Another hydroelectric redevelopment company has expressed interest in the redevelopment of the Pucker Street Dam, officials announced Monday during a committee of the whole meeting.
Wisconsin-based Renewable World Energies told city leaders that they are considering plans to restore the Pucker Street Dam.
City council members voted in 2013 to decommission the dormant dam, which has not produced power since 1993.
City leaders have already turned down the request from the hydroelectric company Falling Waters. The company’s last correspondence with the city was Jan. 31, when David Snyder, the company chairman, asked officials to change their minds on decommissioning plans.
Leaders questioned Falling Waters’ lack of financial backing and have so far stood by their decision to decommission the dam.
On Monday, Huff recommended that the city continue with its plans so as not to jeopardize about $1.5 million in grant funds, aimed at covering decommissioning costs.
“While this might be a very viable possibility, they are asking to go out into later this Sept. 30, to evaluate the dam structure,” Huff said. “We can wait for this to find out. The problem is we are already up against deadlines.”
If the city waits for the company to decide on their interest, Huff said they could forfeit the grant money earned to decommission the dam.
“Our recommendation is that we probably turn this down,” Huff said. “Because we cannot risk them not wanting the dam and us not having the grant monies that we do have to facilitate the removal of the dam.”
Officials will plan to officially reject the offer at a later meeting.

Also Monday:
• Council member Skalla said he would be working with the Friends of the Silverbrook Cemetery to gather the names of deceased veterans. He said he hopes to recognize in an eventual memorial. Those who have names to should visitFriendsofSilverbrook for contact information.
• Council members thanked authorities for their work during the carbon monoxide tragedy that occurred April 1.
• City council members unanimously approved a bid for $279,88. 20 from Rieth-Riley for the 2017 Major Street fund, which will re-surface the road at designated project locations. The project is expected to be completed no later than Aug. 18, 2017.
The projects are as follows:
> Broadway: Fifth Street to the St. Joseph River
> Grant Street: St Joseph River to St. Joseph Avenue
> Second Street: Broadway to Main Street
> Cedar Street: Second Street to Fifth Street