Alpena Municipal Council expected to vote on park funding tonight

ALPENA -- Large improvements to several popular parks in Alpena could be on the horizon.

At tonight's Alpena Municipal Council meeting, the council is expected to vote on funding for several large-scale projects impacting Mich-e-ke-wis, Blair Street, and Bay View parks.

The proposed projects include the repair of the pier at Blair Street Park, as well as moving the volleyball courts and installing parking areas and a street loop at Mich-e-ke-wis.

Council may also vote on whether or not to hire a contractor to update design plans for a restroom and small pavilion at Bay View.

To pay for the projects, the City would apply for grants, contribute the needed match funding and pay out of pocket if they vote to do so.

BLAIR STREET PARK

The wooden pier is a popular destination for people and visitors in Alpena, but it has been out of commission for several years as highwater, surf, and ice has caused significant damage to it.

Now that the water has receded, the City is ready to make the repairs and open it up to the public again.

At the meeting, Council could vote to hire Meridian Contracting for $73,881 to make the repairs and get the structure back open.

In his report to Council, Engineer Steve Shultz says staff explored various funding sources to replace the walkway on the pier, but the city's insurance provider refused to pay for the damage, and the project would not qualify for various state and local grants because it is a repair.

"After exhausting these options, it has been determined that if Council wishes to repair the walkway, the cost of the work will have to be approved out of the existing fund balance for the work to move forward," Shultz said in his report."

It is expected the work to the pier could begin in late April.

MICH-E-KE-WIS PARK

Moving the volleyball courts and updating the road and trail system at the park has been a priority for the City for some time.

The heavily used volleyball courts need to be relocated due to recurring damage and unavailability of the existing courts due to their proximity to the shoreline.

Shultz said storm surge and high-water levels have continued to breach the protective berm surrounding the existing court rendering areas of the courts unusable.

Additionally, the project will install the first portion of the parking areas and street loop through the park. Shultz said the paving should aid in reducing the ongoing flooding and gravel maintenance issues around the park and that the berm surrounding the existing volleyball court will also be removed leaving a lakeside beach.

The total project is estimated at $301,195.

To help pay for the cost of the projects, the City could apply for a Michigan DNR Recreation Passport Grant. The maximum funding available from a grant is $150,000 and the City would have to provide at least a 25% match, though more is encouraged for a stronger application.

Should the Council approve the match funding, allow for the grant application to be submitted, and the City awarded the funding. Shultz said the local volleyball league will work with the City to fundraise to help cover the overall cost of the projects.

Shultz said in his report that if the needed money is collected, construction could begin in the spring of 2024.

BAY VIEW

Restrooms have long been needed at the large park near the harbor and the bandshell, as the city has been without a public restroom facility for several years, as the former one at the end of Chisholm Street was closed and then torn down because of its poor condition.

The City is slated to receive $300,000 from a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to help cover the cost of the project that could begin in or around the summer of 2023.

The city is required to provide a $600,000 match, which it will spread out over two budget cycles, so it is less of a blow to the city's finances, Shultz said in December.

When the City first built the Starlite Beach bathrooms, design services were solicited to establish a new standard for park buildings that we would continue to utilize into the future. The same design was used when the City constructed the Woodward Trailhead.

Shultz said in his report the City wants the new restrooms to follow the same design as the bathroom and pavilion at Starlite and the trailhead and hiring the contractor that designed those structures is ideal to make sure they fit with the city's vision.

If council approves, the city would hire U.P. Engineers & Architects for $38,000 to modify the drawings and specifications in accordance with the use and size requirements for the new restrooms and pavilion.

Shultz said in December that the project could begin in the summer of 2023.

The council meeting tonight begins at 6 p.m. and it is open to the public. Public comment is welcome.