City Council Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution of Support for a NCRC Building Improvement Grant Submissions.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers a Resolution of Support for NCRC Building Improvement Grant Submissions.
Summary Report:
The City Council is being asked to approve a resolution of support for staff to apply for any grant opportunities related to the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) and for applications previously submitted.
The NCRC houses several key government and non-profit service providers, including Healthy Community Initiative (HCI), Community Action Center (CAC), FiftyNorth, Rice County United Way, Rice County satellite offices, WorkForce Development, and a satellite location of the Northfield Public Library.
These organizations deliver essential services to Northfield and surrounding communities. Upgrading the NCRC will enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of these services, maximizing public benefit and supporting community well-being.
Any grant funding received will support critical repairs and upgrades to the NCRC, ensuring it remains a safe, accessible, and functional space for community services. Improvements currently planned include security and technology upgrades, new flooring and paint, renovated public restrooms, and replacement of the boiler, chiller, and air handling units. Locker room and pool updates are also needed. Any additional funding received above the planned costs will be used for improvements to organization-specific areas-such as the food shelf and senior center.
In late April, staff did apply for Community Project Funding opportunities through Representative Angie Craig’s office and Senator Tina Smith’s office. An application was not submitted through Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office, but her staff did say they would work with Senator Smith’s office to offer their support. The applications are attached (attachments #2 and #3). Letters of support were collected from the various organizations within the NCRC building and community partners such as the Northfield School District. Those are also attached (attachment #4). Staff did receive notice that it would not be one of the 15 projects chosen by Representative Craig’s office for submission to subcommittees. Staff has not yet received notice from Senator Smith’s office.
City staff will continue to work to identify other funding opportunities to lessen the financial impact of any necessary improvements.
Alternative Options:
Not recommended.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
ü April 18, 2025 Application for Congressionally Directed Spending Requests submitted to Representative Craig’s office.
ü April 21, 2025 Application for Congressionally Directed Spending Requests submitted to Senator Smith’s office.