Childcare ARPA funds approved to help local providers
News | Published on July 11, 2022 at 11:03am CDT
By Mel Stegner
Several area daycare providers will be receiving ARPA funds as the Pope County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved applications from 14 providers and two organizations. Commissioner Wagner expressed concern about requirements for staying in business once the grant is received. “We are asking that they have the repairs complete before year end, and they are to stay in business for a minimum of three years or the grant will require repayment. We are also asking that receipts are submitted as work is completed,” said Jason Murray, representative of the HRA/EDA.
“What is the follow up? Was there formal estimates submitted? Did anyone go to these homes to put eyes on the items requested for grant money?” asked Commissioner Haggerty. It was stated that Western Prairie Human Services would be inspecting the properties. “With the exception of one, all applications came in with detailed estimates,” said Murray.
Pope Douglas Solid Waste administrator, Steve Vrchota, was available telephonically to explain the $7 million bond they are requesting. It is Douglas County’s turn for the bond application. The debt service is allocated at 25 percent for Pope County and 75 percent for Douglas County. The bond gets paid from solid waste revenues.
The highway department is getting caught up from the late start this spring according to Brian Giese, county engineer. “Our summer construction projects are basically complete except for pavement markings and removal of signage. The construction to the bike trail between Glenwood and Villard will start in September,” said Giese.
The MnDOT variance committee approved the variance request for the construction project along CSAH 17, allowing 10 foot lanes and five foot clear zones. “Most of the questions from the committee were associated with tree clearing. Most counties have landowners that WANT their trees removed and they were fascinated that we have the opposite problem,” said Giese.
The board approved several conditional use permits at the meeting. David and Pamela Foster requested a permit to construct a 1,440 square foot building on their property in White Bear Lake Township. The Planning commission expressed concern about emergency vehicle access with the accessory structures planned location.
Corey Felber requested a permit to provide permission to keep his RV on his property after loss suffered from a catastrophic fire. The structure is being rebuilt, but the RV will be needed for longer than allowable without a permit.
Kenneth and Janice Hinz have requested a permit to keep an RV on their property located on Lake Marlu. The lake is a natural environment shoreline and an RV is a permitable land use.
Eric and Sandra Flom from Leven Township requested a permit to place an accessory structure on their 44,000 square foot lot along Lake Amelia. The structure will be used as a storage facility.
Ronny and Noreen Schlueter requested a permit to construct a building on their property near Lake Amelia. The structure’s intended use is as a storage facility.
The board voted the approval of the Annual County Boat and Water Safety Grant Contract that allows the sheriff’s department to conduct water patrols. The contract is worded the same as the last few years. Bills and per diems were approved and County Administrator Kappmeyer reminded the commissioners that budget season is right around the corner and will start to be addressed at the August commissioners’ meetings.
