Discussion and action items at the Adrian City Commission’s Jan. 6 meeting included:

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute: Luke Barnett, founder and president of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, discussed the woodworking institute’s desire to have the city endorse its attempts to secure funding for a new campus. These efforts may include a bid for federal funds. Barnett said the institute is not asking the city to put up any funds or serve as a fiduciary, but for some grants, the institute will need to show that the city supports its project.

The only concern expressed by commissioners involved the possibility of SBWI applying for a grant that the city was also seeking. In response to that concert, city administrator Greg Elliott proposed crafting the language of any resolution of support in such a way that “we can make sure we’re not playing in the same sandbox in that regard.”

Winter Street riverfront: The city’s application for money from the state’s Environmental Justice Impact Grant program was not successful. The city had hoped to receive funding to demolish the buildings on the former Daily Telegram, Access Shoppers Guide, and Adrian Eagles properties on North Winter Street.

Town Square project: Commissioners authorized the city to apply for a Revitalization and Placemaking grant from the state of Michigan to help fund the proposed Town Square project downtown, which encompasses the site of demolished buildings on South Main and West Maumee streets as well as Maiden Lane.

South Main Street tunnel: A legal step has been finished in the city’s big to acquire land for a pedestrian tunnel under South Main Street. The city commission approved a settlement in which the city will pay an additional $125,000 to the owner of a parcel that is being acquired through eminent domain, in addition to $76,000 already paid. The first phase of the eminent domain action, which required the city to demonstrate a public need for the taking, had already been completed. The second phase involved setting appropriate compensation for the owner. The case was heard in Lenawee County Circuit Court by Judge Michael Olsaver.