Click here for link to live audio from the City Commission budget worksession - 8/30 - a.m.

Going line by line through the capital improvements budget. According to the City Manager, the City Hall Annex building is "dysfunctional" - be prepared for some major changes to the use of that building. Commissioner Golden is trying to make a push to keep the money for affordable housing and wanting to give benefits to the people that are here already. Commissioner Maxwell is pushing for that money for $7.1 million for improvements in the Park of Commerce. The City Manager said that she has heard from the community and that everyone wants to use CDBG money for capital projects.The Mayor is talking about a new NSP3 program that might be used for rehabilitation.
The Mayor is still making a point that the city should have a role in rehabilitation, but not use CDBG money to do it - where and what money is not determined. Golden is "upset" about the notion that the city shouldn't have its own housing program. Commissioner Maxwell says that it would never be a magic bullet for the city's problems.
Commissioner Jennings is not there this morning - at least I haven't heard her, which would be unusual after an hour of listening. They are on break now at 10:05 a.m.
Joe Kroll now is reviewing public works projects. The boat ramp will be closed for 8 months to a year for reconstruction.
They are going to break for lunch at 12:40 p.m. - going to be back at 1 :10 p.m. - but it's "loose."