Public works reports debris cleanup and pending FEMA reimbursement; clerk reports grants and collections

Public Works reported progress on debris removal from the January ice storm and said crews completed most of roughly 80 call-ins, with about 10 remaining. The Public Works Director (speaker 13) said the department is assembling paperwork for federal reimbursement and expects to meet federal documentation timelines.

"We had about 30 days to get everything done... we'll have the paperwork done and so forth," the Public Works Director said, noting that safety issues take priority and that right-of-way removals proceed while private-property work requires owner permission unless it is a safety hazard.

The City Clerk reported that the city has collected "a little over $3,000,000" in outstanding property-tax collections and that a contractor previously sending certified letters went out of business and has been replaced. The clerk also reported two grant awards that were resubmitted and approved: $542,433 (unspecified program) and $118,149 for a taxiway runway project. The clerk said the city is pursuing a $620,634.20 Homeland Security reimbursement related to Hurricane Laura.

Council members discussed audit timing and compliance, noting a missed state extension to March 31 and plans to tighten submission schedules for future fiscal years; staff said audits may begin on September 1 under the new cadence.

Council requested continued monthly updates on grant and reimbursement status and asked staff to follow up with inspectors and legal counsel on hazardous-building procedures and potential recoveries via tax-adjudication processes.

Next steps: Public Works to finish remaining call-ins and finalize documentation for FEMA/state reimbursement; City Clerk to provide regular updates on grant awards and collection status.