Mendota Considers Park Projects for Grant Money

is once again considering projects in the city to be funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Funds the city had accumulated through the grant process in previous years was dedicated to this year.

Now, city clerk Jennifer Bruestle is preparing an application for the next round of CDBG competitive grant awards. About $35,000 is expected to be available for grants. Mendota will compete with other small towns and townships in Dakota County for a slice of that funding, which comes from the federal government.

Mendota is one of three cities in their category that is considered low to moderate income.

“Those particular cities take preference over other smaller cities—for instance Lilydale, Sunfish Lake—when applying for grants. So chances are we have a very good chance of getting a grant,” said Bruestle.

The money can be used for new projects in town, and cannot be used to repair or maintain existing infrastructure.

The council is considering three options: construction of a new gazebo at , construction of a storage facility at the park to keep city equipment in, or setting the money aside and again accumulating funds over the course of a few years to replace the playground equipment.

Mayor Brian Mielke and the council agreed that a storage space for city equipment, such as volleyball nets, event recycling containers and signs would be their top priority.

The council has a good idea of the costs associated with the storage and because they are both options considered for the money that ultimately went to the road. They do not yet have quotes for the cost of a new gazebo.

The city's application is due by Jan. 15, according to Bruestle.