Quest for daycare solutions continues

By Robert Williams

Editor

The Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA)/Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approved two grant requests from Vergas entities at the latest meeting on Wednesday, April 2.

Crossroads Garden Center is planning to upgrade and renovate buildings and build a new greenhouse on site with an estimated cost of $19,000. Plans include removing older greenhouses and the existing pot shed to install a 30×52 new greenhouse with a concrete floor. A new sidewalk and a new irrigation system will be installed.

The EDA/HRA board unanimously approved $5,000, the maximum amount, pending the approval of construction plans by the property owner Olson Oil Company, Inc.

A second grant request of $5,000 from Jesus Little Lambs (JLL) to complete an asphalt paving of their parking lot was also approved. JLL has received two bids on the project, but has yet to decide which to accept. The totals of the bids are $16,800 and $15,100, according to Secretary-Treasurer Julie Lammers.

The grant funds for exterior improvements to Vergas businesses and other entities were part of a combination of funds donated by Vergas State Bank, Vergas Community Club and CEDA totaling $25,000 with a match from Otter Tail County to total $50,000. 

The EDA/HRA previously approved $762.09 for Cutting Edge Salon improvements and two grants for the maximum $5,000 to Summers Construction and Wildfire Furs have been approved but not yet distributed. 

Daycare

The open lot in the Sunny Acres development that had previously been discussed as a potential home for one to two daycare facilities has a few hoops to jump through given its current tax forfeited status.

According to Lammers, if the HRA gives the lot back to Otter Tail County and the county, in turn, sells it back to the HRA at market value a daycare could be built on the site.

The market value is currently not known exactly.

President DuWayne Ditterich stated if it could be repurchased for $3,000-$4,000 the project would be a go, but if it comes back at $25,000 it would not be possible.

The project is currently on hold until the market value number from the county is determined.

Lammers also reported that an unnamed Vergas church is considering a remodeling job to house a daycare. 

“They have not decided if they are or if they are not,” Lammers said. “They have met with daycare people and the county and they are waiting for the state Fire Marshal to come and tell them exactly what they need to do to get it up to code.”

Upon completion of the inspection, the plan will be brought to the church board for further discussion.

CEDA Regional Manager Jordan Grossman reported that she has been in communication with a daycare provider from a neighboring community who is very interested in coming to Vergas. The provider is seeking a rental in-town or an affordable home to purchase to house the daycare, according to Grossman.

Vergas has housed four, even five different daycare providers in the past.

“There is hardly ever too much daycare,” said Ditterich.

Ditterich, Vice President Bruce Albright and Lammers all reported a positive response to the EDA/HRA trying to find a solution to no daycare in Vergas over the past few months.

“It’s been very positive, which is great,” Ditterich said.