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Commission approves Town Square design that includes fire pits after narrow vote
Summary
After residents expressed disappointment and safety concerns were debated, the commission rejected a no-fire-pit resolution and approved the Town Square design that includes fire pits; staff provided an engineer's estimate of $2,756,623.41 and said final construction depends on receiving remaining enhancement grant funds.
The commission voted on two alternate resolutions for the revised Town Square design. The first resolution (R26-063), which would have approved the revised design without fire pits, failed after roll-call voting. Commissioners then considered R26-062, the design that includes fire pits, which the commission approved.
Staff flagged a correction to the project estimate and provided an engineer's figure of $2,756,623.41 for the design that included the fire pits. The mayor and commissioners discussed safety features that could limit risk if fire pits are included, such as protective barriers and timed controls. One commissioner noted the community’s enthusiasm for the fire pits as a central attraction; another asked whether leaving the pits in place might encourage a donor to restore previous funding that had been adjusted when earlier plans changed.
The approved motion conditions the design on receiving the remainder of the enhancement grant from Lenawee Now. With the vote concluded, staff will continue grant coordination and refine the design details and safety measures before construction proceeds.
