Daycare asks for city's help with new building

A large contribution has sparked big plans for the Hartley Community Daycare Center.

Director Kaity Pedley on Monday addressed the city council during her annual update. She revealed the facility recently landed a $500,000 contribution from a private donor, which sparked discussion about constructing a new facility.

"Five hundred grand doesn't get us a lot, but it's a start and it was awesome and amazing," she said.

The current daycare center building was constructed in 1920 with an addition going up in 1955. The facility has received several updates in the last four years like new windows and flooring, but Pedley noted big problems lie underneath.

The facility's staff cannot use the kitchen sink without backup problems occurring due to a collapsed pipe – employees have to do dishes in the laundry area instead. The plumbing issues have exacerbated recently, with certain bathroom sinks now experiencing problems due to deteriorating pipes.

Pedley also noted that radon is an issue at the facility.

"Our building is very old, and yes we could fix this, but we're constantly putting a band aid on something," she said. "We don't know about the pipe situation until we dig into it. It could be a whole can of worms."

Pedley explained that a new building would not only eliminate these issues, but also allow the daycare to expand both space and program offerings.

The facility is currently at capacity with a long waiting list. Pedley said an architect's rendering of the new building would allow space for 140 children, up from the current cap of 67.

The added space would allow the daycare to provide care for more older children during the summer and after school. Pedley said there is a need for an after-school program for elementary students, and she wants the daycare to offer it.

She explained that any older children that come to the daycare after school are put in a room with kids as young as four due to spatial constraints.

"What 7-year-old wants to be in a room with a bunch of 4-year-olds? It just does not work. They need their own space," Pedley said.

Pedley explained that space at the facility's current location does not allow for expansion. She has reached out to the Community Memorial Health Center board about purchasing land near the nursing home, and she said board members were receptive to the idea and are investigating the proposal with legal counsel.

Pedley asked the city council to partner with the daycare so it could apply for a Community Development Block Grant. She also asked if the city would be willing to contribute an amount on top of that partnership.

The matter will be discussed at future meetings. Pedley said if all goes perfectly, she would like to see a new facility open in the spring of 2025. The architect has estimated the cost at $2.5 million.

In the meantime, the daycare will be investigating ways to address plumbing issues in the most cost-effective way possible.

"If we could get something in motion, it would be best for everybody involved," Pedley said. "I think having a new center like this is just going to attract more people. When young people look at a new town, the first thing they look at is the school system, daycare and activities."