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Council OKs intent to apply for CDBG funds for LifeQuest microhomes for adults with developmental disabilities
Summary
The Mitchell City Council authorized staff to proceed with a Community Development Block Grant application to support LifeQuest’s proposal for four to six microhomes and a small community center to house adults with developmental disabilities. Council will consider formal resolutions at its April 7 meeting.
Mitchell City Council members authorized staff to proceed with a Community Development Block Grant application from LifeQuest that would fund construction of four to six single-occupancy microhomes for adults with developmental disabilities and a shared community center.
The project’s estimated total cost is about $1,800,000, and the city will act as the required pass-through sponsor for CDBG funds, City staff said. “Project costs are coming in about, I’m gonna say, about 1,800,000.0 or so,” Mr. Schrader told the council during the public hearing.
Pam Hannah, LifeQuest, described the homes and on-site support during the hearing. “I think they’re quoting at about $300 per square feet. And I think that’s probably around 200,000,” Hannah said, describing per-unit cost assumptions and noting that the design includes a small community center where staff would “function out of there” and provide day‑time assistance; remote technology would be used overnight.
City staff said LifeQuest is asking the council to show intent tonight and to adopt four formal resolutions at the April 7 city council meeting: authorization to submit the CDBG application, designation of the mayor as certifying official, and related administrative actions needed to complete the application. The council moved, seconded and voted to authorize proceeding with the application and to bring the resolutions back at the next meeting; the motion carried.
If funded, the city would initially pay eligible planning and design invoices and be reimbursed by NRCS/CDBG as allowed by the programs, staff said. The application packet will include an affidavit of publication for the required public hearing notice and other application forms that do not require council action tonight.
Supporters and staff said a detailed site plan and updated drawings were provided to council. Hannah said the design places one person per home and includes an office/garage/gathering space useful for staff operations and occasional resident gatherings. Council members and staff clarified that utility hookups, storm shelter/evacuation plans and final site details will be part of later design documents and permitting.
The council vote authorized moving ahead with the application; formal resolutions are scheduled for the April 7 meeting.
