San Anselmo set to spend pandemic aid on building upgrades
San Anselmo is planning to use $2.92 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to fund building maintenance projects.
The pandemic relief funds are proposed to cover most of the costs for five projects, including the planning, design and renovation of Fire Station 20 on Butterfield Road. The Town Council will consider the spending plan at its meeting on March 14.
Mayor Steve Burdo said the council was set to discuss the plan at its meeting on Feb. 28, but the discussion was continued because of a late-running session.
“These funds are going to be going a long way,” Burdo said. “Staff put together a list of infrastructure projects and determined what would be the best use of the money and what’s most needed in town.”
The town staff is recommending allocating $1.27 million toward the project at the fire station.
“The facility has a significant amount of deferred maintenance including dry rot etc. and needs to be renovated,” the staff report says. “An upgrade to the facility will also help accommodate the shift to a 3-person engine in the future.”
Marin County Fire Department Chief Jason Weber, who also leads the Ross Valley department, said the allocation is “very much appreciated.”
“This will help make some well-needed changes and accommodate our additional staffing in the future,” he said.
Town officials are also recommending putting $600,000 toward the Town Hall and library roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrade. The roof and HVAC system are nearly 50 years old. The new HVAC system will be all-electric and energy efficient.
Another $500,000 is allotted for the remodel of the second floor at Town Hall.
“This will include design, layout and equipment that will reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19,” the staff report says.
Other allocations include $180,000 for painting at the Robson-Harrington House and $375,000 toward project management costs.
Overall, the town has been allocated $2.984 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. In 2021, the town spent $55,299 in relief funds on a county homeless housing program and $43,000 on technology for Town Hall to conduct teleconference meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staff recommendation would obligate the remaining federal funds. The funds must be spent by the end of 2026.
“We will need to discuss them as a council to see if there is anything needed to be changed or added to the projects recommended by staff, but these are good, appropriate uses of the funds,” Burdo said.