The Fenton Board authorized the city to advance engineering for the Budwell Annex site plan and signaled support for applying for grant funding for Phase 2 of the project. The property — a 12-acre parcel purchased in 2018 — is intended to provide vehicle parking and ADA access to the adjacent Fabick Nature Preserve.

Staff described a two-phase approach consistent with the master plan adopted in 2024. Per staff presentation, the master plan estimated development of the upper area with parking and ADA access at $1,700,000; because of the higher cost, staff divided the project into Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the city’s capital plan. Staff reported a Phase 1 detailed estimate of $7,725,000 and noted the city received the maximum available grant from the Municipal Park Commission in 2024 for Phase 1 at $350,000. Phase 2 was described as including a compost or vault restroom, a pavilion, pond restoration and ADA sidewalks; staff reported an estimated Phase 2 cost of $990,000 and said staff has applied for grant funding for Phase 2 through the Municipal Park Commission.

Aldermen raised questions about parking counts, trail connections to the lower park and ADA trail grades. One alderman asked whether 24 parking spaces at the upper lot were excessive; staff replied that adding parking now could be cheaper than returning later to add spaces. Staff reiterated the ADA access route was constrained by site grades and that a non-ADA nature trail connection to the lower park had been shown in prior plans but would not be fully developed under the current phase.

Alderman Mazurang moved to open the plan to the full board; Alderman Brightshaft seconded and the motion carried. Later Mazurang moved to approve the site plan and have Cochran Engineering proceed with detailed plans; Alderman Whisperrock seconded. The motion to approve the site plan and proceed with engineering carried. Staff said Cochran would begin detailed engineering so the city could go out to bid in the fall and, if funded, begin construction in the spring. Staff also told the board that construction-phase soil testing and detailed design could identify minor changes requiring future amendments.

The approval allows staff to submit grant materials as planned; staff noted approval does not commit the city to construction until funding and final bids are secured.