Work on two of the city's biggest projects continues as the City of California Board of Aldermen discusses new measures.
On Monday, Bartlett and West project manager Sarah Kirkegaard briefed members on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding requirements for the city.
With applications to ARPA opening back up, the board evaluated how it should approach gaining future funds. According to Kirkegaard, the maximum amount of funds ARPA would be offering is $5 million for drinking water and wastewater. She explained to attain these funds, the organization would need a commitment from the city.
A local government is obligated to match a certain percentage of the amount awarded. Kirkegaard understood the board wanted to do a 10 percent match -- amounting $500,000 for each grant if the maximum of $5 million.
She told members good news as Barlett and West has all the elements it needs to apply for California. She said the city's engineering report, sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and its competitive cash amount are two very important advantages when gaining funding.
This was promising to the board, although there were still some questions.
Alderman Buck Moody noted the city would be promising $1 million if they are awarded the maximum of both grants. He asked if the money would be able to completely cover issues stemming from drinking water and wastewater.
Mayor Rich Green responded it would not be able to attend to all of the issues concerning wastewater . Although, he said the money would still do a lot of good in that area -- including the wastewater treatment plant, which is in need of a significant update.
He explained the money from the ARPA drinking water grant would be enough to cover the water portion of the Bartlett and West study. Combined with a potential grant from the Department of Natural Resources as well as additional money, funding for drinking water projects would be at 100 percent.
Kirkegaard said, if awarded, the city will need to have substantial completion of projects within four years. She said December 31, 2026 is when all ARPA grants must be expended.
Members switched focus on to another prominent topic. The board is still discussing the possibility of annexing land and opening a hotel establishment with Cobbelstone Hotels.
Before anything official is set up between California and the hotel company, California must find a feasibility report informing board members on whether a hotel is possible within the area.
Green came back to the board with an update, stating the Growth Services Group (GSG) located in Hannibal reached out to the city. The company made an offer to perform feasibility services for California. The city would pay half of the $7,500 cost upfront if the offer were accepted.
The study would evaluate everything surrounding California and Moniteau County relative to the economics of the hotel. It would also allow board members to analyze the potential impact on the city if a hotel were to be established.
The board agreed to enter into a contract with GSG for the hotel feasibility report.