by Dennis Dalman
A new childcare center will be built in Sartell, with spaces enough for 150 children.
At the Aug. 14 city-council meeting, members unanimously voted to give up to $22,000 from a Community Childcare Grant Fund to help the center with platting fees that include one to cover trunk-storm water lines, water, sanitary sewer and park dedication.
It is the first childcare grant given by the city. Last month the council agreed to start the grant program because there is a lack of childcare openings in the city. The council and city staff set maximum grant limits depending on how many childcare openings a business would create.
Childcare has a direct effect on economic and commercial development within cities. In Sartell, which is constantly growing, the need for more childcare is especially pressing. One example is University of Minnesota Medical School, which is planned as an addition to the campus of the CentraCare Health Plaza. Childcare openings will be vital for those working/learning at that new school.
Sartell is currently lacking nearly 450 openings for childcare, according to a study done by United Way of Central Minnesota.
The center will be constructed by 814 Services, LLC. It will be an 11,000 square-foot daycare center capable of accommodating 170 children and will employ 30 staff members. The center will be located at 581 CR 120, which is at the corner of CR 120 and Leander Avenue. Before building begins, the city council will have to review the request and approve the preliminary plat, final plat and site plan.
After the vote to approve the grant, Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum said this: “It’s phenomenal that we’re driving that many places for children in our community.”
