Caribou council authorizes CDBG grant application for Children’s Museum STEM childcare program

The Caribou City Council on June 1 voted to authorize the city to apply for and receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service Program funds to support a STEM‑based educational childcare program at the Children’s Museum of Aroostook County, 52 Sweden Street.

Eric, an economic development department staffer, presented the proposal to the council during a public hearing opened at about 6:02 p.m., saying the museum has received donated 3‑D printed materials and other equipment and plans to hire a teacher and purchase additional program supplies. “That’s my pitch, and I’m sticking to it,” Eric said during his presentation.

The museum’s proposal, as summarized by Eric, frames the program as a public‑service project intended to benefit low‑to‑moderate‑income families in the census tracts cited in the application. Eric said the submission follows prior public‑service proposals the municipality has administered and that a public hearing is required for the city to vote to approve applying for the grant.

A councilor moved to authorize “any and all actions to apply for and receive the Community Development Block Grant Public Service Program grant for the Children’s Museum of Aroostook County located at 52 Sweden Street.” Another councilor seconded the motion. During roll call, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Nightfair, Councilor Lovewell and Councilor Watson voted aye; the presiding official abstained, stating an affiliation with the Children’s Museum because they serve on its board. The motion carried.

The proposal did not specify the grant amount sought. The council’s vote authorizes the city to submit the required application and to receive the award if granted; any subsequent acceptance of funds or contract execution will be handled per city procedures.

The council closed the public hearing at about 6:04 p.m. and thanked the presenter. The city’s next regular council meeting is scheduled for June 15.