A discussion on the terms of the ongoing Rehab Loan Application process was top of the agenda at the Winnebago EDA meeting on Wednesday, June 4.

CEDA representative Macey Becker presented the council with a Rehab Loan application from Linda O’Neil for $8,000, requesting that the EDA approve the application.

“After we approve this application, there will be a total of $8,500 left in the Blandin Grant funds, which is awesome,” Becker shared. “We already have some pending offers for the remaining money, too.”

Following a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the rehab loan application. The motion was passed unanimously.

Becker then mentioned that there were a few Rehab Loan applicants who, while their applications had previously been approved at past EDA meetings, had failed to sign the preliminary paperwork to receive their grant money.

“I’m seeking advice on what to do in this situation, and I was thinking of imposing a deadline on future Rehab Loans so that this doesn’t happen again,” Becker explained. “If we do impose a deadline, and an applicant fails to fill out the paperwork before it runs out, their grant funds would be forfeit, and those unclaimed funds would be made available for other members of the community to apply for.”

Several members of the EDA raised questions about how long this deadline period would be, and whether there was enough concern to justify imposing one.

“How long would we want this deadline to be?” EDA member Amanda Johnson asked. “Thirty days seems reasonable to me, especially since this is the first step of the application process.”

“I think in practice, a typical deadline for this sort of thing is 90 days,” EDA member Paul Eisenmenger countered. “My question is, would this be applied retroactively? I’m not certain that would work, especially for people who have already applied for the rehab loan and were approved.”

EDA member Doug Hill inquired about the number of applicants who had failed to sign the initial paperwork.

“There are only two people who haven’t signed the paperwork yet – everyone else who has applied for a rehab loan has,” Becker admitted. “That’s why I’m not sure if this measure is necessary.”

“I say we just give those folks a phone call, and let them know they have a deadline,” Hill replied. “I don’t think we need to formally put one in place, especially if other people are getting their paperwork filled out right away.”

The EDA agreed that this was a reasonable solution, and no motions were made or further action taken to impose a deadline.

Other business discussed at the EDA meeting included:

• Becker provided updates on several ongoing community projects during her staff report. An application for funding from the T-Mobile Hometown grant to help fund the Winnebago Hearts project will be submitted in July, while no word has been heard back about the MAB grant.

• Tickets for the upcoming Mankato Moondogs Winnebago Night on July 11 have been purchased, and will arrive within the next week. Look for the posters located around Winnebago in local businesses to learn more about how to purchase tickets.

• The EDA unanimously approved moving forward with the Winnebago Hall of Fame awards process for 2025.

• Becker presented the council with an offer from the South Central Service Cooperative, offering the city a chance to have a photo featured in their 2026 calendar. A brief discussion was held, but no action was taken on the issue.