Public Works seeks grants for salt storage, parks repairs and urban forestry; proposes billing tweak and equipment purchases

The public-works representative reported several items for council consideration: acceptance of $1,500 in donations to purchase a memorial bench; a corrective change to water billing after the city’s billing software could not process a zero-dollar charge (staff proposed charging one cent per quarter for inactive lines); and multiple grant applications.

On grants, staff said a salt-storage building would cost about $150,000 and the likely total for associated equipment could push the project to roughly $200,000, creating a likely $50,000 match obligation for the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP). Staff also described applying to the Parks Preservation and Heritage Fund for building repairs (typical asks about $500,000 with an estimated $250,000 match coming from capital project lines) and to the Urban Forestry round 17 (minimum ask $50,000) to remove dead and dying trees.

Public Works asked for authorization for an addendum with CT Mail adding $5,750 for assistance finding new water sources, and for approval of a dump truck with chipper not to exceed approximately $173,701.50 to support the tree crew.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about matches and funding sources; staff said matches would most likely come from capital funds if awards are received. Several items will return for formal authorization or vote.