Members of the City Council’s Finance Committee gave approval to a lease of part of Illick’s Mill to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). During a meeting Sept. 15, finance committee members voted to recommend the matter to the general council, which will vote on the proposal for first reading at their Oct. 6 meeting.

Finance committee chair and council member Michael Recchiuti and committee members Eric Evans and Bryan Callahan were joined by council member Louis Stellato and Council President J. William Reynolds.

Evans said having the AMC at Illick’s Mill is “a great fit for us a, great fit for the club.” The proposed lease would run until Dec. 2016.

Evans asked Director of Parks and Public Property Ralph Carp to compare the proposed lease with previous leases. Carp said the proposed lease, which includes utilities, is different because the AMC would only be using part of the building, but the framework is favorable to both parties.

The proposed lease calls for a monthly rent of $1,050 for the remainder of 2015 and an additional $100 per month in 2016. AMC would occupy about 705 square feet in the first floor of the building. The second floor would remain available.

Reynolds asked for an estimate of the restoration work done on Illick’s Mill and how this has contributed to its value.

Mark Zukutansky, Mid-Atlantic policy manager of AMC, said the group has had an office at 520 Long St. for 10 years and has three employees there, but must vacate their current location by Oct. 1. He said the Delaware Valley Chapter of AMC has 10,000 active members.

Zukutansky said the group is extremely thrilled with the Illick’s Mill property and anticipates hosting activities such as birdwatching at the property, located in Monocacy Park.

“We look forward to this opportunity,” he said. “It’s the ideal location for us.”

Zukutansky said AMC plans to have Monday to Friday business hours and also host weekend programs in the park. “Illick’s Mill is a truly unique building, a unique opportunity,” he said.

Reynolds asked Zukutansky to comment on the state of building. Zukutansky answered that it was in excellent shape.

Reynolds also said many students from Liberty HS helped to restore the building and asked AMC to show them how they are using building now. “Thank you for choosing Illick’s Mill,” he said.