Focus on Showboat Fundraising and Dismantling During Committee of the Whole Meeting

Prior to the regular City Council meeting this week, a Committee of the Whole gathering took place with the Rebuild the Showboat Committee.  An update was provided followed by discussion on potential next steps after only one bid, which was higher than anticipated, was received for building a new showboat.  

A number of options were presented, including buying a used boat, changing the materials used to build the boat (steel vs steel and wood), and discontinue the idea of replacing the current boat, however, the conclusion of continuing on with the plan build a new showboat of material which will need the least amount of maintenance in the future was most favorable.  

Cost of Rebuilding
The lone bid which was received after the city’s request for proposal (RFP) was advertised came in at just under $1.5 million.  During a conference call with Moran Iron Works of Onaway, MI there was discussion about factors which may have driven up the cost of building a new vessel.  There was some uncertainty in some of the specifications in the RFP, but overall one of the biggest factors in raising the cost would come in transporting sections from the build location to the Flat River.  The unique setting, where the riverboat would remain stationary and no way of creating something which could be transported via water to its final destination seems to increase the cost and potentially turn away additional businesses willing to take on the project.  City Council and the Rebuild the Showboat Committee discussed refining the scope of the project before requesting another RFP.

The idea of changing the material used to build the boat was brought up but quickly dismissed as lowering up front price tag would result in higher maintenance costs in the future which would not be a significant enough savings.

While a more defined scope for a new boat could come at a cost savings, the committee is basing funding needs on what was received from one bidder.

Reaching the $2.7 Million Mark
Additionally, fundraising and dismantling the current boat were also discussed.  The entire project for the Riverwalk area consists of building a new showboat and improvement of buildings near the Chamber to include rooms which could be rented, rest rooms, and other amenities to complement use of a new Showboat.  A total of about $2.7 million would need to be raised to reach a comfort level in beginning the project. Approximately $1.1 million has been secured through a state grant received in June 2017 with funding made available in October of the same year and fundraising efforts already underway by the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.  

The Rebuild the Showboat Committee is looking into hiring a professional at a rate of $72,000 for a year of service to help guide fundraising efforts as well as a marketing expert for a cost of $18,000.  The thought is to spend the next year raising funds to be able to pay for the overall project, which would aim for a spring 2021 completion date. City Manager Mike Burns is going to confirm with Senator Hildenbrand that grant funds will continue to be available through the fundraising phase.  

Finally, as part of the fundraising effort, it’s likely the current boat will be dismantled prior to a replacement being ready.  The current boat continues to deteriorate making it an eyesore and potential hazard in the water. Winter, when the river is frozen, is the best time to take apart the existing boat to help alleviate items floating away.  But it was not confirmed that this would take place this winter. Selling portions of the current boat would be part of the fundraising process.

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