City Council talk upcoming projects

American Rescue Plan Act funds

As a part of the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 $350 Billion was delegated out to local governments and as a city of under 50,000 Osceola’s funding will come from the State government. The funding for Osceola will be about $730,000.

“The one that I am going to strongly suggest that we take a look at for those funds pertains to sewer and water,” said Ty Wheeler, City Administrator. “There is also broadband infrastructure, support Public Health response, replace public sector lost revenue, premium pay for essential workers, but I think the water sewer infrastructure is a need that we could point to and could use the funds in the way they are intended to be used.”

Wheeler suggested the council look at an area on North Main Street right about at the city limits near Miller Products and the little league fields. The properties, mainly on the west side, are either on septic or tanks not on sewer. Wheeler believes that would lead to greater opportunities for redevelopment of property.

The council approved the execution of the award terms and the compliance document in order to accept the funds.

Underground storm water project

The city got a $500,000 CDBG grant for storm water detention at 217 W. Washington St. In order to get the project started they recently had an environmental review done which found that there was an historic home there at one time. Due to this find there now needs to be a phase one archaeological dig done at the site to catalog any historical artifacts that may be present and how they should be preserved.

Wheeler suggested the council approve the bid from CAS Archaeology. The funds to pay the archaeologists are able to be fully grant funded. The archaeological dig will take about 40 to 50 days.

The council approved the agreement with CAS Archaeology.

Mayor’s report

Mayor Thomas Kedley thanked everyone for the 4th of July Celebration volunteers and those who made it up to celebrate on the square to enjoy the festivities. He also thanked the waste water treatment department for their updated tour and they are planning a tour of Revelton Distillery. Kedley also mentioned the technology improvements that have been made at City Hall. The last budget had $10,000 set aside for technology improvements there and they were able to accomplish their technology goals for only $2,000.

City Administrator’s report

The city got their claims from hail damage which was a lump sum of $550,000 and recoverable depreciation of about $200,000.

Wheeler announced that he received the site plan for Osceola Family Dollar Tree to be located between Jet Fitness and Great Western Bank. He foresees the need to do a small sewer main project in that location while construction is going on.

“It’s exciting stuff. I would anticipate an approved by Planning and Zoning next week so it will be to the council on the 24th,” said Wheeler.