Title
Authorizing the use of the Neighborhood STAR Program funds for Public Works' sidewalk program and bike & pedestrian improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2023, the Neighborhood STAR Board reviewed proposals from Saint Paul Public Works Department (“Public Works”) for a sidewalk program, and bike and pedestrian improvements (“Projects”); and
WHEREAS, these Projects provide for city-wide capital improvements to address sidewalk maintenance needs and bike and pedestrian traffic needs; and
WHEREAS, a private match was not pledged to these Projects; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood STAR Board rated the sidewalk Project a 1.5, and the bike and pedestrian improvements Project a 1.4 on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high); and
WHEREAS, due to the community significance of these Projects, the following three waivers to City Council approved Neighborhood STAR Guidelines are being recommended: (1) waiver to the requirement that a City Department have a partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group; and (2) waiver of the required $1 for $1 match with private resources; and (3) waiver to the requirement that no funds be spent until the STAR funds are awarded; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Mayor and the Saint Paul City Council to participate in the financing of these activities by a total of $1,474,975 for the Public Works Sidewalk Project, and $380,000 for Public Works Bike and Pedestrian Project through the 2022 and 2023 Neighborhood STAR Programs; now be it
RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Saint Paul:
1. that upon the recommendation of the Mayor that funds are available for appropriation, the Neighborhood STAR awards for the Projects as described above are hereby approved.
2. that the following waivers are approved due to the community significance of the Projects:
a. Public Works is not required to obtain a neighborhood and/or community group for the Projects; and
b. There is no funding match requirement for the Projects; and
c. Public Works can use the awarded Neighborhood STAR funds to reimburse itself for expenses that were incurred any time after April 15, 2023.
3. that City staff and officials are authorized to take all actions necessary to carry out the activities authorized by this Resolution, including finalizing all documents and agreements, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office.