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Alpena County committee forms ad hoc 'December Project,' releases $15,000 to support Merchant’s Building shelter
Summary
The Finance Ways & Means Committee approved creating an ad hoc committee and released $15,000 from county line items to allow temporary use of the Merchant’s Building for a volunteer-run shelter after the Center for Charity declined an earlier offer. Sunrise Mission said it is at capacity and seeks a larger facility.
The Alpena County Finance Ways & Means Committee voted Dec. 9 to create an ad hoc committee called the “December Project” and to release $15,000 from county line items to support temporary use of the Merchant’s Building for shelter operations.
Michelle Bailey, director of Sunrise Mission, told the committee the shelter is “a 100% donor-funded homeless and domestic violence shelter,” will mark 40 years in January, serves primarily Alpena County residents, shelters families and children as well as single adults, operates an 80-day program, and is currently at maximum capacity of 33 individuals per day. She asked the county to help identify a larger facility to serve community needs.
County Administrator Jesse Osmer said the Center for Charity declined a prior offer to use the Merchant’s Building. He said he has met with volunteers from Trinity Episcopal Church about volunteer-run operations and planned further meetings with the stakeholder group and City Manager Rachel Smolinski to coordinate next steps.
The committee’s poll-vote action authorizes: formation of an ad hoc committee consisting of John Kozlowski, Lucille Bray and Todd Britton; authorization for County Administrator Jesse Osmer to create and execute an agreement to meet the stated goals; use of the Merchant’s Building from Nov. 26 (or soon after) through Dec. 31 at midnight; permission to add a lock to the kitchen door and a lock box around the thermostat; and the release of $15,000 from county line items. The minutes list the funding breakdown as: $3,300 from 101-200-934.000 (Vehicle Maintenance), $2,000 from 101-200-801.000 (Professional Services), $3,000 from 101-253-901.001 (Vet Commissions), and $6,700 from 101-941-955.000 (Contingency).
The motion to reverse the earlier Center for Charity poll vote and to approve the new actions was recorded by roll call as approved by Commissioners LaHaie, Ludlow, Bray, Fournier, Britton and Kozlowski, with Commissioners Peterson and Konarzewski excused. The minutes show the committee also recommended a related Sheriff’s Office budget adjustment transferring $10,000 from Shelter Techs to Veterinary Services as part of follow-up budget items.
Supporters said a short-term, volunteer-led use of the Merchant’s Building could bridge immediate needs while stakeholders seek a longer-term facility. Administrators stressed the effort involves coordination with local volunteer groups and the city and requires county oversight of funds and access. The committee did not adopt a final operational plan at the meeting; County Administrator Osmer was authorized to execute agreements and continue stakeholder coordination.
The committee entered a closed session later in the meeting for a personnel matter and adjourned at 10:54 a.m. The ad hoc committee and funding authorization are intended to be implemented in the near term; officials said additional operational details and any formal agreements will be brought forward to the board as they are developed.
