The Plymouth City Council members considered a resolution Monday night to add the REES Theater project to the list of Plymouth Redevelopment Commission projects.
By adding the theater to the redevelopment commission’s list, a donation request of $575,000 over the course of two to four years to be funded out of TIF #1 could be financially researched by Umbaugh and Associates. The funding request would need to be approved by the redevelopment commission.
Brent Martin from the REES Theater project committee along with Don Wendel presented a project video and discussed fundraising efforts for a Regional Cities grant match of $1.5 million that needs to be secured by March 31. The total cost of the project is $3.46 million. Construction is expected to begin next year with the theater opening in 2020, its 80th anniversary. Martin added that in-kind donation goods and services total $250,000-$300,000 so far with private philanthropy donations in the same amount.
Councilman Gary Cook cautioned the council that there are several future obligations for project funding coming out of TIF #1. Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver noted that one of the projects is the city building renovation project. She added that the ending balances decrease through 2027. City Attorney Sean Surrisi said the redevelopment commission will need to prioritize priorities and funding and that it fits the city’s comprehensive plan.
Councilman Jeff Houin stated that since it is merely the council’s job to approve the project to the list, he offered the motion to approve that action. The motion received a second with the council approving the motion 6-1. Duane Culp, Jeff Houin, Don Ecker Jr., Bill Walters, Shiloh Milner and newly-appointed council member Randy Longanecker approved the motion while Gary Cook voted no.
