With a $140,000 grant awarded to pay for facade improvements, Gardiner city officials are now being asked to create a committee to oversee the administration of the program. And if the program goes forward as anticipated, the work these funds will pay for is expected to be completed in the 2017 construction season.

The money, from the Community Development Block Grant Microenterprise Program which city elected officials voted to accept in August, funds a matching grant program targeted to properties in the historic district in need of work.

But before the first hammer is raised, a committee must be created to oversee it to follow both state and federal requirements.

The committee would be responsible for a host of duties, including publishing draft guidelines, considering applications and making funding decisions, as well as overseeing bid documents and ensuring that city staff members are following protocols for awards, reporting and releasing the funds.

Patrick Wright, Gardiner’s economic development coordinator and executive director of Gardiner Main Street, said the program requests a dollar for dollar match. Business owners or building owners would be required to spend their own money to access the grant funds.

“One scenario could be that both the windows and the roof need repair,” he said.

The building owner could pay for the roof repair and that would be considered the match for funds to pay for the windows. Another could be that the committee might award funds for a $10,000 facade makeover with both the property owner and the committee splitting the bill to the contractor.

The committee, whose members would be appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council, is expected to prepare and finalize the paperwork for funding requests this fall and hold a mandatory meeting for those who plan to apply. Targeted at five to seven members, the committee would serve only as long as this funding award requires.

City council members will also:

• hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance and consider moving it to a first read;

• hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Land Use Ordinance and consider moving it to a second read;

• hear an update on code enforcement violations;

• consider declaring 21 Adams St. a dangerous building;

• consider sewer abatements;

• consider the 2016 sewer commitment;

• consider a special event permit and a special liquor license for the 7th annual Swine and Stein Oktoberfest;

• consider approving city council meeting minutes.

The Gardiner City Council meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday in City Council chambers at 6 Church St.

Jessica Lowell — 621-5632

jlowell@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @JLowellKJ

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