OTTUMWA — Housing is the keyword for Monday’s City Council meeting.

Dave Shafer, the city’s planner and developer, will present information on two public hearings for housing rehabilitation projects and a housing needs assessment for the city.

The first public hearing will concern a 2010 Home Fund Grant application for home ownership assistance program within the city.

“The proposed request is for $411,192 in federal funds and no local match is required,” Shafer said. “This will help provide funds for people buying their first home.”

The program helps with the rehabilitation of the property as well as a lead-based paint reduction required by the program, he said. And, this grant will assist qualified low-to-moderate income home buyers.

The second hearing will focus on the city’s application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Grant, Shafer said.

If the grant is awarded, the city will receive $420,000 and no local match is required.

“Staff estimates 10 homes in the targeted area can be rehabilitated with the funds requested,” Shafer said.

The project area is within the boundaries of Vine Street, Madison Avenue, Wabash Avenue and the alley west of Sheridan Avenue.

Shafer also prepared the Housing Needs Assessment, which is an abbreviated recap of the city’s housing needs. Items listed are part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Plan.

For example, the first item on the housing assessment list is “Community development and housing needs of low- to moderate-income residents.”

Ways to help those residents include promoting economic development in the city, continuing sewer and street improvement to strengthen neighborhoods and create healthy, safe environments in affordable neighborhoods.”

The council will conduct a third public hearing that pertains to the 2010 CDBG Sewer Fund application, which requests $640,000.

Shafer said the project involves separation of the existing combined sewer system. Project boundaries are Richmond Avenue, Ferry Street and contiguous properties, Chester Avenue and contiguous properties and Kettle Creek.

The council will also consider: