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Council accepts $16,000 Dakota County grant for electric adult changing station at Rambling River Center
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Summary
Farmington city staff received a $16,000 Communities for All microgrant from Dakota County to purchase and install an electric adult changing station at the Rambling River Center; council unanimously approved a joint powers agreement to accept the funding.
The Farmington City Council on Sept. 2 unanimously approved a joint powers agreement with Dakota County to accept $16,000 in Communities for All (CFA) microgrant funding for an electric adult changing station to be installed at the Rambling River Center.
Kelly, a city staff member who presented the item, told the council the city submitted a letter of interest requesting $16,000 to cover purchase and electrical installation of an electric adult changing station in the new restroom adjacent to the banquet room. “The submitted letter of interest requested $16,000 to cover the purchase and installation of an electric adult changing station and necessary electrical work to support it,” Kelly said.
Kelly said Dakota County’s CFA program coordinator told staff there was no dollar limit on requests and that all projects are reviewed by a Dakota County panel. Staff recommended accepting the full award through a reverse-reimbursable microgrant; Kelly reported the city was notified in July that it had been awarded the full $16,000.
Council members praised the project as increasing accessibility and dignity for residents with disabilities. “You really have just a heart for recognizing people where they're at and identifying needs and gaps,” Council member Steve said in remarks to Kelly. Council member Holly, Jake and Nick also expressed support and asked staff to ensure nonmembers could access the facility when needed; Kelly confirmed the facility will be open to the public and the city will not charge nonmembers to use the station.
The proposed unit is a KoalaCare electric adult changing station; Kelly described specifications discussed with staff and the county panel, including a working load of up to 500 pounds, an emergency stop and backup battery, and an electronically adjustable platform height from about 12 inches to 41 inches to accommodate caregivers and users. Kelly said staff checked with the local school district and did not find any equivalent adult changing station in the community.
Council member Jake moved to approve the joint powers agreement and accept the $16,000 CFA grant; Council member Holly seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as yes by Council members Bernat, Lean, Wilson, Cortes and Mayor Hoyt and the motion carried.
Action required staff to execute the joint powers agreement with Dakota County and to proceed with procurement and installation of the KoalaCare unit and any required electrical work; staff did not propose additional conditions or a phased installation schedule at the meeting.
