Cheryl Andrews, executive director of TISMUS Home, told the Rochester City Council workshop on July 15 that the project received the Zoning Board of Adjustment's special-exception approval and that the group is "looking at a closing date of August 15." Andrews said financing is in place with Lighthouse Credit Union and that renovation would begin in October with an aim to be "fully operational by April 1." 

"We plan to have our permits applied for by the September, commencing demolition and starting renovation by, the October and, be fully operational by April 1," Andrews said.

Council staff and councilors then sought and confirmed details about a prior council award tied to the project. A motion read back during the workshop stated: "To approve the funding in the amount of $125,000 with a condition that stipulates no request for reimbursement shall be submitted by dismiss home until their facility is operating in Rochester and further to stipulate that a facility must exist in Rochester by 12/31/2025." Councilors clarified that the council's sense was that ownership of a facility in Rochester by Dec. 31, 2025, satisfies the requirement and that the group must request reimbursement within the previously stated deadline (discussed as June 26, 2026).

Councilor Fano asked whether an April 1 operational date was realistic given a planned mid-October start to construction; Andrews replied the contractor expects about a six-month renovation. City staff said the award paperwork requires drafting an agreement that reflects the council's intent, and that staff will check the original motion language and, if necessary, place a clarifying item on the August 5 agenda.

Discussion: TISMUS Home described project timeline, financing and construction partners (Realty Management Partners and Northpointe Construction). Direction: staff will prepare the agreement consistent with the council's interpretation that ownership by Dec. 31, 2025, is sufficient and will check motion language for any needed clarification at the August meeting. Decision: council did not rescind the award; the workshop clarified how the condition will be interpreted for agreement drafting.

Next steps: TISMUS Home intends to close on financing mid-August and begin renovation in October; staff will finalize the award agreement and return to council if the motion language needs correction.