Council Debates Grants for East Side and Hears Warning on Lead Pipes

The council reviewed updates on lead pipe replacements, electric grid improvements, and new funding for EV chargers, then launched a spirited debate over neighborhood improvement grants in east side TIF districts. 21mins

Budget Economic Development Public Works & Utilities
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Original Meeting

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • CWLP Director Brown provided a committee update covering the integrated resource plan, electric division grants, and water division updates.
  • Director Brown explained the purpose of the integrated resource plan and provided updates on grant applications and preparations for selecting a firm to conduct the next plan.
  • Director Brown announced the award of a grant for electric vehicle chargers and discussed an application for a grid resiliency grant to improve electric grid reliability.
  • Director Todd LaFountain reported that approximately 20% of Springfield's water service lines are made of lead, with an estimated 10,000 lead service lines remaining in the system.
  • Todd LaFountain reported that since 2019, about 1,000 lead service lines have been replaced at a cost of $12 million, with the program funded so that customers did not pay direct costs.
  • Todd LaFountain outlined plans to apply for additional grant funding for lead service line replacements and described the significant financial and operational impact of new federal regulations requiring accelerated replacement rates.
  • Todd LaFountain discussed plans to prepare finances and lead service line programs for major capital projects, highlighting potential challenges from new federal regulations and an ongoing lawsuit affecting bond ratings.
  • Todd LaFountain responded to a question about community outreach on lead service line replacements, stating that more detailed plans would depend on the outcome of a pending court ruling.
  • Alderwoman Conley expressed support for septic system removal near the lake and concern about delays in dredging Lake Springfield, while Todd LaFountain confirmed the last dredging occurred in the late 1980s and discussed future plans.
  • Alderman Gregory asked about the city's commitment to replacing lead service lines, and Todd LaFountain confirmed ongoing plans while explaining that current water treatment practices have prevented lead contamination in Springfield's water supply.
  • The council introduced an ordinance to establish the SHA Tax Increment Financing Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program and moved it to debate.
  • Alderman Gregory highlighted ongoing residential complaints and disparities in the TIF areas and discussed adjustments to the program and support for aldermen representing the affected area.
  • Alderwoman Conley, Alderwoman Purchase, and Alderwoman Notariano expressed support for the proposed TIF neighborhood improvement grant program, discussed the need to spend down TIF balances, and requested information on current fund balances.
  • Alderwoman Notariano emphasized the lack of private investment on the east side and advocated for homeowners and business owners there to have access to improvement funds.
  • Alderman Hanauer argued that private investment and public funding are fundamentally different, challenged the narrative that the west side receives more support, and requested a report on citywide grant distributions.
  • Alderman Gregory and Alderman Hanauer discussed the use of TIF funds for redevelopment, with Alderman Gregory confirming compliance with TIF guidelines and requesting information on TIF expiration dates and balances.
  • Corporation Counsel Moredock explained the requirements for creating a TIF district, and Alderwoman Notariano emphasized that TIFs are established in areas lacking private investment to support local reinvestment.
  • Alderman Donelan supported the ordinances to improve access to TIF funds for residents and businesses in affected areas, emphasizing the importance of transparency and targeted economic development.
  • Alderwoman Williams advocated for using TIF funds to address basic home repairs in underserved areas, emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to assistance.
  • Alderwoman Williams called for a vote and confirmed support for moving the ordinances to the debate agenda.
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