City staff outlines phased plan for bond-funded sidewalks, drainage, fire stations and airport match; council gives direction

City staff presented a phased approach to spending proceeds from the general obligation bond authorized by the Nov. 7, 2023 election and the council gave direction to proceed toward a May sale.

Mapleton (staff) outlined two scenarios that split projects into three tranches with a possible fourth tranche tied to the airport. He said the first tranche would include funds for airport match on runway resurfacing and an airport layout plan, land acquisition and the design and construction of one replacement central fire station. "What we have in the first tranche... is a portion for match regarding the airport layout plan and the runway," Mapleton said.

Staff recommended advancing planning work—especially for pedestrian and sidewalks—so projects would be implementation‑ready and could better leverage state and federal funding. Kase Opperman, director of public works and city engineer, told the council tranche 1 includes about $1.2 million for design, surveying and potential easements and emphasized coordinating street and drainage work to avoid paving that would soon be excavated for utilities.

Council members pressed on sequencing and costs for fire stations. A council member asked about a $19 million figure for fire stations; staff and Chief Brown explained the $19 million covers planning and design for three stations, with $10 million allocated to land acquisition and construction of the first station and design work for the other two so their later construction could use standardized plans.

On funding strategy, Mapleton urged targeting projects that strengthen bids for federal participation—particularly in lower income census tracts—and using pre‑award authority to build local match. He said the city would seek additional federal and legislative support and that a pedestrian‑transit master plan would improve competitiveness for grant funds.

Resident Brandy Cartwright asked how public input would be gathered; staff said the city will advertise and solicit feedback through social media and community channels and hold additional outreach if a pedestrian master plan is pursued.

Mapleton said staff will return to the council for the formal sale approval at the May 7 meeting. Council gave staff direction to continue developing tranche plans and outreach.