City council got a first look at upcoming capital projects and funding commitments at this week's meeting.

The Capital and Major Maintenance Plan compiles the large-scale projects the city will have to complete over the next five years. In 2014, city manager Chris Hladick said, the city will tackle $31 million in capital projects. That includes replacing Summer Bay bridge and purchasing a fourth engine for the powerhouse. 

Assistant city manager Patrick Jordan gave a short presentation on grants to local nonprofits in fiscal year 2014. Council also got to review the Unalaska city school district’s budget proposal. The school district is requesting the maximum allowable grant from the city -- about $2.8 million -- and is also requesting reimbursement for about $191,000 in capital projects. That would help keep the district's reserve fund intact.

Before the budget presentation, school board president Tammy Fowler Pound and superintendent John Conwell took time to review the district's accomplishments this year, including a state award for the Unalaska school board and a Blue Ribbon nomination for the elementary school.

Ports director Peggy McLaughlin spoke to council about the Bobby Storrs boat harbor, which is slated for upgrades. It could cost as much as $9 million to replace all three floats at the harbor. To give staff more time to apply for grant funding, McLaughlin said the city should renovate the “C” float first using an existing state grant and matching funds. She also suggested that more research is needed on alternate configurations for the harbor, which would maximize space without requiring the city to dredge the basin.

None of those presentations required legislative action. Later in the meeting, council voted to pass a budget amendment on to a second reading and public hearing. The amendment fixes several errors in an earlier funding package, and sets aside money to pave Ballyhoo Road and various city parking lots. Council also voted 6-0 to create a lineman apprentice program at Public Utilities.