The Storm Lake City Council on Monday approved establishing a local Childcare Steering Committee.
A month ago, the City of Storm Lake began taking applications for the committee. Four applications were received, and the committee will include Derrick Randall, Maggie Reyes, Heather Santos, and Cynthia Trujillo. Council member Maggie Martinez previously volunteered to be on the committee as well.
Martinez and Mayor Mike Porsch said they’re disappointed that there were only four applicants…
City Manager Keri Navratil said an application was required for anyone interested in joining the committee, which she said doesn’t take long to fill out. Porsch said more people have to step forward considering the need for childcare.
Applications for the standalone steering committee will continue to be accepted, and new members will be added at the committee’s discretion.
The council previously secured funding through an Iowa Economic Development Authority Rural Childcare Market Study grant. A market analysis and strategic plan was developed. The Storm Lake Childcare Steering Committee was determined to be necessary to implement goals and strategies identified in the plan. The City of Storm Lake has obtained land on the west end of town to construct a childcare facility.
