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problems than it solves. However, he indicated that he does support a comprehensive change to the traffic patterns in the area. President Leavy expressed concern that the School Board members had not offered feedback. He asked if there was enough room in the parking lots to hold all the cars and noted that not everyone can afford to pay for parking. He was concerned with re-routing traffic onto Sixth Street and said that the public did not support this street closure. The motion failed 0-6. File 6578 b. Resolution approving amendments to the City of Beloit Housing Loan Procedure Manual and Program Ms. Christensen explained that the City operates a number of Housing programs and the proposed changes stemmed from a HUD monitoring visit in May 2010. The changes would add specific language about the qualifications of contractors, the Environmental Review process, the Architectural and Lead Based Paint requirements, and the Distressed Property Loan Program. Councilor Johns moved to adopt, second by Councilor Densch. Councilor De Forest questioned the selection requirements for contractors, specifically the bullet point excluding contractors who owe property taxes or child support. Ms. Christensen said that she did not know if that was part of a HUD policy and suggested laying the item over so she could obtain more information. Councilor Van De Bogart also expressed concern about the section regarding child support. Councilor De Forest moved to lay over to the February 21, 2011 meeting, second by Councilor Newnham. The motion carried, and the item will be on the February 21, 2011 City Council agenda. File 7977 c. Resolution amending the 2011 Capital Improvement Budget to reflect the inclusion of the Milwaukee Road Gateway Corridor Study. Economic Development Director Andrew Janke described the project which included hiring a consultant to develop a comprehensive streetscape enhancement plan for the Milwaukee Road Corridor. Councilor Newnham moved to adopt, second by Councilor Johns. Councilor De Forest asked if a staff member could prepare a landscape design. Mr. Janke indicated that we do not have landscape and streetscape designers on staff. He also indicated that the study would be funded through the Tax Increment District #13 proceeds. Councilor De Forest asked if the business owners along this corridor were included in the planning, and Mr. Janke responded that there are 70 business members on the committee and that 20 usually attend the meetings. The motion carried 5-1 with Councilor Johns opposing. File 8463 d. Resolution awarding Contract C11-03, Amending the 2010 Capital Improvements Budget, and appropriating additional funds for the State Street Reconstruction Project. Mr. Botts thanked the Council for their accolades for the Public Works Department. He thanked the Fire Department for their help during the blizzard, and he thanked the citizens for staying home. Mr. Botts said that project included the brick reconstruction of State Street between Broad Street and East Grand Avenue and other amenities. He said the amendment was to revise the cost estimate for the project to accommodate an architectural feature at the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue. He said the project should be done before the Farmers Market starts on June 1. Councilor Densch moved to adopt, second by Councilor Johns. Councilor De Forest expressed concern with the engineering costs, the use of CIP monies for some of this project, and the proposed brick pavement. Mr. Botts said that an engineering consultant was needed to design the gantry feature and prepare construction documents. He said that the integrity of the street surface would be as good as or better than any other street and that maintenance of brick streets is not difficult. The cost of using brick was $70,000 higher than using asphalt. Councilor Johns was excited about the continuous improvement in downtown Beloit; however, she felt that this project was extravagant and did not support it. Councilor Newnham commended the City Manager and Mr. Botts for listening to everyone regarding the project and requested a copy of the street design documents. Manager Arft said that the original budget was done two years ago and did not include the resurfacing of several streets in the area. He said that this was a basic street project including amenities such as a brick intersection, new landscaping, benches, and other features to make downtown more pedestrian-oriented. He said that high quality development in the downtown is needed to spur economic development. He also mentioned that the gantry feature was not included in this Resolution and Council may reject that in the future. The motion carried 5-1 with Councilor Johns voting no. File 8406/8488 11.At 9:22 p.m. Councilor Johns moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor D Forest. The motion carried. Rebe ca S. Hous ma , City Clerk www.d.beloit.wi. us Date approved by Council: 02/21/11 Page 4 of 4