Council reports $64,779 spent to date on depot restoration; grant reimbursement paperwork underway

Council members updated the public on the ongoing depot restoration and associated grant work at the May 19 meeting.

The Village President reported that about $64,779 had been spent to date to stabilize and preserve the depot building, and that project work remains to complete window replacement and other preservation tasks. Staff noted coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources regarding drainage and trail concerns at the depot property. The clerk reported that paperwork for depot grant reimbursement has been submitted and that the Village expects to receive phased grant payments.

Board members discussed remaining project costs, engineering requirements, and preserving artifacts previously stored in the depot. During final public comment, residents raised concerns about survey markers, drainage near the depot and oversight of depot construction; the transcript states project spreadsheets, grant documents and engineering records are available through the Village office for public review.

Why it matters: the depot is a community asset requiring stabilization and ongoing funding; grant reimbursements and engineering oversight determine whether restoration can proceed within available funds. The council’s review signals oversight of project finances and preservation priorities but does not record any formal new appropriation or contract award at this meeting.

Next steps: staff will continue grant reimbursement processing and maintain project documentation for public access; additional contractor procurement and repairs were discussed but no formal approval was recorded at this meeting.