Public proposes converting a Cedar Valley High portable to a community center for CDBG funding

During the second public hearing required for the HUD CDBG annual action plan, Charlotte Ducos (school/community representative) described a proposed Eagle Mountain Community Center concept that would convert part of a portable at Cedar Valley High School into showers, pantry storage and adult‑education space to serve low‑income residents. She asked the city to consider the project for the public‑facilities bucket of the CDBG action plan.

CDBG staff said the proposal could qualify as a public facility and encouraged Charlotte and school representatives to submit a simplified application with program details. A councilmember asked whether in‑kind construction donations from qualified local contractors would jeopardize eligibility; staff replied that qualified contractor donations typically do not disqualify CDBG funding if documented appropriately and could leverage limited grant dollars.

Councilmembers asked Charlotte to coordinate with city staff to provide cost estimates and target ask amounts so the item can be evaluated at the special meeting scheduled to finalize CDBG allocation. No action was taken tonight; the council scheduled a short, virtual special meeting to act on the annual action plan before HUD deadlines.

What’s next: Charlotte and staff will develop a simplified application with an estimated budget and confirm contractor participation; the council will consider final allocation at the special meeting.