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City approves grant, loan applications

NEW ULM — A series of grant applications and loans were approved by the New Ulm City Council, Tuesday.

The council authorized an application for a Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the planning of a Career and Technical Education Center.

The New Ulm EDA unanimously recommended the city authorize the grant Feb. 11.

New Ulm Public Schools, in concert with local and regional partners, want to build a regional Career and Technical (CTE) Center in New Ulm to retain and add to the city’s skilled workforce. Students in area high schools and adults will have the ability to learn about skilled trades in this area and spend time earning credentials or certification in particular career fields.

The school district is not eligible to apply for the federal EDA grant. Region Nine has taken the lead to be the main applicant. The city agreed to serve as co-applicant acting as the fiscal agent for this grant.

Superintendent Jeff Bertrang said the CTE Center will require partnerships within the community. The goal is workforce development in New Ulm and getting ahead of changes in the economy.

Councillor Les Schultz said if this goes through, it could keep youth in the community. He made the motion to approve the application, and it was unanimously approved by the council.

The council also authorized a grant application to the New Ulm Area Foundation of up to $5,000 for historic and environmental interpretive signage in Riverside Park.

This grant application was previously recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission.

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) operated out of the Riverside Park building plans to utilize the planned rear deck plaza as an outdoor classroom. Interpretive signage on the deck will be utilized by ELC participants/classes and the public.

This is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce Visioning 2020 Riverfront Development Advocacy Group (RDAG).

A public hearing was held for a $250,000 loan to DLC Manufacturing & Fabrication. DLC is looking to make a substantial capital investment for a new building, machinery and equipment at 24 Somsen St.

The money will come from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund and combined with bank loans totals $3.75 million. The interest rate is 1% for a ten-year term.

The loan would support the purchase of laser equipment to permit the expansion of the business. DLC is expected to create one or two new positions depending on the number of lasers they are able to purchase.

The council was supportive of the project and unanimously approved it following the public hearing. Schultz reminded the council the current fund balance for the revolving loan fund was $448,555. This loan will take half the fund.

The zero lot line standard was adopted into the city code. This ordinance would allow the construction of twin homes and townhomes without the need for a variance. These types of homes are constructed with a common wall between residences, meaning there is no setback, normally required between two homes. Previously every twin home or townhome required a zero foot setback variance. This ordinance will eliminate this extra step for the future development of this type of home.

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