At the April 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, EDA coordinator, Chris Giesen explained the state of Minnesota has a competitive grant program that will award up to $39 million to workforce rental housing projects in greater Minnesota. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent from the meeting.
If the grant is awarded, the program could provide a $475,000 deferred forgivable loan to help with development of workforce rental units. The city has committed $410,000 in TIF for the Grand Street Apartment project owned by Main Street Properties, LLP. The project aims to construct 14 market rate rental units on Grand St. The project is ready to go but has been held up due to financing concerns.
A resolution authorizing the application for a Workforce Housing Development Program was approved as recommended by the EDA.
Dental Office
Giesen explained Dr. Bryson and Rebekah Rushing of Rochester have made a request for an EDA loan in the amount of $100,000 to help them purchase and open a full-service dental practice at 431 Main St. N. (Hollarmann Professional Building). Their intention is to open the office by August 5. Due to the importance of a dental services business in the community, the loan committee recommended a special financing rate of 0% and a graduated repayment plan. Security will be a second mortgage on the real estate financed and a personal guarantee from the applicants. The loan was approved as recommended by the EDA.
Other Business in Brief
- Joel Young, project manager, spoke on behalf of the SE MN Together Action Team. A grant from the Minnesota Legislature was awarded to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a Transportation Management Organization (TMO) to meet the needs of people in southeast Minnesota. The city of Chatfield agreed to be the host. Three proposals from professional services had been received to produce a comprehensive assessment and financial plan for a TMO for the 11-county region in southeast Minnesota. The team evaluated the proposals, interviewed the three professional services and recommended the city enter into a contract with Alta Planning and Design to complete the study. A contract with Alta Planning and Design was approved as recommended.
- Public works director Brian Burkholder explained quotes were received from Rochester Sand & Gravel and Durst Outdoor Services for mill and overlay projects on four alleys that have been determined to be in the worst condition. Approval was granted for the low quote from Rochester Sand & Gravel. The cost is not to exceed $51,084.
- Burkholder reported that this is the 32nd year that Chatfield has been recognized as a Tree City USA member. This year Chatfield applied for and received the Tree City USA Growth Award for the first time. The award recognizes annual activities in a number of categories which allow the city to build sustainable community forestry over the long term.
- Mayor John McBroom proclaimed Friday, April 26 as Arbor Day. A tree will be planted for Arbor Day on May 3.
- Braydon Fretland and Drew O’Connor were hired to fill summer maintenance positions.
- The Committee of the Whole met prior to the city council meeting. McBroom noted a Special Vehicle Ordinance for the use of golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs on city streets was discussed. The possible sale of Outlot C in the Lonestone Subdivision for the purpose of development was also discussed.
- A listing of swimming pool staff for the 2024 season was approved as recommended by the Personnel/Budget Committee. Katie Goldsmith will serve as manager and Shari Hamman will be the water aerobics instructor.
- Software upgrades and equipment replacement based on a quote from website provider Granicus was approved. The new subscription will cost $1,741.58 per month.
- Street closures for Western Days and the use of City Park for Western Days Activities were approved.
- A meet and greet celebration for ambulance crew members will be held on May 22 from 4-7 p.m. Stumpy’s Pizza will be in City Park. EMS week is May 19-25.
- A request from Chatfield Alliance to use 4th Street to set up the Growers & Makers Market was approved. Markets begin on May 2 from noon to 9 pm.
- Citywide garage sale is scheduled for May 4 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The citywide cleanup begins on May 6.
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