A standout moment of the meeting was the council’s decision to move forward with a joint law enforcement agreement with Lester Prairie. This agreement had been in the works for over a year and a half, with Lester Prairie’s tentative approval pending attorney review. The police chief highlighted the collaboration’s benefits, including enhanced transparency and 24-hour coverage for residents. Officers from both departments expressed enthusiasm, seeing this as a step towards improved service delivery. The motion to authorize the agreement’s execution was quickly seconded and passed.

In another significant agenda item, the council held a public hearing on ordinance 02-2403, which proposed amending the Winsted Municipal Code to increase City Council salaries. The suggested change would raise per-meeting compensation for council members from $25 to $40, aligning their pay with other commission members and slightly increasing the city budget by approximately $5,000 annually. Despite the opportunity for public comment, no residents chose to speak. The council proceeded to adopt the salary amendments without dissent.

Attention then shifted to the Winsted Municipal Airport, where the council addressed a clear zone acquisition plan to maintain FAA compliance. The council approved work order number 12 with Bolton and Mink Incorporated, authorizing up to $10,000 for the plan’s execution. This plan aims to identify deficiencies and ensure the airport’s operational safety. Additionally, the council approved a resolution concerning a grant agreement for acquiring snow removal equipment, which has been delayed due to back orders.

On the administrative front, the meeting included a detailed report from the building inspector representing SafeBuilt, which provides inspection services for the city. The report revealed a total of 284 inspections over the past nine months with a 76% pass rate, although the number of inspections had decreased by about 23% in 2023. This decline was attributed to broader economic factors such as high mortgage rates and the election year, causing potential builders to delay projects. The building inspector emphasized the necessity of thorough inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, highlighting SafeBuilt’s ongoing collaboration with the city to maintain quality building practices.

The Winsted Public Library also featured prominently in the meeting, with a speaker providing an update on library activities. The library has seen an increase in visitors, recording 6,473 visitors from January to September this year, compared to 6,653 for the entire previous year. The library continues to serve as a community hub, offering popular initiatives such as Free Book Fridays and a puzzle exchange. Despite space limitations, the library has adapted by using its large windows for sidewalk story times and collaborating with local organizations for programs like felting classes. The library also manages a hot spot lending program, critical for individuals without internet access, underscoring its role in bridging digital divides.

Following the library discussion, the council addressed several routine matters. A council member reminded residents of the winter parking ban starting November 1st, while the city administrator provided updates on infrastructure projects, including the installation and testing of new pumps. The administrator also highlighted the upcoming election on November 5th and the Winsted Chamber’s business trick-or-treat event scheduled for October 25th.