At its recent meeting, the Portola City Council reviewed ongoing and future uses for the $461,000 allocated to the city under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funds, designed to address community needs stemming from the pandemic, have been partially allocated to initiatives such as community cleanup projects, property acquisitions, and the development of a new dog park.
Public Works Director Todd Roberts proposed a reduction in budgeted materials costs for these projects, as city staff will take on much of the labor. This adjustment would allow the city to redirect ARPA funds to other eligible projects that align with community priorities.
In a move to promote healthier habits, the council discussed installing water bottle filling stations at key locations, including West End Park, the Riverwalk, and the municipal pool. Some proposed models feature components for dog access, enhancing their utility. These installations are expected to be finalized in the coming months, with additional planning to take place in December.
The council also highlighted its collaboration with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to distribute emergency preparedness flyers with December’s utility bills. This initiative aims to educate residents on accessing resources during winter power outages, such as real-time updates on warming centers and other emergency services. Funding for color-printed versions of the flyers was approved to ensure the information is clear and engaging for residents.
The next steps for these initiatives will be revisited in December.
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