04:59The City Council approved an important plan service agreement with Schwickerts Tekka America LLC for the maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at city facilities. This agreement, not to exceed $9,236, offers a more cost-effective service compared to previous contracts with NAC, which would have been considerably more expensive—approximately $6,000 to $8,000 higher per year.

06:38In addition to the HVAC agreement, the council approved a resolution for an outdoor recreation grant application for Han Park. This matching grant, aimed at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is intended to expedite improvements at Hanland Park, including the installation of new playground equipment.

Another topic was the renaming of the Winstead Pride Award to the Steve Stoco Community Enhancement Award through the adoption of resolution R-25-13. This change, passed unanimously, acknowledges contributions to community development and reflects the council’s recognition of civic engagement.

09:12The meeting also received an organizational report concerning Lake Instead Waverly Schools. The report highlighted several key improvements and future plans within the school district. A major point of focus was the district’s financial health, with the projected fund balance expected to surpass $1 million by June 2025. This improvement is attributed to community support and the passage of an operating levy, signaling strong fiscal management.

13:11The school district is transitioning to grade-level buildings, which involves redistributing grades between Winstead and Humphrey Elementary schools. A dedicated team is analyzing data to make informed decisions about these changes, which are expected to be implemented by the 2026-27 school year. This strategic shift is aimed at optimizing educational resources and infrastructure.

14:31Capital improvements within the district were another highlight, with plans for a district-wide lighting upgrade to LED fixtures. This upgrade is anticipated to save nearly $40,000 annually. Additionally, the installation of a video board in the high school gym, funded by local business partnerships and donations, is projected to generate between $20,000 and $35,000 annually.

23:02The school district is also facing challenges with its infrastructure, specifically with HVAC units and roofing systems installed between 2009 and 2014. Many of these units require attention, with replacement costs for smaller rooftop units estimated at $45,000 each. The district is building fund balances to address these needs and hopes for legislative action to unlock funding streams for maintenance.

On the topic of enrollment and staffing, the district reported a steady student enrollment of approximately 1,300 students, with a decrease in teacher resignations compared to previous years. The district anticipates a more competitive job market in education, which could aid in hiring new teachers. Notably, there is a strong pool of candidates for a science instructor position, which is often challenging to fill.

19:04The meeting also addressed necessary upgrades to the district’s phone system, which is reaching its end of life and is unsupported, particularly in an era of increased cybersecurity threats. The new system will enhance security measures and integrate with alarm and public address systems, ultimately resulting in savings on monthly phone and data costs.

22:26Traffic flow at the 512 campus was another concern, particularly during peak hours. Plans for reconfiguring the parking lot were discussed, including the addition of a second driveway to alleviate congestion. The proposal entails creating an exit-only driveway for smoother traffic flow, retaining existing 90-degree parking instead of switching to angled parking.

24:59Communication within the district is set to improve with the implementation of a new strategy aimed at enhancing outreach and clarity in messaging. This initiative is part of broader efforts to engage the community effectively and ensure transparency.