Finance committee approves resolution to pursue DNR shooting range grant for ADA parking and site improvements

The Finance Committee approved Resolution 19 authorizing the city to apply for a Department of Natural Resources shooting range development grant to make the municipal archery/shooting range ADA-compliant by adding parking, an ADA ramp and paving.

Mike (parks/rec staff) told the committee the municipal archery range opened in February 2012 and has no ADA access; users currently park along the west side of the sewer utility building. The proposed project would construct six parking stalls (five standard, one handicap), install an ADA ramp to the shooting line and resurface the shooting line to provide full ADA access. Mike said the DNR program will fund up to 75% of eligible costs if the application scores highly. The committee heard an estimated total project cost of $56,000 and that the city currently has about $6,000 in archery-range funds from annual donations.

Mike said staff will pursue donations and, if necessary, include the project in the 2026 or 2027 Capital Improvement Plan for the city's local share (staff estimated a local need of roughly $8,000–$10,000 depending on grant award). The committee voted to adopt the resolution allowing staff to apply for the DNR grant; Alderman Zingsheim and Alderman Sizer were recorded as making and seconding the motion. The motion carried with aye votes and no recorded opposition.

Next steps: If awarded, staff will return to council for authority to bid and award the project and to finalize local matching funds.