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Regular Meeting City Council <br />June 14, 2004 <br />Page 21 <br />which would be somewhere near $200,000.00 for the entire project. Because <br />of the costs, he suggested this is something that may have to been done in <br />phases. <br />Councilman Bell asked if there was any grant money available for this. Interim <br />City Manager Townsend that the Texas Capital Fund was available for <br />streetscape types of funding. To use this, he explained, the sidewalk in front of <br />the pocket park would have to be tied into the improvements. He indicated the <br />maximum amount of the grant is $150,000.00 and that it could be applied for <br />more than once. Interim City Attorney Townsend said that in the drawings, <br />both areas were open where people could walk in and out, but there was also <br />a suggestion of putting in wrought iron gates. In doing this, he indicated that <br />they will try to preserve as much of the buildings as possible. <br />Councilman Poston asked how this idea got started. Mr. Townsend said that a <br />fire downtown burned these buildings two (2) years ago and the family that <br />owns these properties has come forward and requested that since the taxes are <br />paid up, could they donate it to the city for a park. Interim City Manager <br />Townsend indicated that the $35,000.00 to $38,000.00 was what it would take <br />to make the area structurally safe. The rest of the funds would be used to build <br />the park. He indicated that the City of Paris has not accepted the donation of <br />the property yet. <br />Mayor Fendley said it was a great concept if the City can afford it. <br />Councilwoman Wilkerson said she felt Lindsey Harper should look into the <br />Texas Capital Fund to check out the requirements and deadlines. She felt with <br />the Streetscape program already in progress, this would be a great tie-in. <br />Councilman Wilson asked what would happen if the City made it safe, but <br />didn't build the park. City Attorney Schenk said part ofthe family's provisions <br />for making this gift to the city was to use this for a park. Councilman Bell said <br />if this is unsafe, what would prevent the city from ordering the family to make <br />