The Winnebago Economic Development Authority (EDA) board sorted through their priorities at their regular meeting held on Wednesday, April 6 at 5 p.m.

The board identified the upcoming demolition of the crumbling SuperValu building and participation in a Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) Technical Assistance Grant program as undeniable priorities.

However, just how much time should be invested in establishing a new daycare center in Winnebago was a lengthy topic of discussion.

EDA specialist Angie Stier noted she may not be able to complete the First Children’s Finance’s Minnesota Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) application which has been under discussion for the past few months, as she has lately had to devote much of her time to obtaining a SuperValu demolition loan and the MHP Technical Assistance Grant program.

“My thought was, maybe instead of going through the whole (RCCIP) program at this point, we could pinpoint a few things we could do as individual projects,” she suggested.

Stier highlighted three of the consultation services offered by First Children’s Finance which she felt would be most beneficial to Winnebago. These included guidance for public-private partnerships to build and maintain a daycare supply, technical expertise on local policy and financial incentives, and childcare market analysis with a strategic plan.

“We can certainly come back to this,” Stier added. “We can wait to do this until the next grant round in December.”

Several EDA members said they would prefer to take at least some action regarding Winnebago’s lack of childcare as soon as possible, even if the city does put off applying fully for the RCCIP.

“If we need something this bad, we’re going to need to step up and do something about it,” mayor Scott Robertson reasoned.

The board proceeded to discuss strategies for taking action regarding the local daycare shortage.

EDA board member Jean Anderson noted the Parker Oaks Senior Living Center in Winnebago may still be a viable space for a daycare center.

“They have everything you could possibly need,” Anderson said. “What we need is someone to run it all.”

After more discussion, the EDA board created a clear to-do list necessary to discern the center’s potential.

EDA board member Melissa Engelby plans to consult a potential daycare center director. Meanwhile, Stier intends to research the possibility of using EDA funds to get the project up and running. City administrator Judi Hynes plans to discuss the project’s potential with Heartland Senior Living of Winnebago.

“It’s the perfect set up,” Robertson said of the Parker Oaks center. “It’s not being used, is it? It’s a waste.”

Though daycare warranted some discussion, the Winnebago EDA was on the same page regarding the demolition of the SuperValu building.

When it came time to discuss the site, Stier had glad tidings for the board.

“We have been approved for the demolition loan,” Stier shared with a smile.

The loan, funded by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will consist of $109,900 in funds for the SuperValu’s demolition.

“Before any work begins, DEED will send a contract requiring the mayor’s signature, and bonding will need to be completed to secure the loan, which requires the city to host a public hearing,” Stier noted. “The City Council will also need to approve the bonding.”

“The demolition crew is ready to get to work, with hopes that the demolition could start as soon as May 1,” Stier concluded.

Finally, Stier outlined some preliminary steps which are being taken to address the lack of available housing in Winnebago, another issue which the EDA board has agreed should take top priority.

The city has officially accepted an opportunity to take part in the MHP’s Technical Assistance Grant. The process will span 18 months, and will involve gathering a team of seven to 20 Winnebago community members who have a passion for housing. The team members will participate in monthly team meetings to strategize about ways to address Winnebago’s lack of housing.

In other business, the Winnebago EDA:

• Awarded a Commercial Exterior Building Grant in the amount of $1,492 to Lee Hodges, Owner of Boice W. Hodges Insurance in Winnebago. Hodges, an EDA board member, abstained from the vote.

• Approved a draft of the quarterly Winnebago EDA newsletter.

• Received an update about Winnebago’s Flip N Shake. Stier shared the business has successfully closed on its loan, and has a scheduled opening date of Monday, April 11.