The City of Plymouth is moving ahead with its $500,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County’s rebuilding project. The Common Council voted five-to-one Monday to appropriate that money out of the city’s Rainy Day Fund.
The club’s $1.9 million capital campaign involves replacing much of its Plymouth facility with a new, larger one. The Boys & Girls Club says the upgrade would accommodate up to 200 children at a time, up from the current limit of 144.
Several residents were in attendance to show their support for the contribution. Four of them spoke during a public hearing on the additional appropriation.
“It’s going to add value, and more than anything, it’s going to help our kids, the kids that have no power,” said Dan Schmelter, the co-chair of the Boys & Girls Club’s fundraising initiative. “And I just wanted to say that to you because kids don’t have power, and I think we can give them some safe haven after school to go. And I think it will do us all good. I think we want to live in a safe community.”
Club volunteer Rick Liedtky added that the organization meets the needs many local parents and provides kids with valuable academic help, as well as after-school activities. “A yes vote for this is a legacy for you people,” Liedtky said. “You will lay the foundation for generations to come and citizens that you will build up for this community long past after you and I are gone. So on behalf of the children, the parents, the club leaders, both present and in the future, I really ask you to endorse this project.”
Resident Bill Walters also spoke in support of appropriating the funds. “I’m not a member of the Boys & Girls Club,” he said. “I’m not a member of the board of directors. I’m not on the advisory board. I ain’t part of it. But my feeling as a citizen, a taxpayer in the City of Plymouth: an investment in our youth is an important investment in our community. I would support this.”
During the council’s previous meeting, Mike Delp, Don Ecker Jr., and Shawn Grobe voted against the contribution, requesting more time to consider the financial arrangements. This week, Delp continued his opposition by voting against the appropriation, while Ecker voted in favor. Grobe was not present during Monday’s meeting.
The additional appropriation still needs approval from the state. On top of the $500,000 contribution, the city plans to spend about $176,000 to relocate a sewer to help with the rebuilding effort.
