By Jim Bloch
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
That’s the motto of Marysville City Manager Randy Fernandez when it comes to seeking money for city projects from corporations and granting institutions.
The city council voted unanimously at its regular meeting Aug. 28 to apply for a $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to build a 6,000 foot addition to the city’s community center, located in the refurbished former fire station in Marysville Park. The new building would be constructed northwest of the community center.
The city would be responsible for a 15 percent match of up to $375,000.
The application deadline was Aug. 31. The city expects to learn by Halloween whether or not it will receive the grant.
“This is very exciting,” said Fernandez, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on Vimeo. “It would be a dream come true.”
The addition could function as an indoor training facility for baseball, women’s softball, senior bingo and card games, or a potential polling location, Fernandez said. It may feature indoor pickleball courts.
Fernandez said he sees the new building as a regional facility and has received letters of support from St. Clair County Community College and the Council on Aging.
“I just found out about this three weeks ago,” Fernandez said.
The competition for the grant is likely to be stiff. Port Huron is seeking $1 million for a project and Algonac applied for $1.4 million to upgrade its pool. There is $60 million available overall.
“I want to tip my hat to Pat Phelan of BMJ who is helping organize this,” Fernandez said.
BMJ is one of the engineering firms with which the city contracts.
The preliminary cost estimate for the addition is $300 per square foot. The grant also covers furnishings and equipment. The grant does not require a match, but encourages one. It also recognizes in-kind contributions.
“It will cost anywhere from $2-2.5 million to do this and a match of $300-375,000,” Fernandez said.
The former fire hall was renovated at a cost of $228,700 and opened as the new community on Memorial Day weekend 2018.
“I applaud you and your entire team, Mr. Phelan and everyone,” said Mayor Kathy Hayman. “I know this has been on the top of councilman Paul Wessel’s want list for a few years. I would love to see this happen — as all of us would… We have a very active community and a very active senior community, too, so we will be able to utilize this if we’re awarded the grant.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
