Light agenda, light hearts

A genuinely light-hearted regular city council meeting occurred in Waseca Tuesday evening. The gathering included a proclamation from Mayor Srp, in addition to his announcement of his “long goodbye” as he is not seeking reelection. Also mentioned in the meeting were a birth announcement, a cancellation of Sinister forest and vigorous discussions surrounding the town sledding hill.

Oh and it’s constitution week. 

Mayor Srp proclaimed and welcomed the Daughters of the American Revolution to share the meaning of Constitution week. Srp spoke highly of Susan Jirele who shared interesting quotes and handed out informational pamphlets, which Srp made mention of. “I still carry my original pamphlet with me to meetings, which you (Jirele) gave me.” 

After the proclamation, the council returned in swift action to the consent agenda. 

A change order for the pavilion project was approved in the amount of $583. The biggest point of concern was the anticipated completion date. Several times, Srp referenced the importance of the sledding hill, and the fun it provides for not only his grandkids, but children across Waseca. 

Talk of the new airport manager dominated talks In the commissioners’ report. It is hoped that by the next council meeting a new manager will be named. Also talked about were cost effective safe landing zones for skydivers, which will be announced at a later date. The city plans to lease one of the city’s airport hangars, netting the city about $500 a month once its door is repaired.

As part of a report from the fire relief board, council person Jeremy Conrath said it was the first meeting in six years, which he’s attended, which was cut short due to a fire call. The only thing of importance he shared was the plan for the city’s onion ring stand at next year’s fair, which will include a tweak to the schedule along with new LED lights. 

Hearing from other council persons, Mark Christiansen complained about the weeds along Highway 13. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is responsible and a call about maintenance was requested. 

Council member John Mansfield announced the birth of his first grandson, Nicolas-Gray Mansfield to Victoria Moncada and Preston Mansfield. He weighs 8 pounds and 1 ounce. “I am officially a grandfather,” he said.

“It’s the best gig in the world,” Srp responded. “Now beat that councilperson Rose. That’s a hard act to follow.”

“That’s hard enough to follow,” Rose responded. “However. I have 15.”

“So you did beat him,” Srp retorted. 

Rose then spoke about the end of the season for Kiesler's campground, speaking highly, and slightly emotionally (he says he gets that from his mother) reporting that  it's been great to listen to boarders coming in and off the docks. “That lake is fantastic. This lake is a genuine asset [to the community].”

Council person Conrath said he hoped the announcement of the cancellation of the annual Sinister Forest wouldn’t be permanent. 

“I think it closed permanently,” Councilperson Daren Arndt answered. “They need 50 volunteers a night to run it.”

“It’s a shame,” Srp concluded. “Everyone enjoyed that.”

In closing, Srp explained that “This will be the beginning of a long goodbye for me.”

After each council meeting, Srp plans to talk about an important entity in the community, something important to him, the council, and Waseca as a whole. His first choice was Mayo Clinic. 

“Especially when other communities are losing their facilities, we are fortunate to be keeping ours. They have invested a great deal of money for renovations and upgrading to this facility and I as the Mayor, and I believe I speak for the council when I say this, are very appreciative.” 

The hospital has 125 employees at the facility; Srp shared some of the company’s plans for the future, which include completion of the emergency department renovations. He also highlighted the more than $18,000 in grants awarded as well as 101 staff volunteer hours. 

Srp added one more subject prior to closing. “It isn’t often we hear more than three or four comments on a project. I am hearing lots and lots of people talking about how wonderful the new Clear Lake Park is. We can pat ourselves on the back for that one.”

The council went into closed session to discuss Union Labor Negotiations at about 7:45 p.m.