By Bonnie Culverhouse
Minden City Council held a workshop Monday to discuss allocation of around $4.1 million of ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds. The money is a one-time shot in the arm for municipalities hit hard by the Covid 19 pandemic era.
“A large portion (of the money) will go to the new public works building,” Mayor Nick Cox said. “It will be in two phases, and the first one will be about $800,000 – that’s commercial work, and everything is so expensive these days.”
Phase I will be the public works office complex and control center, which is around 3,200 square feet.
Phase II would include storage for trucks and equipment. That phase could be around $500,000.
“I anticipate spending roughly $1.5 million total on that project,” said the mayor. “That still leaves us around $2.5 million, so I feel like we should go ahead and do the animal shelter. When are we going to have another chance to have extra money to do this?”
Over the past couple of years, Minden City Council has talked about the condition of the city’s animal shelter. Late mayor Terry Gardner was met with some resistance as he tried to move the current shelter by building a new one on city property.
Then possible improvements on the current shelter were discussed and grant funds in the amount of $75,000 were acquired.
When the project was first discussed, cost appeared to be around $350,000 to $400,000. The mayor gauged an amount as closer to $500,000 but said he doesn’t feel it will be that high.
“The one we have designed is about the same size as the public works building,” he said. “It has sloped floors and drainage. I think I overshot the cost, but we are going to get accurate numbers on everything.”
The current shelter is located at 138 Dianne Street, and a new one would be built in that location, according to the plan.
Cox gave the council a list of several things where he feels the funds would be beneficial and asked for their input. However, the meeting was a workshop so none could be approved by a vote.
“This is just a draft,” Cox said of the list. “The list can change; the numbers can change. We just need a starting place, because that money has to be allocated by the end of the year.”
Other proposals include improvements to the Recreation Complex, audio/video equipment at Minden Civic Center, remodel of Minden Community House, replacement of the Shreveport Road water main, building of 10 airport hangars to lease to pilots and city cleanup and condemnations.
Cox said the only project on which he has firm numbers would be the water main replacement. Cost would be around $650,000.
“I really would like to see that done,” said District A councilman Buddy Myles.
“If something happens with that water main, we’re in trouble,” Cox said. “That would shut us down.”
Members agreed to place it on next Tuesday’s council agenda as a “working ARPA budget” subject to change.
“It’s all very good,” District E councilman Andy Pendergrass said of the list.
“I’m good with this list,” District D councilman Michael Roy agreed. “As long as we can work together to reapportion the money if needed.”
Cox said his goal for the workshop was to receive the council’s blessing on the list as a starting place.
“This could give this city a shot in the arm like it hasn’t had in a long time,” Cox said. “It’s going to be a good thing.”
Minden’s next council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in Council Chambers, Minden City Hall.