The council considered bids for essential snow removal equipment at the Winsted Municipal Airport, a topic that stirred considerable interest due to its impact on the city’s infrastructure. The bid proposals included a wheel loader and wing plow from RDO Equipment Company, totaling $371,746, and a snowblower attachment from McQueen Equipment LLC, priced at $210,300. These proposals were deemed both responsive and responsible. The funding for the project is largely expected to be covered by FAA entitlement funds, with an anticipated local share of $29,100. The council members expressed optimism about the project, citing recent positive trends in FAA leadership and successful acquisitions by other cities, which they believe will lead to a favorable outcome for Winsted.

The meeting then shifted focus to environmental concerns, specifically the ongoing efforts to manage and improve the health of Winston Lake. The Winsted Lake Watershed Association provided updates on projects targeting erosion and water quality improvement. A significant recommendation from the Soil and Water Conservation District was the development of a comprehensive lake management plan, which has been a topic of interest given the history of various studies and plans. The council showed interest in further exploring this recommendation, with a guest speaker, Mr. Ken Sears, scheduled to discuss the plan’s potential at a future meeting.

Invasive species management at Winston Lake took center stage as well, with a contracted firm set to apply Aquathol to combat the spread of non-native plant species by late May. The timing is crucial, as cooler water temperatures during this period are optimal for targeting species that are dormant.

Visibility in the lake has been exceptional, with a Secchi disc measurement indicating clarity down to 6.5 feet. However, concerns over curly leaf pondweed persist, as its seasonal proliferation could lead to algae blooms upon decomposition. Current regulations restrict the treatment area, posing challenges for effective management.

Community engagement was highlighted with plans for a lake cleanup event scheduled for April 27th, involving local groups like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Additionally, a fundraising plant sale is planned for the second weekend in May to support the Lake Association’s efforts.

The council also addressed inquiries about the presence of other invasive species, such as Eurasian milfoil and disruptive snail varieties. While no evidence of these species was found, discussions included the potential presence of an invasive turtle species and sightings of various local wildlife.

Public comments during the open forum brought forward concerns regarding the operating hours of the city’s compost site. Residents noted the site would open the following day, with regular hours on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, but suggested extended hours during the busy spring and fall seasons to better accommodate community needs. The council acknowledged these suggestions and planned further discussions with Mr. Landine, who oversees compost site operations.

Routine items, such as the consent agenda, included authorizations for agreements and purchases, such as a maintenance agreement with People Service Incorporated for a wastewater treatment facility, a land lease with Barnick Farm LLC, and a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Church of the Holy Trinity’s Windstock Country Music Festival. The council also approved a development agreement with Winad Leasing Housing LLC and a settlement related to a lift station failure.