Laserfiche WebLink
EDC Minutes <br />February 20, 2024 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br />Kurt talked about the lack of funding they receive as a school district. It can be <br />extremely complicated and unfair amongst school districts. He stated the Pequot Lakes <br />School District ranks 318 out of 328 school districts in MN for per pupil revenue funding. <br />If they received the state average, they’d have much more in their budget to work with. <br />Even with this lack of funding, Kurt wanted to make sure to highlight that the community <br />is aware that they’re still producing high-quality outcomes for our students and <br />operating within their means. There’s potential of another ask for voters for additional <br />funds for capital projects so they can stay competitive. <br /> <br />Implemented Patriot Academy awhile back (a Kindergarten program). This program has <br />shown the strides they were looking for. This is a program that is best for the <br />community based on results already provided. <br /> <br /> <br />5. Chamber Update <br /> <br />Not present this month. Nichole provided a quick update via email which Traci read <br />aloud: <br />a. The chamber is currently working on raising funds to paint the bobber water tower. <br />We have not started to run the campaign yet, but you will see more about this in the <br />very near future. So far, the chamber and the city have both put in $10k towards the <br />painting. We are at $20k and need approximately $80k. <br /> <br /> Tyler Glynn and Mark Jurchen talked about the history of how the Chamber became <br />involved in paying for the upkeep for the bobber water tower. There was a time in which <br />it was talked about getting rid of the water tower all together, the town saw value in <br />keeping it – it was a noticeable landmark for the community and visitors. At that time the <br />Chamber said they’d take care of the maintenance for the next 26 years (we’re at about <br />year 24 now). <br /> <br /> Scott Pederson said the tower was repainted about 10 years ago and the city paid for <br /> the full amount at that time. <br /> <br /> Mark J. stated the city has some challenges coming up regarding the budget to keep <br /> things up to date and in good working order. We have several buildings that are on the <br /> National Register that are owned by the city that are going to take and require a lot of <br /> maintenance. The Historical Society is looking to get assistance with the Cole Memorial <br /> Building While it was recently repainted, there’s issues within the building that need to <br /> be taken care of. The question for many is do we get rid of these historical <br /> buildings/structures or do we maintain them. When the Chamber said they’d take on the <br /> maintenance of the water tower years ago, they didn’t realize inflation would be that <br /> drastic, and here we are today with the challenges of costs. <br /> <br />6. Workforce Housing Update <br /> <br />Mark Jurchen stated nothing much to report on here. He met with Angie and <br />Traci to see if he could be of any assistance with any projects. Trailside will be <br />the biggest project, which he’ll work through as things come about. The