GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay City Council is exploring how to spend portions of its allocated CARES money, before it expires.
The Redevelopment Authority proposed a plan adding Wi-Fi to a few parks. But, with a quarter of a million dollars budgeted for the project, city council is asking staff to re-visit the idea and see if it’s the best way to spend the federal money.
With over $253,062.34 in COVID relief money needing to be spent by the end of September– the City of Green Bay has over a month to figure out if adding Wi-Fi to parks is not only the best option for the city, but meets criteria on how to spend the money.
“They have to in some shape or form prevent, prepare, or respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Will Peters, the city’s Neighborhood Development Director. “So there are limitations on how these funds can be used.”
The funding must go to a program already approved by the city from the first allocation of CARES through HUD. Staff’s plan was to fund the Essential Frontline Employee Relief Program, a program supporting public service activities for low-moderate income families, which is why staff recommended adding Wi-Fi to Seymour, Navarino, Eastman and St. John parks.
Green Bay City Council referred plans to add wi-fi to four public parks, back to staff.
“We reached this decision for this activity because the money from the other activities we funded, with the exception of the homeless shelter assistance, have not been completely spent down,” said Peters.
But, council ultimately referred the proposal back to staff.
“The goal is to really get as many people connected,” said Alder Jesse Brunette, District 12. “And that’s really going to maybe require a bit more discussion to make sure we are using the quarter of a million dollars in the best possible way to make that happen.”
However some alders, including Barbara Dorff, are confident this is the best option. Alder Dorff is a member of the Redevelopment Authority committee who recommended this to council.
“It’s just another baby step in getting people connected, and getting them access,” said Dorff.
“I do think this is a viable alternative and I think it is something that can be built on moving forward,” said Neil Stechschulte, development director for Green Bay. “I was not aware of a real competitive second option that was discussed.”
City staff says they will review the plan again for other options. But could likely refer the same plan again.
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