Charles Borak

This meeting, the second community meeting regarding COVID-19, provided updates from various local entities including the police and fire departments on their operational measures. Information regarding local major businesses like Mercy Hospital, the clinic, and an institution identified as MSOP was shared, noting that MSOP information processing requires state clearance first. Updates included the closure of the community center (except for deliveries), the DMV, library, arena, and recycle shed, while Public Works remains operational. The police department confirmed it will remain fully staffed and detailed enhanced disinfection procedures for vehicles, suspension of fingerprinting, and maintaining social distancing during necessary in-person interactions. School district provisions for providing free breakfast and lunches to children aged 0-18, including potential delivery, were announced. Resources regarding unemployment benefits due to potential business closures were highlighted, and childcare availability for emergency personnel was noted. Separately, a local bank detailed its operational changes, closing lobbies but keeping drive-ups and a walk-up window open, and strongly advised the community against panic withdrawals, emphasizing the financial system's strength and warning about fraud risks. A local marketplace also detailed its adjusted hours, prioritizing specific groups (high-risk elderly, first responders, medical personnel) during early morning hours, implementing increased sanitation protocols (hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves), and enforcing social distancing at registers. Coordination between local institutions, including financial entities, was emphasized.

The board discussed the search for a new board member, with interviews scheduled for early March. The superintendent reported on the MSBA conference, discussions with legislators regarding funding and the Minnesota Paid Family Leave Act, and future facilities maintenance plans. Reports were provided on elementary and high school operations, including a transition to a semester schedule, reading curriculum updates, mentorship programs, and regional academic competitions. Additionally, the business manager provided a budget update and confirmed compliance with pay equity reporting requirements. The board formally resolved to establish an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee.

The public hearing addressed proposed amendments to the Windemere Township zoning ordinance, land use, zoning maps, and short-term rental ordinance. Key discussion points clarified misconceptions regarding non-conforming lots, buildable rights based on meeting state criteria (SEPAX, septic, hard surface requirements), and the non-discretionary nature of variance approvals which are ruled by state statute. Other topics included minor modifications to the 2025 shoreland ordinance, specifically concerning the placement of water accessory structures, and clarification on application and escrow fees for consultant review. Concerns were raised by the public regarding restrictive lot size changes (e.g., 5-acre lots potentially requiring 20 acres), the process for rebuilding after damage to non-conforming structures, and the authority of the planning commission versus the town board regarding conditional use permits. Legal counsel also objected to the proposed ordinance, stating it was unlawful, arbitrary, and that the public process was flawed due to inconsistent notifications and cancellations.

The meeting agenda included the review and approval of the December 2025 Treasurer's Report and multiple payroll and bill lists from December 2025. The board also addressed personnel matters, specifically approving Dan Fitzsimmons as the Interim Boys Head Hockey Coach and Andy Dahl as the Head/Assistant Coach, and accepting the resignation of the previous coach, Tony Bender. Discussions included committee structure. Action items focused on accepting several donations from the Sturgeon Lake Lions Club for specific programs and library use, and accepting other various donations. A significant portion of the action items involved the review of numerous Board Policies (401 through 624 series) for review, repeal consideration, or first reading. The board also considered a resolution to add One Act and Cheerleading to the MLWR Cooperative Agreement and considered using the NLSEC/NLA levy for new facility construction funding.

The board discussed committee structure and assignments, facilities maintenance planning, potential improvements for the track and field sound system, and received various reports from the Superintendent and Principals. Action items included accepting multiple donations for the robotics program, the library, and special education, as well as the resignation of the Boys Head Hockey Coach. Furthermore, the board approved numerous district policies and passed resolutions to add Cheerleading and One Act Play to the cooperative agreement, and to support the use of cooperative facilities levy to pursue state matching funds for a new Northern Lights Academy facility.