City says no to Armory

The Alpena Municipal Council unanimously voted not to consider the Alpena Armory as an option for the relocation of the city's civic and convention center during its meeting Monday evening.

The current civic center, located on US-23 North and Johnson Street, is in need of nearly $3 million of repairs. The owners of the Armory, Alpena Memorial Hall LLC, have proposed renovations to the building for about $3.6 million and having it serve as the civic center.

Those figures were both diminished after it was stated that essential, but not comprehensive, repairs could be made to the civic center for $1 million. Alpena Memorial Hall LLC also said with tax credits and the sale of the current civic center, their renovation project would cost around $1 million.

Although the council voted against the Memorial Hall proposal, it didn't necessarily vote for the current civic center.

"I'm still trying to fall in love with either idea and it's just not going to happen," Councilman Shawn Sexton said. "I don't think what we end up with either way is worth it."

Sexton said investing $1 million, which likely would have to come from a millage, on either project would not show an adequate return.

"I just don't think either facility is going to give us the boost we need," he said.

The only official board action taken was to withdraw interest in Memorial Hall, but board members spoke in support of getting out of the civic center business altogether.

Councilman Michael Nunneley said there are other private facilities that basically offer the same service as the civic center.

"Regardless of the two locations, does it make sense, does it make good business sense (to have a civic center)," he said.

Mayor Carol Shafto said she voted against the move to the Armory because the tax credits and sale of the current civic center were uncertain.

"I find myself concerned about investing in the Armory because there are so many pieces to the puzzle," she said.

Shafto acknowledged that the issue ultimately may be decided by the voters.

A millage likely would be needed to cover the cost of repairs, and voters would have to approve the sale of the building by a super-majority - 60 percent.

The council directed city staff to get more information on the possibility of selling or leasing the current civic center. The meeting to discuss those options was tentatively scheduled for Aug. 18.

"As long as we own that building we have a responsibility to sell it or protect what we have," Shafto said.

In other business;

• The council approved paying retirees $68,858 as a cost of living adjustment by a 3-2 vote. Nunneley and Sam Eiler opposed the measure.

Clerk Karen Hebert said the city began paying retirees the adjustment as a "13th check" to help with insurance costs. The money is paid on Sept. 15 and was not budgeted for.

• The board voted unanimously to join the Michigan Small Harbors Coalition.

• Two sheds and a door will be replaced on the Second Avenue Bridge operating area for a cost of $6,150.

• City Engineer Rich Sullenger updated the board on two projects. He said decorative lighting for the Long Rapids Road project had been disallowed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The city will use lights it already owns for the project, and the cost will remain as originally projected.

The council approved spending $106,542 to correct issues with sewer lines in the area of Second Avenue, Baldwin Street and Crapo street. Sullenger said they were $125,000 under budget on other road projects to help make up for the unexpected expense.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.