St. Marys council hears $82,700 in proposed alternates for gristmill renovation; staff cites lodging tax as possible funding source

St. Marys City Council heard detailed staff recommendations on the gristmill renovation project, where staff said six bids were received and one bid came in under a $750,000 grant. City staff outlined three alternates—pouring a cement base in the basement to address moisture, installing shiplap siding to preserve a rustic look rather than painted drywall, and finishing the second-floor subfloor—that together would add $82,700 to the project cost.

"So those 3 alternates will increase the price $82,700," said Speaker 3, who presented the bids and alternates to the council, and asked for the council's support in moving forward.

Funding options were discussed. Speaker 3 said Councilmember Brookhort indicated lodging-tax revenue could pay roughly one-third of the alternates' cost and that staff member Zach had reviewed lodging-tax language and believes it can be used for capital improvements that promote tourism. Staff also noted prior phases of the mill project used revolving loan funds, which totaled about $1.2 million in earlier phases.

Why it matters: The alternates would change the interior finish and longevity of the renovated space and increase the upfront cost by $82,700. If the city applies lodging-tax funds, the expenditure would be tied to rules about using tourism-related revenues for capital projects.

Details: Staff said the building could accommodate roughly 50–60 people for events (about 2,400 square feet from a 60-by-40 estimate) and discussed potential displays from the Miami Erie Canal Corridor Association and interest from local service clubs in renting the space. Speaker 3 emphasized durability and rental appeal as reasons to prefer shiplap over drywall.

Council response: Speaker 3 asked for a show of hands to indicate council support for moving forward with the three alternates; members signaled support.

Next step: Staff requested council support to include the three alternates in the final contract or scope; no formal recorded roll-call vote on a contract amendment was recorded in the transcript.