City Council Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
David Benentt, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Resolution Requesting State Capital Investment Bonds for Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) in the City of Northfield.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a Resolution Requesting State Capital Investment Bonds for the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC) in the City of Northfield.
Summary Report:
There was discussion at the May 20, 2025 worksession related to interest in whether to pursue State Bonding dollars for any local capital projects. Pursuing funding for the NCRC building was expressed as an interest from some councilors. There will be further discussion on the potential project at a future meeting related to scoping details.
Background
In Minnesota, state capital bonding refers to a process where the state borrows money, primarily through the issuance of general obligation (G.O.) bonds, to finance capital improvement projects. These projects, often funded through capital budgets, can include land acquisition, construction, and repair of state facilities, as well as grants to local governments for similar purposes. There is a deadline in June for local governments to submit interested local projects for consideration by the Governor and this also is the standard process for the bonding committee of the Minnesota Legislature to review requests.
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.
As with all aging buildings, critical repairs and upgrades are needed in the NCRC to ensure the organizations housed there can continue to provide their necessary services. In addition, organization-specific upgrades and additions are needed to continue to meet the growing needs for their services. Examples of this are additions to the CAC food shelf and the Fifty North senior center.
In addition to this bonding request, staff have also applied for project grants through Senator Smith’s office and Representative Craig’s office. A resolution of support for these grants and relevant future grants identified by staff is a separate item on this meeting agenda.
A resolution requesting state capital investment bonds for the Northfield Water Treatment plant is also on this meeting agenda.
Attached is a link to Minnesota Management and Budget Project page should any individuals be interested in exploring more background information.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
Total Cost of Planned Upgrades to the NCRC Building $2.7 Million
Total Cost of Additional Organization Specific Upgrades to the NCRC Building $2.3 Million
Total Expense Amount $5.0 Million
State Bond Requested Funding $2.5 Million
Local Match (Lessee Tenant/City details to be determined) $2.5 Million
Total Revenue $5.0 Million
Tentative Timelines:
2026 Legislative Request.