(A) The sum of $15,000 shall be deposited by the Clerk-Treasurer in the “Sidewalk Construction, Repair and Replacement Non-Reverting Fund” as previously established by the Common Council.
(B) The Board of Works shall utilize this sum to fund a sidewalk improvement program. The Board of Works shall make it known that the city is providing a match of not greater than half the cost of a repair project or $500, whichever is less, to property owners who wish to make improvements, repair, replace or maintain their sidewalks.
(C) Any property owner wishing to take advantage of this program must submit an application to the Board of Works. That application must include a photograph of the sidewalk to be repaired, a statement of the work to be performed, and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials.
(D) The Board of Works shall prepare a form to be utilized by the citizens for application for reimbursement funds pursuant to this section.
(E) The applicant must own the property on which the improvements take place.
(F) Upon receipt of the application, the Building Inspector shall go to the site and make a pre-construction inspection of the site. Thereafter he or she will report to the Board of Works which will then consider the application. If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified in writing of the approval and the amount that will be paid upon completion of the work referred to in the application. After completion of the work, and prior to payment, the applicant will provide the Board of Works with proof of payment for the improvements or repairs made. Further, the Building Instructor will complete a post- construction inspection. Provided the sidewalk passes the city inspection, and all work has been paid, an amount equal to that which has been previously approved by the Board will be made payable to the applicant.
(G) The city will not be a party to any contract with contractors or third-party for repairs. The city does not warrant the work that will be performed. This provides reimbursement of sums mentioned above to the property owner after work has been completed.
(H) All work performed must meet city specifications, be preapproved by the Building Inspector, and receive final approval and inspection from the Building Inspector after completion of the work.
(I) Once an application is granted and the owner receives written notice of same, the applicant will have 40 days to complete the work and request reimbursement. After the 40 days, the city reimbursement offer shall expire and those funds will be made available to other applicants. Upon exhaustion of the $15,000 referred to herein above, this reimbursement program shall expire unless funded by further appropriations of the Common Council.
(J) This Sidewalk Reimbursement Program shall not be available to any elected official of the city or any of the immediate family members of said elected officials.
(K) An applicant may only apply for this grant once in any four year period.
(Res. 05182015-1, passed 5-18-15)