A reapplication gave the Minot Housing Authority another opportunity to request a forgivable loan from the City of Minot’s Facade Improvement Program, and this one was successful.

The Minot City Council approved the housing authority’s facade project 4-3. The first try last December failed on 3-3 vote and a second look also lacked the tie-breaking vote needed for reconsideration. Mike Hayes, who had been absent at the December meetings, voted with Mayor Mark Jantzer, Lisa Olson and Paul Pitner to approve the request on Monday, June 15.

Because of its status as a quasi-government agency, the housing authority’s application lacked the support of the other three council members. Council member Mike Blessum previously had suggested the housing authority apply to the council for a share of the nonprofit funds budgeted each year. However, reapplying to the facade program was another available option and the one the housing authority selected.

Blessum said the project doesn’t qualify as the private match for the facade dollars would come from federal funds. He also disagreed that the submission was a reapplication because the project was the same, and council members Scott Samuelson and Rob Fuller agreed.

The housing authority had paid a new application fee and obtained fresh project bids. The low bid was $185,355, of which the housing authority could receive $139,016 as reimbursement from the facade program.

Separately, the council gave support to two organizations pursuing federal grants.

Trinity Health is seeking a grant from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to support the design and construction of a new mental health facility to replace its St. Joseph’s facility, which closed due to failing mechanical systems.

Rail Modal Group is applying for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant to build additional track at Minot’s intermodal facility.

If the grants are awarded, the city would serve as the administrator.