City takes another step toward tech park

By DEB WUETHRICH

Tecumseh City Council members passed a resolution on Monday night that gives the city another step toward a grant with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct infrastructure work on the new Business and Technology park. Tecumseh has applied for funds to assist with the estimated $2.5 million project and has been asked to commit funds in the amount of $1,102,500 to secure the match in funding from EDA for infrastructure development for the park.

“What they are requesting is that they want to know that we are resolving to commit our share of the project costs with funds made available as needed,” said Tecumseh Economic Development Director, Paula Holtz, in explaining this step, one of many that have occurred since being encouraged to apply for the assistance. “This is a pretty big commitment,” she said, adding that the city would be asked to sign an actual contract at the time that the funds were to be awarded if the grant is successful.

Funding for the project would help the city make initial improvements to the 158 acre parcel on East Chicago Boulevard next to the Lenawee Stamping Plant. Albert Kahn Associates delivered a feasibility study regarding potential development of the property late last year and pointed out that more companies are looking for sites upon which initial infrastructure work, including utilities and roadways, have been done. The city hopes to attract businesses along a research and development or high-tech line. Albert Kahn currently is working with the city on the design of a master plan to include design standards and other elements that have surfaced during the company’s research regarding current trends and what start-up or relocating businesses are looking for in site development.

The City Council members also:
• Hired Todd Amstutz, effective May 9, as the Utilities Department Superintendent.
• Approved a policy which would advance up to 120 hours of sick time to city employees and union members in cases where an employee faces time off without pay due to situations beyond his or her control. The measure included a plan for paying back the time or financial obligation.
• Updated a credit card policy regarding usage of a card for city purchases when a purchase order or check are not workable.
• Reviewed Lenawee County’s 911 dispatch center committee report. Council member Pat Housekeeper stated: “I don’t know the current status of this but I just feel it is in our best interests for citizens that we serve to make sure that our 911 system is on par with the others in the state.”

Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch will be providing further summary of the status of the center with the Lenawee County Commission.