While there has not yet been a formal denial, it appears Iola and USD 257 will be unsuccessful in securing a federal grant to install artificial turf atop a baseball and softball field at Riverside Park.
The matter will be discussed at Monday’s City Council meeting.
City Administrator Matt Rehder will discuss options now that it appears an Environmental Protection Agency grant will be a no-go. Had it been approved, the EPA grant would have funded much of the project, which would have included other flood mitigation elements at a projected cost of $3.7 million.
In a note to Council members, Rehder said the city could pursue a Community Development Block Grant that would pay for $650,000 of the project with a $130,000 match.
This, coupled with money from USD 257, could put turf on Fields 2 and 3 at Riverside Park at a projected cost of about $1.75 million.
But for now, it’s up to the Council to decide at what level, if any, the city wishes to further pursue the matter.
ALSO to be discussed Monday is whether to extend the time during which fireworks can be sold locally.
State lawmakers extended the deadline to allow fireworks sales from temporary stands from June 20 through July 7, and year-round from permanent structures.
Iola allows fireworks sales and usage June 27 through July 5.
In another matter, the Council will decide on a request to allow a fireworks show following a July 1 baseball game featuring the newly established KC/Iola Hormigas at Allen Community College.
Council approval is necessary due to the type of fireworks that will be a part of the display, with sky rockets and mortars, which are prohibited in city limits.
COUNCIL members also are expected to take final action on establishing the City of Iola Land Bank, which allows the city to take in properties for future development.
There will be several stipulations, Rehder said. The land must be vacant, with a minimum 50-by-100 parcel, for single-family use. The land also must have a clear title and transferred to the city via quit claim deed.
ALSO on the agenda is a discussion about the city’s purchasing policy, which allows the city to favor local vendors, provided their bid is within 7% of the lowest comparable bid.
The discussion was requested by Councilman Jon Wells
Monday’s 6 p.m. meeting will be at the New Community Building at Riverside Park.
