Webb reports on City activities

City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb gave the following report for the month of October to the commission at the city’s Nov 3 regular meeting.

Webb told commissioners that the city received word from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the agency approved the final plans for the Fire/Police Station and that the project would now go out for bid to contractors for construction.

Funding for the project is made possible through the American Recovery Act (stimulus funding), which include a $150,000 grant and a $506,000 low interest loan.

Webb also reported on the status of the Architect Request for Qualifications (RFQ) opened at the October 6 meeting. She told commissioners that the review committee is working with the Planning and Zoning Board and will conduct interviews for a formal recommendation to the City Commission for a final decision at the December 8, meeting.

The commission let bids for a pool of Architects to advise the City Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board on construction and design matters of historic significance to the city.

Webb included in her report that the city has received final approval for Project Impact funding and that the new program at the city’s site started on Monday, Nov 2.

Project Impact is an after school, summer program funded through the U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant for five years. Funding for the first year totals $492,000.