One week after rejecting a grant application aimed at securing two parcels that are part of the riverfront development project, the Warren City council has changed course.

Councilman Maurice Cashman, who missed last week’s meeting, made a motion to renew the action that failed in a tied 3-3 vote last Monday.

Earlier this year, council approved $170,000 in American Rescue Plan funds as part of a state grant that was not successful. City staff proposed shifting to a state property acquisition grant aimed at securing funds for for the vacant concrete pad on Liberty St. and the strip of land behind the HIY Inc. building.

On Monday, Councilman John Wortman moved to table Cashman’s motion pending the adoption of the 2023 budget and a proposal from city employees for COVID-19 hazard pay.

“We have an opportunity today to go for a grant for funds that the state is holding and wants to disperse,” Cashman responded. “That is a one-time deal… If we pass this up, we may be looking to acquire those properties at full value.”

He said not acting on this proposal takes a “piece of the puzzle” for the project.

“A vote against the Yoder properties (developer Robert Yoder owns the two subject properties) is not a vote against the boat launch,” Councilwoman Wendy McCain said.

“We are fully in support of building this boat launch,” John Wortman added. “That can be built without the acquisition of these two properties. … I think there needs to be a large picture of discussion on how we want to approach this topic.”

He called it a “dereliction of our duty” to commit the funding to these properties before the budget process is complete.

Mayor Dave Wortman noted that this council previously authorized staff to negotiate for the acquisition of the properties.

“We’ve directed city staff as part of a broader project to do what we’re doing,” he said. “We may have a grant opportunity now,” calling that “something that needs to be considered.”

City Manager Nancy Freenock noted that, even if this grant moves ahead, there would still be about $127,000 in American Rescue Plan funds available.

That motion to tabled failed 4-3 — Cashman voted along with Phil Gilbert, Jared Villella and Mayor Dave Wortman. Those four then voted to approve seeking the grant with John Wortman, McCain and Danielle Flasher in opposition.

Along with this action, the council approved — by the same 4-3 margin — a letter of acquisition to Yoder, detailing the city’s intent to purchase the properties if the grant comes through.

Freenock said Yoder agrees to the terms outlined in that letter. Villella said he “views this as an opportunity to remove an obstacle” and “sever one of the few remaining ties we have with Mr. Yoder.”