1998-07-14 Bair Area Chamber of Commerce; Mini Parkr,,/V b
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APPLICATION FOR KENO FUNDS
Name of organization requesting funds:
Blair Area Chamber of Commerce
1526 Washington Street
Blair, Nebraska 68008
(402)533-4455
Contact - Patty Plugge, Executive Director
History, goals and objectives:
The Blair Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that strives to make Blair a
better place to live and work. We work towards this goal by assigning committees to work on
various community and economic development projects. At the heart of our work is the reminder
of our motto in Blair - "A Promise of Quality." Attached is our Action Plan for 1998, which
includes our mission statement, goals and objectives.
Project identification:
In 1995, the Keno Committee approved a $15,000 grant to complete a joint project with the City
and the Chamber. The project involved the new mini -park at 19th and Washington Street and
two new "Blair" signs at the entrances of Blair on East and South Highway 30. In 1996, the mini -
park was completed. The new park indeed enhances the image of the total community.
In planning for the park and new signs, we estimated that the mini -park would cost $30,900. The
actual cost was approximately $28, 400. A partial amount of $7,500 was drawn from the total
$15,000 grant for the mini -park.
In 1997, we began to make arrangements for the two signs on Highway 30. Our original cost for
the signs have increased from $19,400 for two signs to $37,944. The reason for the increase is
twofold. First, the market value of the Black Granite to make the signs has increased. In fact, we
almost couldn't get the materials at all. Since the $25,800 in donations raised throughout the
community was based on the signage all being similar in style and material, we felt we had to keep
with our original plan. Second, the size of the signs that were bid for the highway were too small.
In order to read them when driving by, the signs need to be larger, according to industry
standards.
The City has been awarded a grant to pay for the landscaping. As you can see from the figures
below, we will be approximately $21,800 short in covering just the costs on the signs. The actual
total of all three areas will be approximately $76,000, versus the $60,300 that was estimated.
Originally, we asked for and were granted $15,000 or 25% of the total project. In keeping with
those numbers, we respectfully request a grant from the keno fund for 25% of the actual costs, or
$19,000. Since we have already drawn down $7,500, this would leave $11,500 to be used on the
i
two highway projects. We will still be looking to raise an additional $9,980 from private sources.
Time frame:
The East Highway project will be completed yet this spring. The South Highway 30 projects will
begin after the City receives specs on the upcoming highway project.
19th and Washington Project
Landscaping - 5,708.87
Watering System - 1,233.00
Moving Traffic Controller - $5,600
Power for Sprinkler and Flag - 348.76
Flag Wiring and Breaker Pad - 691.61
Blair Stone - $8,700
Sidewalk, Planter, Sign Brace - $5;667.66
Alley retaining wall - 446.95
Total for 19th and Washington - $28,396.68
(City Cost - $2,500 for Water Service, Dirtwork, grading)
Amount raised
Keno - $7,500
Chamber - $5,000
Scenic Enhancement Grant - $6,100
Amount raised through donations - $25,800
Total -$44,400.00
Cost per Blair sign on E. And S. Hwy 30 $18,972 or
total cost - $37,944.00
After paying for one sign, with the other sign on order, the fund currently stands
at (-$2868.68). Total after paying for other sign ( -$21,840.68).