City Of Crane Postpones Demolition Application To Next Grant Cycle
August 15, 2019
Isaac Estes-Jones
Brandon Jenson with Southwest Missouri Council of Governments spoke to the Crane Board of Aldermen at the August 5 meeting. Jenson is assisting the city as they pursue a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to demolish unsafe and blighted buildings in the city.
The city had identified over 30 structures they felt fell into the categories necessary to receive the CDBG. Despite good effort shown by all involved, the City was unable to complete their application for the current grant cycle. The grant will reopen next year, and city leaders plan to have everything ready to go when those applications are open.
Jenson went over several documents designed to help the city make it’s application as competitive as possible, increasing the likelihood that Crane is selected next year.
Of particular importance is a continuing budget line-item with funds set aside to help remove these structures. Jenson suggested applying around $5,000 each year to help take down one or two of the buildings, following the CDBG guidelines.
While Jenson is optimistic Crane will be awarded funds through the grant, he did advise the city that they were unlikely to get all 30 properties demolished with even the possible $200,000 maximum grant amount.
Mayor Brannan asked why Jenson was skeptical. “Well, with the maximum of $200,000 for private property, we have to account for the costs of removing the structure to the ground, hauling all of the materials away–which can be quite expensive in rural areas–and plan for any asbestos removal and mitigation,” Jenson said.
Additional issues that may stand in the way of completing the removal of all of the properties identified by the city include the requirement that all properties have a clear title, free of any tax liens. Mayor Brannan indicated there were several identified properties that may not clear that hurdle.
Jenson concluded his discussion with several suggestions of preparations the city can undertake to submit the strongest application possible, including identifying inspectors and contractors to contact with requests for bids when the time comes to start work.
Other items that came before the Aldermen at the August 5 meeting included updates on the police department’s radar gun. The device was purchased and is in use. Some in attendance worried there was still too much speeding in the city, but some on the board felt a change was slowly taking place.
Additionally, the air conditioner and some door motors in City property were damaged during a power surge, but necessary repairs were completed.
The trash service contract with Republic Services was discussed at some length. Included in that contract are annual, automatic fee increases of approximately 3%. Last year, that increase was not applied by either Republic or the City, so the trash company now wants the full 6% they are owed under their contract. Citizens can expect to find the increase on upcoming bills.
Additionally, Republic is asking for around $1.25 per month for residential recycling service, something that previously was free. This change has to do with the global market for recyclable materials. The city advises customers keep an eye on their bills for a letter announcing the changes and any required action by those keeping the recycling service.
Isaac Estes-Jones
Brandon Jenson with Southwest Missouri Council of Governments spoke to the Crane Board of Aldermen at the August 5 meeting. Jenson is assisting the city as they pursue a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to demolish unsafe and blighted buildings in the city.
The city had identified over 30 structures they felt fell into the categories necessary to receive the CDBG. Despite good effort shown by all involved, the City was unable to complete their application for the current grant cycle. The grant will reopen next year, and city leaders plan to have everything ready to go when those applications are open.
Jenson went over several documents designed to help the city make it’s application as competitive as possible, increasing the likelihood that Crane is selected next year.
Of particular importance is a continuing budget line-item with funds set aside to help remove these structures. Jenson suggested applying around $5,000 each year to help take down one or two of the buildings, following the CDBG guidelines.
While Jenson is optimistic Crane will be awarded funds through the grant, he did advise the city that they were unlikely to get all 30 properties demolished with even the possible $200,000 maximum grant amount.
Mayor Brannan asked why Jenson was skeptical. “Well, with the maximum of $200,000 for private property, we have to account for the costs of removing the structure to the ground, hauling all of the materials away–which can be quite expensive in rural areas–and plan for any asbestos removal and mitigation,” Jenson said.
Additional issues that may stand in the way of completing the removal of all of the properties identified by the city include the requirement that all properties have a clear title, free of any tax liens. Mayor Brannan indicated there were several identified properties that may not clear that hurdle.
Jenson concluded his discussion with several suggestions of preparations the city can undertake to submit the strongest application possible, including identifying inspectors and contractors to contact with requests for bids when the time comes to start work.
Other items that came before the Aldermen at the August 5 meeting included updates on the police department’s radar gun. The device was purchased and is in use. Some in attendance worried there was still too much speeding in the city, but some on the board felt a change was slowly taking place.
Additionally, the air conditioner and some door motors in City property were damaged during a power surge, but necessary repairs were completed.
The trash service contract with Republic Services was discussed at some length. Included in that contract are annual, automatic fee increases of approximately 3%. Last year, that increase was not applied by either Republic or the City, so the trash company now wants the full 6% they are owed under their contract. Citizens can expect to find the increase on upcoming bills.
Additionally, Republic is asking for around $1.25 per month for residential recycling service, something that previously was free. This change has to do with the global market for recyclable materials. The city advises customers keep an eye on their bills for a letter announcing the changes and any required action by those keeping the recycling service.