Amador County – The Plymouth City Council this week will consider its upcoming budget, while also considering joining a legal fight to stop the state government from raiding city street maintenance coffers. The council on Thursday will consider a resolution authorizing the city attorney to cooperate with the League of California Cities, and other cities and counties in “litigation challenging the constitutionality of any seizure by state government of the city’s street maintenance funds. Staff will recommend approval of the resolution. The council will also consider a resolution establishing an appropriations limit for the coming fiscal year, under Article 8-B of the California Constitution. The council will host a public hearing for “the purpose of soliciting citizens’ views to set priorities for the potential submission of a Community Development Block Grant application.” The council will hear a presentation by grant consultant Terry Cox, on the potential application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Staff said: “The maximum award limits for each grant category vary from year to year and are listed in the State Notice of Funding Availability.” The major activity categories are General and Economic Development Planning and Technical Assistance; Housing-Acquisition; Housing-New Construction; Housing-Rehabilitation; Community Facilities and/or Public Services; Public Works; and Economic Development. Projects funded with CDBG funds must meet at least one “national objective”: to either benefit “targeted income group” people; eliminate “slums and blight;” or meet an “emergency and urgent need.” The council will hear citizen’s views on the annual reports for two current grants, totaling $1.5 million dollars, which are being used in the Plymouth Pipeline Project. An annual report has also been prepared for the city’s CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund, Cox said. The council could also approve the fiscal year budget for 2009-2010, by Finance Director Jeff Gardner. City Manager Dixon Flynn will recommend the council authorize him to advertise and seek proposals for Planning & Community Development Services for the city. The council will also discuss offering a reward for information and a conviction regarding vandalism of the city water tank. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.