Council increases site‑improvement grant for N. State parking‑lot project from $50,000 to $80,000

The Lockport City Council voted to increase a site‑improvement grant for a parking‑lot project at 940–948 North State from $50,000 to $80,000 after staff and the applicant detailed higher construction bids.

Council members discussed the request at length. City staff said the program’s written rules qualify applicants for $50,000 under standard terms but also allow the council to increase the award at its discretion. An applicant representative told the council that changes to the layout and paint striping were agreed to so the area could later be connected to a neighboring parcel if that property chooses to participate.

During the debate, staff cited bid estimates near $265,000 for complete lot reconstruction — including lighting and wiring — and described the $80,000 request as an additional discretionary amount. One council member noted that, depending on year‑to‑year demand, awarding $80,000 could consume roughly 80% of that program’s allocation; staff replied the city has fund balances and could exercise discretion or use other dollars if needed.

A motion to increase the grant to $80,000 was moved and seconded and carried on roll call. Council members indicated they had discussed the higher request at a prior Committee of the Whole meeting and that staff had followed up with the applicant to confirm easement and layout changes prior to the vote.

City staff said the increased award will be reflected in the agenda and procurement documents; council asked staff to note any cover‑page or packet clarifications to ensure the minutes accurately reflect that the award was increased to $80,000.