KINGSFORD — City Manager Mike Stelmaszek is exploring the cost of several Kingsford projects that could be paid with American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The city expects to receive about $518,000, but $74,232 has already been used to refund COVID-19 expenses related to workforce costs.

Among other uses suggested to the city council, Stelmaszek would like a portion spent for a new salt and sand shed. He has also suggested completing a street light replacement project this year, rather than the previously planned six years.

Because the city has failed several times to receive a state Passport Grant to replace playground equipment and add pickleball courts to Lodal Park, a portion of the money could used for this project. With the city’s centennial celebration expected to take place in 2023 at Lodal Park, Stelmaszek said this could be a nice addition.

He would also like to see money used to replace the aging tennis courts at Ford Addition Park with a parking lot.

Council member Dennis Baldinelli stated he would want the money spent on playground equipment rather than a parking lot at Ford Park.

Each proposal will be brought before the council separately with cost estimates for council’s final approval.

The city has until the end of 2024 to obligate the money, but Stelmaszek said he’d like to see these items done this year or next year. The funds are available through a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law March 11 by President Joe Biden.

In other business at its Feb. 7 meeting, the council:

— Increased its intent to apply amount with the state’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund for a Kingsford Heights water project from $4 million to $6 million. The city can spend less money than received, but can’t ask for more once an amount is approved. The project may be expanded to replace more of the 100-year-old infrastructure in the area.

— Approved a two-year addendum to the union contract that allows Jim Stearns to work as assistant director of public works and still be a crew leader in the water department until other department members obtain the necessary certifications. He is replacing Dennis Nelson, who retired after 34 years with the city.

The motion also holds off hiring two public works department employees until the transition is complete. The board had approved hiring two employees at a previous meeting.

— Heard a presentation from Certified Public Accountant Scott Kenney, who was satisfied with all of the city financial statements that he audited. Kenney plans to retire after this year. The city approved a contract in November with Clifton Larson Allen of Green Bay, Wis., for its audit beginning this year.

— Heard the city will try for a Rural Development Grant for a new police vehicle. A public hearing for the pre-application will take place today. The city’s portion would be about $33,825, with money available in the capital improvement plan.

— Hired Jennifer Freeman for the administrative assistant accounts payable position from among eight applicants.

— Scheduled its next meeting for today because of the Presidents’ Day holiday Monday.