hard to justify cosmetic <br />nd <br />projects. He asked about the developer’s original commitment to 2 Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said the developers of the hotel committed to $217,000. He said their <br />bond is being held and discussions are being held to resolve issues. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked why we should repair the curbs on the Corner if they will just <br />be damaged again, and Mr. Tolbert said they lasted 25 years and the sidewalks are a trip <br />hazard and something has to be done. <br /> <br />nd <br /> Mr. Huja suggested reducing the budgets for the 2 Street and Corner projects by <br />$50,000 to $75,000 each. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said he cannot sign the contract for the work if there are not adequate <br />funds available. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown made a motion to approve the reallocation of the mall funds, reducing <br />th <br />the total amount to $800,000 and deleting the $300,000 for 6 Street. Mr. Huja seconded <br />the motion and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, <br />Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. <br /> <br />