Retired attorney looking to spread wealth in Vergas
News | Published on December 10, 2024 at 5:20pm EST | Author: frazeevergas
0First commercial rehab grant application approved
By Robert Williams
Editor
Retired attorney Brad Sinclair, of Vergas, approached the EDA/HRA looking for potential ways to donate through the committee or other city groups to benefit Vergas residents specifically at the group’s final meeting of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
One of Sinclair’s concerns is he wants 100 percent of his donations to go to a good benefit, rather than utilizing some form of agency that will typically take half or more off the top for administrative costs.
One avenue is the Dollars for Scholars program through the four available schools to Vergas students: Frazee-Vergas, Perham-Dent, Detroit Lakes or Pelican Rapids.
Sinclair is steadfast in wanting to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families, instead of municipalities, with the lone caveat being he wants to benefit Vergas area residents only.
“I wanted to do something for the city people, not necessarily the city,” said Sinclair.
He also discussed wanting to help long-term Vergas residents with personal costs, like needed medical care or equipment, along with supporting local businesses, especially town staples like restaurants.
Any actual fiscal donation that would be run through the EDA/HRA, would have to go through its fiscal host West Central Initiative.
Dollars for Scholars is typically run directly through each individual school.
EDA/HRA President DuWayne Ditterich discussed what he called, “two things missing in town big time,” daycare and senior housing.
“We’re working on one right now and I’d like to be working on both pretty hard,” Ditterich said.
EDA/HRA member Joy Summers brought up grant proposals and revolving fund initiatives as possibilities.
“It feels like it could be perpetual forever,” she said. “You start a fund with enough money in it and you get people excited and they use it to become more successful and the city continues to thrive on it.”
City Clerk/Treasurer Julie Lammers is putting together a packet of information and will be having future conversations with Sinclair to aid his efforts.
“I’m just trying to give back to people,” Sinclair said.
Churches and nonprofit organizations were noted as the best way to benefit individuals, rather than using a city group or committee.
The EDA/HRA do have the ability to assist in helping businesses and housing, respectively.
CEDA
The EDA/HRA reviewed the first two grant applications of a new commercial rehabilitation program, which consists of $50,000 in funds available for businesses in town to use for exterior and facade updates.
Usage for interior changes is also available on a case-by-case basis, according to Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Community Development Leader Jordan Grossman.
The first grant happens to be for interior improvements, namely more lighting and more efficient lighting at Cutting Edge Salon. The total cost of the job is estimated at $1,565, with the salon asking for half of that cost $782. That was approved unanimously noting the salon exists in a renovated home and the lighting is being replaced with more efficient lighting.
A second application was tabled waiting on more detailed information and documentation.
According to Grossman, there are more applications in process.
Daycare
Grossman led a research group to examine an interim use of the Event Center as a daycare in Vergas, stating it is not that much of a hurdle or obstacle to convert the space to a daycare.
A fire marshal inspection would be the first step in that direction, along with connecting the person interested in running the daycare, the fire marshal and a county representative at a meeting.
According to Lammers, the Event Center committee has a lot of questions before moving forward with a fire marshal.
Their main concerns are equipment storage and hours of operation, along with potential conflicts with a Zumba group that uses the space multiple times per week.
Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance.
Payment for usage of the Event Center is also a committee concern.
Given the interim nature of a potential daycare, the committee is worried about scaring off future renters and other groups that already use the space like during Maple Syrup Fest.
Other options are also being explored.
Miscellaneous
Wednesday’s meeting was the last of Assistant Treasurer Vanessa Perry’s term. A city council liaison will also be named for the EDA/HRA.
The EDA/HRA has no scheduled meeting for January, as their regular meeting date falls on New Year’s Day. However, the schedule remains open in the event of an urgent or necessary meeting. If not, the regular schedule will begin on February 14.