Petoskey manager reports CHILL grant extension, emergency‑shelter partnership and project updates

City Manager Shane Horn briefed the Petoskey City Council on a series of administrative updates at the May 7 meeting, including a federal CHILL grant deadline extension, construction project timelines, a dog‑park bid change, and progress on using a school facility as an emergency shelter.

Horn said the CHILL grant administrators had granted an extension to Sept. 30, 2026, which will allow the city to focus on simpler eligible projects (roof replacements, HVAC, plumbing) rather than projects requiring environmental abatement. "We were all granted an extension, to 09/30/2026," Horn said, adding that staff will prioritize projects that can be completed within the new timeline.

Construction updates include near‑completion of sanitary sewer work on East Mitchell and ongoing sidewalk and curb work, with a projected completion for the Howard Street project by mid‑June. Horn reported the Park Garden parking‑lot reconstruction and related storm‑sewer work are progressing and that the dog‑park fence requirement has been revised downward from the original bid length and upward in height from 4 to 5 feet after community feedback; materials are expected in June.

Horn also said he and the mayor met with Petoskey Schools leadership to evaluate using the middle school as a formal emergency shelter; the primary next step is identifying funds for a generator to support operations during power outages. On redevelopment, Horn said the JCPenney interior remains under substantial work with an anticipated completion date perhaps a year away, while Leo's project has financing and tax credits in place and interior work has commenced.

Outcome and next steps: Staff will continue to administer CHILL funding under the extended deadline, return with project timelines as needed, pursue generator funding for the proposed emergency shelter partnership and report back to council on major project milestones.