The Slayton City Council met in regular session on Dec. 2, 2024. The agenda was approved with no additions. The minutes from the last meeting, claims and cash balances were also approved.
The first order of business was to accept the resignation of James J. Peterson. He will stay on part time to fill in some shifts when needed. They thanked Officer Peterson for his service. They also approved to authorize administration to advertise the opening.
Delinqent utility bills were next on the agenda. The list is getting shorter. Letters went out last week. Some have been paid already. This was approved.
They then moved into the workshop portion of the meeting. This discussion of City Building Needs had begun at the last meeting. Today they began with the library and senior center. The library has had a lot of improvements lately, but the Senior Center side needs a new HVAC system. The present heating system is quite old. The carpet is also very old, although no asbestos was found in the tiles. City Administrator Josh Malchow is going to write and submit a NOFO Federal grant. This is from Federal Dept. Of Education Covid money through the Minnesota Dept of Education, specifically for shared spaces like senior centers and community centers. The grants given will be between $150,000 -$500,000. There will likely be a 20% match involved. There is a Jan. 3, 2025 deadline. City Works Director Weston Mahon is working on getting specific quotes for the project.
The Pool was next on the list. This building is in “pretty good shape”. Yearly maintenance continues. The pergola probably needs to be looked at in the next couple of years. It is a popular area and the wood is starting to deteriorate. The door to the mechanical room will also need replacement in the next couple of years. They also discussed some of the play features. The drop slide in the deep end is wearing out. They commended everyone at the pool that helps do the regular things to keep our pool in good shape.
When discussing the city parks, it was said that Bi-Centennial Park will be updating the concession stand/ restrooms this year. They are looking at possible plans and budget. It will likely be block or cast as it will be a storm shelter as well. Money is in the Capital Improvement Fund for that. Rupp Park remains an ongoing conversation as to when they will make improvements there. They will get a new roof on the shelter that was damaged and discussed putting bathrooms on the upcoming list. Gullord Park continues to need regular updates.
The Scout Building is being used more and more for events. City Administrator Josh Malchow has spoken with Fire Chief Chris LeTendre and things are moving along nicely with the grant writer. It may be submitted by the end of this week.
With no other business the meeting was adjourned.
