Money still remains for Downtown Grant Program

Photo by Tucker Henderson
As part of a rather light agenda, the New York Mills EDA heard of several economic enhancements that have been made in the community. One of the updates has been at Mills Country Market where new freezers have been installed.

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met recently on Wednesday, Oct. 15 to discuss developments within the city.

There were no new applications for the Downtown Revitalization Matching Grant Program. Over half of the money in the fund is still available for businesses around town to help fund both interior and exterior updates.

The board received two additional quotes for consulting purposes. An inquest to the City of Perham for their feedback on one of the consultants will be made and the body of quotes will be discussed at the next meeting. Discussion on strategic planning and a new housing study was had as it has been a while since either has been done.

For the board’s CEDA funding, Julie Roberts will speak with Karen Pifher of Creating Community Consulting to discuss their grant software in more detail to see if that would be a good use of the remaining funds. The dog waste station and brochure kiosk are at the city office and will be installed at the Barn and Sculpture Park by Public Works. It was also suggested to use leftover funding to assist with the cost of connecting the South Point walking trail with the Willow Creek Dog Park.

Betsy Roder informed the board of the county’s CDA updates, including the Empowered Worker program. There have been a total of 121 referrals as well as 38 being actively engaged. A Workforce Summit at MState in Fergus Falls will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11 and registration is open.

Sara Hotakainen, director of the incoming Family Resource Center which will make its home in the City Center building, will be invited to the next meeting to talk about the Resource Center and all that it will entail. A tour of other regional resource centers will take place as soon as the advisory board is completed.

For economic development within the community, Sone’s Asian & American Cuisine has opened at the VFW Post and will have a grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 1. Mills County Market has also completed a large replacement of his freezers.

The next EDA meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall Chambers.