Cresco transferring ARPA funds for water/sewer

CRESCO - The June 6 Cresco City Council meeting was one of the shortest on record at 15 minutes, as most items were standard resolutions.

The biggest dollar amount resolution was transfering funds for FY2022 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant for $110,000. Council had previously voted to use the funds on water and sewer infrastructure. 

This included $15,000 to the water operation fund for valve replacements; $15,000 to the water project fund for watermain upgrade to six inches on Highway 9; $50,000 to the sewer revenue fund for critical sewer main repairs performed by CIT; and $30,000 for replacing grit classifier and cyclone at the wastewater plant.

Other resolutions approved by Council included:

~ A budget amendment to increase revenues for airport prepaid rent, insurance reimbursement, Alliant grant for HVAC study and donations not originally budgeted. As well as expenses that decreased due to sewer grit project and eliminating the grouting of the manhole risers project.

~ Revising the employee handbook

~Wage and benefit agreement for full-time non-union employees

~ Wage increases for specified permanent part-time employees

~ Approving contract and bond for the project to convert existing tennis court to pickleball for the city

~ Authorizing the mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with WHKS for downtown crosswalk reconstruction Project

~ Authorizing the mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Twin Rivers Engineer Consultants Inc. for City building HVAC documentation

~ Change order for runway drainage improvements project for the airport and

~ Authorizing the mayor to sign the offer of employment for the deputy city clerk position in training for the city clerk position.

• The second readings of the water rates and sewer service chargers were read and approved.

• Council approved closing the Cresco Public Library alley for a Farm Day Program on July 13 from 10-11 a.m.

• Jeromy and Rachel Sweeney were approved for a tax abatement under the Urban Revitalization Plan for a garage.

• Cigarette and tobacco permits were approved for Casey’s, Fareway, Cresco Mart, The Ox & Wren Spirits & Gifts, Sweeney’s Lounge, Kwik Star and Dollar General.