Lamberton pledges $25,000 match for MN DEED childcare grant, plans modular site on city lot

LAMBERTON — The Lamberton City Council on Oct. 15 approved a pledge of $25,000 as the city’s portion of a 50/50 Child Care Development grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and recorded passage of Resolution 2024‑17 to authorize the application.

Clerk and city administrator Valerie Halter told the council the city is facing a lack of housing and commercial space suitable for a childcare provider. To address that, Halter proposed placing a modular house on a city‑owned lot at the corner of 6th and Fir and renting it to a new childcare provider if the grant is awarded. Halter said the 50% local match can include in‑kind labor, supplies or cash donations and that she had already begun soliciting donations.

Council members questioned projected costs, tax implications and potential rental rates for a modular unit. After discussion, the council voted to support the DEED grant application and pledge $25,000 toward the match; the motion passed with a 4‑1 tally (mover Knutson; seconder Irlbeck; Councilmember Bittner opposed). Halter noted the application deadline is Oct. 31, 2024.

The minutes indicate next steps: administration/EDA staff will complete the grant application, document matching funds (cash or in‑kind), and report back to the council. The council also referred the pledge to its regular agenda and recorded Resolution 2024‑17 authorizing the grant application.

Ending: The council passed Resolution 2024‑17 and asked staff to return with grant materials and matching documentation at the next meeting.