Need may outweigh community requests
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Starke could use $84,000 in remaining federal funds to carry out long overdue ADA improvements at city hall.
A study on improving accessibility of city facilities including city hall has been collecting dust for several years. There city intended to set aside funding annually to begin paying for the projects, but it never happened.
On Oct. 4, City Manager Drew Mullins told the board that using the remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan Act would be a good start.
Previously, representatives from several groups appeared before the commission to request the remaining ARPA funds. They included a local masonic lodge, Communities in Schools and The Arc of Bradford County.
Mullins said city hall uses its space poorly and is not easily accessible to all. He called it “cold and closed off.” In addition to making it more citizen friendly, Mullins discussed audio-visual upgrades for the boardroom.
Commissioners agreed on the need for remodeling and to finally address ADA compliance. Their attorney, Clay Martin, said as a government entity, the city doesn’t enjoy any “grandfather” status dating to before the standards became law. Not making a reasonable effort to comply within its available resources is what could become a problem.
“If the city has made the effort to have a plan and then puts it on a shelf, that’s equally dangerous,” he said.
Commissioners did not agree on using ARPA funds, however. Commissioner Andy Redding didn’t like the perception of the city hearing from community groups and then deciding to keep the funds for another purpose. He and the other commissioners requested the manager seek grant funding.
The remaining ARPA funds will remain unencumbered for a month or two while possibilities are investigated. The commission might need the money to match a grant award.
The commission has committed $400,000 in ARPA funding for a City Walk project to improve and beautify the downtown area. Concerned Citizens of Bradford County will receive $200,000 to help fund RJE gymnasium renovation in the event in the event they are not able to obtain a grant.
Funds were also used on the Orange Street paving project, the purchase of software, police cars, a bucket truck, a vac truck, and to replenish money spent on absorbing higher fuel costs for electric customers.
The ADA compliance report suggested the city budget $100,000 a year over four years renovate city hall.
