Unexpected underground snags and time delays has forced Mason City to ask for a time extension from the Vision Iowa Board in completing its downtown streetscape project. Vision Iowa has pulled funding for other projects in Iowa for “failure to complete funded projects in a timely manner.”|
In a letter to the Vision Iowa Board in Des Moines, Mason City has requested a time extension to complete its downtown streetscape project. The streetscape project has encountered numerous snags and delays as workers dug up North Federal Avenue in Mason City. The project was supposed to be completed by June 30, 2011.
Vision Iowa has pulled funding in the past for not completing projects on time. Most recently, this happened in Cedar Falls. In a story posted here on wcfcourier.com, “The Vision Iowa Board voted unanimously Wednesday to pull its funding for construction of the Big Woods Lake campground in northern Cedar Falls. The board rescinded the August 2006 Community Attractions and Tourism grant toward the $2.7 million project because it wasn’t completed in time. City and county leaders traveled to Des Moines to address the board and ask for more time and noted that the project was nearly complete as designed except for a shower facility. ‘It’s mind-boggling as to why the decision was made,’ said Cedar Falls Mayor Jon Crews.”
NorthIowaToday.com asked Mayor Eric Bookmeyer and all six City Council members by email if they were concerned about Vision Iowa pulling its funding of the project.
Jeff Marsters told NorthIowaToday.com “I’m not concerned. The city has not been negligent in moving forward, only delayed in an effort to be financially responsible to the taxpayers in regards to a contract to stay within the estimated cost.
In the end, it will be what it will be.”
Scott Tornquist said “I’m not concerned at all. Everybody on this side of the project has worked diligently and in good faith. MC recieved the last of the money; pulling funding would create a myriad of problems the state does not want. Our request is reasonable.”
Max Weaver said “I’m very concerned. I’m sick of hearing about Robin Anderson’s dream. She has really compromised our community. For her sake I hope it becomes what she promised.”
Click here to read the city’s letter to Vision Iowa asking for time extension on the contract.
From http://www.iowalifechanging.com/vision/catrules.aspx, Vision Iowa’s website:
211.11(8) Remedies for noncompliance. At any time before contract closeout, the board may, for cause, find that a recipient is not in compliance with the requirements of this program. At the board’s discretion, remedies for noncompliance may include penalties up to and including the return of program funds to the board. Reasons for a finding of noncompliance include but are not limited to the recipient’s use of funds for activities not described in the contract, the recipient’s failure to complete funded projects in a timely manner, the recipient’s failure to comply with applicable state or local rules or regulations or the lack of a continuing capacity of the recipient to carry out the approved project in a timely manner.
