Fergus Falls council approves application for state grant to build multi‑use Pebble Lake facility

The Fergus Falls City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the city to submit an application to the Legislative‑Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for design and construction funding of a multi‑use recreational facility at the Pebble Lake Golf Course.

City staff said the project would expand outdoor recreation and rental programs in winter months — for activities such as snowshoeing, skating and cross‑country skiing — and is being framed as a multi‑use facility rather than a golf clubhouse to meet LCCMR program goals. “You are agreeing that you will accept the funds that are coming from the state of Minnesota through the legislative process and you are upholding your end of the grant. So, you are building what you say that you are going to build,” said Mrs. Beck, the staff presenter, explaining conditions that accompany the application.

Why it matters: The council’s approval permits the city to seek state appropriations for a project officials said could cost several million dollars. Staff told the council the LCCMR program requires a 25% local match; council members said the city and its partners are aiming for a larger, 50% combined local match where possible. Staff also said legislatively approved money has a multi‑year window for spending and that project work could not begin before July 1, 2027.

City finance staff outlined how the project would be funded if the grant is received: the city would front costs from its capital projects fund, carry a temporary negative cash balance as necessary, and submit reimbursements to the state, which staff described as the typical procedure for such grants. “We would submit grant reimbursements to get reimbursed,” said Bill, the finance presenter.

Council members pressed staff on operational and long‑term maintenance costs for a building they estimated could be three to four million dollars and questioned whether winter programming and rentals would be sufficient to offset operating expenses. Staff said partners involved with the golf board have discussed covering parts of the match and that detailed partner agreements and design choices will be part of the next stages.

The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call; the motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: With council authorization, city staff will submit the LCCMR application and — if awarded by the legislature — the city and its partners must follow the grant agreement conditions, provide the required match, complete design, and proceed with construction within the program’s timelines.