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Adrian commission approves downtown amenities grant, water‑main agreement and several routine measures; DDA reports progress
Summary
The commission approved a $75,000 downtown public‑amenities grant, a development agreement to upsize a water main for a DJW Homes project, fee updates, an appointment to the local development finance authority and a vehicle purchase. The DDA reported budget fixes, events and a search for a new executive director.
The Adrian City Commission on June 15 adopted several resolutions and heard a multi‑point update from the Adrian Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The commission voted to accept a $75,000 downtown public‑amenities grant (R26‑052) intended for permanent fixtures such as sculptures, benches and signage. Administration told commissioners the grant requires permanent installations and must be fully installed by Aug. 31. Commissioner Cheshire moved the resolution, with a second from Commissioner Zeich; the motion carried with one dissenting vote from Commissioner Moore.
Darcy Gifford, chair of the Adrian DDA, gave a detailed Main Street update. She said a spring financial review found the DDA had been spending beyond its means and the board worked with city staff and auditors to develop a budget realignment. Among actions: reducing the executive director's spending authority from $5,000 to $1,500, reactivating Main Street committees, establishing a charitable fund with the Lenawee Community Foundation and fundraising $15,000 to underwrite a July 1 fireworks event. Gifford said the DDA has identified a location and plans for a second mural funded by a vibrancy grant with an Oct. 31 completion target.
On utilities matters the commission approved R26‑053, a development agreement with DJW Homes to upsize a proposed 6‑inch water service to an 8‑inch main on Corporate Drive (staff estimated roughly 900 feet). Utilities staff said the incremental material cost to upsize is about $14,000; DJW will construct the line to city standards, own and maintain it until the city completes the loop and assumes ownership. The utilities director said township customers connecting to the line would pay roughly 30% more per the city’s higher outside‑city service rate.
Other adopted items included R26‑054 (planning and zoning fee schedule updates), R26‑055 (a recommendation to appoint Jason Derby as the at‑large member of the Adrianne Tecumseh Local Development Finance Authority) and CR26‑084 (authorization to purchase a 2026 Ford F‑350 for operations and maintenance through the state contract). Commissioners questioned whether local dealerships were contacted for the vehicle purchase; staff responded the purchase used a state bid contract (MiDeal/Lafontaine) and that standard procurement practice in such cases is to use the state contract rather than a separate local solicitation.
Public comment again focused heavily on water system concerns. The mayor announced a town hall on water for June 24 at 6 p.m. at Align Center (440 East Church Street) where utilities staff and an outside representative will be available to answer questions.
Votes at a glance: - R26‑052 (downtown public‑amenities grant): adopted (vote 6–1). - R26‑053 (DJW Homes water‑main development agreement): adopted (unanimous of members present). - R26‑054 (planning and zoning fee updates): adopted (unanimous of members present). - R26‑055 (appointment to local development finance authority): adopted (unanimous of members present). - CR26‑084 (purchase of 2026 Ford F‑350): adopted (unanimous of members present).
The commission adjourned after routine commissioner comments and public remarks.
