During Monday’s Alpena Municipal Council meeting, the council voted to submit a pair of grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. If approved, that could lead to the construction of a restroom facility near Bay View Park, and a complete renovation of Culligan Plaza.

In his presentation to the council, engineer Rich Sullenger said the restroom would be built on Prentiss Street near the Kiwanis Kiddie Park, and the Alpena Bandshell. The total cost to have the new restroom built is about $912,200.

The DNR Trust Fund Grant would only pay up to $300,000, so the city would be responsible for the $612,200 balance. Sullenger said the cost includes sidewalks, concrete work, lighting, benches, and picnic tables.

Sullenger said the price tag may seem high, but added that the structure will be designed to tolerate the weather and use it will receive at the park.

“Unfortunately, restroom facilities are not inexpensive to build when we target developing them for long term durability and ease of maintenance,” he said.

Culligan Plaza is decades old and is the home for Santa Claus and the city’s Christmas tree during the holiday season. It is also home for various events throughout the year. No major renovations have taken place since it was built. The new design would incorporate a new water fountain design and do away with the steps near the water, which would make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In his report to council, assistant engineer Steve Shultz said council the plaza needed a full upgrade due to crumbling bricks, cracked and heaving concrete, leaking irrigation, as well as the dated design.

The cost of the project is about $294,026.

Shultz said the grant request is for $150,000 and there is a 25% local match, though more is encouraged for a stronger application. The city could have funds donated from the First Federal Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority.

A Patronicity crowdfunding effort through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation could also raise money toward the project. If the goal set by city officials is met, the MEDC matches it. Patronicity funding was used to help construct the splash-park at Starlite Beach and the dog park.

Applications for the funding requests must be submitted no later than April 1, and the recipients announced in November, Shultz said.