MANISTEE — The furnace at the Rec at Sands Park has failed, and the group that runs the building is turning to the city for funding.
Manistee City Council could take action this week to approve an additional allocation of up to $10,000 for Alternatives for Area Youth, which operates the building.
The regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 in council chambers at Manistee City Hall.
The Rec at Sands Park, formerly the Manistee County Teen Center “is a a drop-in facility that provides free or low-cost activities (for youth) in a supervised environment,” according to its website.
Established in 1991, its goal is to provide “education for social recreation and a safe place for all young people in the community.”
The Rec at Sands Park is funded in part by a $13,000 appropriation from the city of Manistee, along with private donations.
Council could take action Tuesday to amend the 2023-24 budget to increase the allocation to allow for the furnace repair or replacement.
During council’s Nov. 14 organizational meeting, Linda Gamach-Chick — representing the Alternatives for Area Youth — presented a letter to city council and staff stating that the furnace had failed. The unit, which dates back to the 1980s, is located on the roof and needs a new heat exchanger.
“Due to the age of the furnace, replacement parts are hard to find,” reads a memo in the agenda packet from city manager Bill Gambill to city council.
The Rec at Sands Park sits on land that is jointly owned and maintained by the city and Manistee Area Public Schools.
According to a 1992 operating agreement between the city, the school district and Alternative for Area Youths, “the AAY shall be responsible for any tenantable repairs while the building is under their sole control.”
Tenantable repairs are those that must be made to ensure a property is safe and habitable.
“… There is some support on council to repair/replace the furnace,” reads the memo.
The city manager said he has contacted MAPS to inquire if the school district would split the cost.
“I see this as an emergency, one-time relief,” said Gambill in the memo. “I encourage the AAY to submit future requests with their annual appropriations request.”
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, council could take action to approve a resolution supporting blight elimination grant applications for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Blight Elimination Program.
The Manistee County Land Bank Authority is requesting the city’s support for three blight elimination projects within the city to be submitted for round four of the Blight Elimination Program.
The projects are demolition of the former Rengo Oil Building, 518 First St., stabilization of the former Hotel Northern, 141 Washington St., and stabilization of the Water Works building, 540 First St.
The third action item on the agenda is in regards to the City of Manistee Housing Commission’s bylaws. The housing commission reviewed and approved changes during its Oct. 19 meeting. Council could take action this week to approve the amendments.
Council also will hear a report from Barry Lind on the PEG Commission.
City council’s next work session is set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 12. A discussion on the Transportation and Capital Improvement Plans and 2024 goal setting are planned.
