Highland Park council approves late application for state "financially distressed" grant to replace City Hall boiler

Highland Park’s city council voted to approve a resolution to submit an application for the State of Michigan financially distressed cities, villages, and townships grant program to replace the boiler at City Hall. The item passed by roll call after staff told council the application had already been submitted to Lansing and that staff had missed placing it on the prior meeting agenda.

City staff member Mister Burgess told council, "The deadline was January 30, which was last Friday at, at midnight. I failed to get it to the clerk's office, so that we could have put it on the previous meeting. I take full responsibility for that." Burgess said he submitted the application to Lansing and asked the council to decide whether to approve it so the application could remain active.

Council members debated the late submission and whether to ask Lansing for an extension if the city did not approve the item. One council member defended Burgess, saying he had tried to convene a special meeting and that the funds were needed for a boiler replacement.

On the roll call vote, the motion to approve the resolution carried with recorded votes: Councilwoman Schaffee—yes; Councilwoman Martin—yes; Councilwoman Manuka—yes; Council pro tem Robinson—no; Council president Thomas—yes. The resolution directs staff to proceed with the application process.

The grant’s application purpose, as described in council discussion, is to replace the City Hall boiler. Staff noted the project is for building heating replacement and indicated the city has requested the funds be considered by Lansing. No dollar amount for the project was specified in the council discussion recorded at the meeting.