Council reviews economic development allocations, Memorial Home planning and Dykeman park funding

As the council moved through the budget, members reviewed economic-development line items and a proposal to hold city funds for the Memorial Home project while pursuing outside matches.
Staff presented an economic-development slate that included ongoing support for Logan's Landing facade investments, a Logan's Landing operational line, funding for Cass Area Transit and partner organizations (humane society, flower program) and a repeat allocation toward Dykeman Park infrastructure. The parks and recreation staff reiterated that the Dykeman Park payments are scheduled across multiple years per prior commitments.
On the Memorial Home, staff said the city would set aside a portion of general-fund money as a placeholder and engage a local project manager, Malcolm, to coordinate restoration work and fundraising outreach. Staff reported a possible philanthropic contact from Michigan who has experience upgrading local historical structures and indicated the group may be able to match or contribute to interior work pending further assessment. Staff said certain grants may match public dollars on a 2:1 basis, and that readiness (shovel-ready design and construction documents) would improve competitiveness for large grants.
Ending: Councilors noted continued interest in economic development investments and asked staff to return with firm commitments, Memorial Home next steps and any third-party grant-match proposals; no formal appropriation action occurred at the meeting.