ARPA $$ approved

DUNKIRK —The city needs to have its federal coronavirus relief funds committed by the end of the year.

It got started on that process Monday.

Dunkirk City Council approved two expenditures using American Rescue Plan Act funds, both related to its parks.

City attorney Wes Schemenaur explained to council at its last meeting that all American Rescue Plan Act funds must be committed by the end of the year and spent by the end of 2026.

The city has about $360,000 remaining.

Since then, Mayor Jack Robbins asked the city’s department heads to consider their needs and present requests that could be paid for using the federal funding.

Donna Revolt, who acts as council’s liaison with the parks department, brought two such requests forward Monday. She suggested spending $11,350 to purchase a new mower from Sutter Brothers of Coldwater, Ohio, for the parks department and $10,064.10 to contract with Mustard Seed Remodeling of Portland for the installation of new playground equipment at Dunkirk City Park.

She noted that the quote from Sutter Brothers was the lowest received. Meanwhile, Mustard Seed was the only firm to provide a quote for the playground equipment installation after months of seeking options to complete the project.

Council members Jesse Bivens, Dan Watson, Christy Curts, Randy Murphy and Revolt unanimously approved both requests.

They discussed other possibilities for the American Rescue Plan Act funds, including installing new fire hydrants, but did not have quotes for additional projects yet.

Council approved the city’s 2025 budget at just over $2.7 million, down slightly from $2.74 million for this year. (A chunk of the budget in both years involves spending of American Rescue Plan Act funds. With that money removed, the budget increased by 5.1% over 2024.)

The budget includes $1.71 million in the general fund, $319,010 in motor vehicle highway, $135,000 in local option income tax (LOIT) public safety and $100,000 in economic development income tax (EDIT).

Schemenaur also shared information regarding a request from Jonathon and Natalie Cassel to combine four lots along High Street and vacate and alley. He explained that because one of the lots is in a different subdivision than the other three, it can’t be combined. (The other three could be combined, leaving the Cassels with two parcels.) He then walked through the process of vacating an alley, telling the Cassels he could likely have the paperwork done and be ready for a vote at council’s Nov. 25 meeting.

In other business, council:

•Heard from Robbins about a $378,000 grant The Portland Foundation received, $211,000 of which will go toward the construction of a new early learning center planned to be added on to West Jay Community Center. “This is a good shot in Dunkirk’s arm to have our own daycare,” he said.

•Was reminded that the city’s Feel the Warmth of Christmas celebration will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2. Santa will be at Gas Capital Chrysler during the event.

•Learned from Robbins that leaf pick-up will be on Thursdays throughout November. Residents are asked to bag their leaves and place them along the side of the street.

•Approved the following: a $15,200 payment to Culy Contracting of Winchester for work on a water leak; $1,450 for well head inspections at the city’s water treatment plant; a $100 sponsorship for Youth Service Bureau; and payment of claims totaling $656,306.06.

•OK’d water bill adjustments fo $1,731.76 for 206 Pearl St. and $183.08 for 407 Meridian St. because of leaks.